2.25.2009

Wordful Wednesday ~ What a Difference a Year Makes...

Today is one year since I had gastric bypass surgery.

In the past year, I have lost 113 pounds.

I have gained so, so much more. Health, far less risk of many diseases, self-confidence, and a better role model for my children.

So many things have improved in my life: I have more energy, I feel tremendously better physically, and I just feel so much better about myself. There are even some things in life that improved, which I thought had no room for improvement. If you catch my drift. (bow chicka wow wow!)

Not for one moment have I regretted my decision. I know that I could not have lost all of this weight without the surgery. Believe me, I tried. I have had no complications at all. I am the poster child for gastric bypass! No problems whatsoever, and the weight dropped right off.

At one year post-op, I can eat most anything I want, just in small portions. I still eat very healthy, but I do indulge on 'treats' on special occasions. For me, it's all about moderation, and this surgery enabled me to eat properly.

Here's a pic of me very shortly after the surgery:



and here's the most recent pic of me, a crappy cell phone pic taken on Valentine's Day, just before J and I went out for dinner:

If you have any questions regarding this surgery, I'd be happy to answer them for you. I am so thankful that this surgery exists, and that I made the decision to take control of my health, so that I will hopefully have many more years to spend with my family!


*Wordful Wednesday (courtesy of Seven Clown Circus) is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll.



29 comments:

Carebear said...

What a great story - touching and inspirational! Thanks for sharing it and the pics. You look really great!

AdriansCrazyLife said...

Good for you girl - congratulations. That really has to be amazing to have such a dramatic weight loss in such a brief time. What a medical miracle. I really should consider it, but I'm such a darn chicken, I don't think I could do it. I've heard about a new technique with a pacemaker of sorts on the vaugus nerve that regulates appetite. That one is not permanent, so I may try that one when it comes out. But you go girl!

Hootin Anni said...

Your one year anniversary to a new life a new beginning is great. Congratulations. And yes, I so approve of your point of view by losing weight but gaining so much more.

Super post.

Happy Wordful to you today. If you can, stop by for my 'twin towers', I'd love your company.

April said...

I didn't realize you'd undergone gastric bypass surgery! You look so fantastic!!! Here's to living healthier and being able to enjoy many more years with your family!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats!
I have given myself a year to lose weight with a trainer and WW online before I look at surgery.

So, we'll see.

Brenda said...

That is wonderful. My sister had gastric bypass 10 years ago and she is still at a healthy weight. It seems to be something that really works.

Anonymous said...

How absolutely wonderful!

I just noticed your sidebar by the way and saw the Cure Chiari button. Do you have that? My close friend does and it really is a struggle for her sometimes!

Simply AnonyMom said...

Thank you fro sharing. What an acomplishemnt.

GypsiAdventure said...

Congrats to you on the big 1 year! I think it's great that you made a choice and did something wonderful for yourself and your family - often we take our health forgranted and it really shouldn't be that way.

~K

Anonymous said...

You look great! What an awesome accomplishment! Thanks for sharing your story, it was a good read!

Twisted Fencepost said...

Way to go!!
I can only imagine how good you feel about yourself.

Anonymous said...

Wow, you look great ... Congrats on losing so much weight!

Jenni said...

Congrats to you! You look terrific!

Sheri said...

Holy freakin' . . . WOW! You look FANTASTIC!

My goal is to lose 100 lbs. I've been hitting the gym hard and heavy, and have lost 12 lbs since the 1st of the year. Long way to go . . . I'm so impressed with you!!! Again, WOW!

Aleta said...

Wow - you are beautiful! I didn't know you had the surgery. Ok, I have questions - what prompted the surgery? What were the potential health risks involved? Was it covered with insurance? Would you recommend someone for the surgery adn if so, what qualifications do you think the person should have (not medically, but just what you think)? How long did the process take? What about sagging skin?

tiarastantrums said...

wow - how do I not know this? Have you ever posted this before? I totally missed this - darn it!

Anyway - GOOD FOR YOU! I think this is fabulous - and you look PERFECT!!!!!!!

Alpacamountain said...

Congratulations pretty girl! Happy Anniversary!

Karen in Texas said...

You look mahvelous Cyndy! I've tossed the G word around with my doctor. I've got a meeting to attend in April to check it out so I'm sure I'll be hitting you up with a lot of questions. The main reason I want to do it is because I don't want my feet to get worse and if I'm one of the lucky ones I'll lose the diabetes too.

Kat said...

I can't believe it has been a year already. I remember you first posting about having the surgery.
I am so glad it has all worked out so well and you are such a success story. And mostly, I'm just so happy for you! :)
Congratulations!

Claremont First Ward said...

WOw! That's incredible. I'm glad everything has gone so well and that you are a much healthier, you. COngratulations!

debi9kids said...

WOW! How fantastic! My broyher and his wife are both having it done over the summer and it's so nice to see such a fantastic success story.
Well done! You look and sound FANTASTIC!

Happy WW!

♥ Becky ♥ said...

You look AWESOME!!!!!!!! OMG so good. I have a friend that just had the same surgery last Sept and she looks good and more importantly feels so much better.
I wish I could do this but I don't think I qualify although everytime I go into my doc he says I am morbidly obese. I have tried so many things and the weight will come off but then comes back on with a little more.
It's awesome that you were able to do this and that it has changed your life for the better!!!!

Queen of the Mayhem said...

That is just awesome! Congrats on the loss! You look HAWT!

Casey's trio said...

Congrats on such a fantastic year! I'm so happy that you are a happy, healthy mama!

Unknown said...

It's been a pleasure to see you transform this year, not only in the physical sense but spiritually and mentally too....I am so proud of you!!

John Deere Mom said...

That is awesome...congrats!!!!

Sugar Boogers & Tantrums said...

And you look so pretty too. I wish my mom would do this surgery. I have begged her to but she won't budge on her decision. I'm glad it has work out so well for you.

anymommy said...

I've said it before, but I want to say it again, you are amazing. Hugs and kisses.

Little GrumpyAngel said...

Wow, I didn't know this about you. What a brave and wise decision. And also very selfless. I am sure this decision will forever blessed your family's lives.