3.15.2010

Two Year Surgiversary


A look back
If you are newer to my blog, you may not know something about me.
Something big. Literally. heh. Something life-changing.
On February 26th, 2008, I had weight loss surgery. Gastric bypass surgery, to be specific.
It's been just over two years since my surgery. And if you click the link above, "A look back", you can read more about my decision to have the surgery, and the weight loss journey that followed, including some before & after pics. Unfortunately, some of the updates were posted on a weight loss blog which has since been deleted, but there were quite a few posted here as well. I had multiple reasons why I made this choice, and I did a ton of research before making the decision. You can read about that in the previous posts, and I am totally open to questions.
But today I'm posting about, well, today.
I feel absolutely wonderful. Better than I have probably since I was a child or young teenager. Physically, and emotionally. This surgery was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Also, my immune system is working better than ever. I used to be the person who caught everything. If a sick person came within a mile of me, I caught it! Now, it's the opposite. At Christmas time, a stomach virus ran through the family....everyone caught it but me. They all pass colds around, I somehow manage to avoid it. I very rarely get sick any more...and I work in a hospital, germ central station! (now you KNOW since I'm posting this I'm going to catch ebola or something....)
There are many risks that go along with this surgery, but at this point, I have had no serious problems. I had to learn a new way to eat, and with that comes some trials and errors, but you live and learn. I can eat almost anything I want, but in small portions. However, some things - ALWAYS unhealthy things - make me feel ill, especially if I overdo it. I feel great when I eat right.
Every day I take a multivitamin, calcium, and iron, per doctor's orders. I also take fish oil, per my choice. I may need Vitamin B12 shots down the road but so far my bloodwork has been fine. (if I do need the shots, it's not a big deal to me, I don't have a problem with needles/shots.)
I eat several times a day, small meals, small portions. I concentrate on getting in a good amount of protein, because my protein needs are greater now and I am not a fan of protein shakes/supplements. (ick!) Protein is found in so many foods, and foods that I like, so I don't feel that it's necessary for me to choke down the supplements. I eat the same things that my family eats, but in smaller portions, and I make sure to eat my meat/protein first, then veggies, then if I have room I eat bread/carbs.
I have more energy, and so much more confidence. I am treated different, especially professionally. I am more respected now, which gives me mixed emotions. Naturally, I appreciate being respected and treated well, but at the same time, it makes me sad for that overweight girl I used to be. I'm still the same person, with the same knowledge and abilities, but now I'm treated better only because I am no longer obese. It's not fair.
I could post on and on about this, but instead I'll close; but again, I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

23 comments:

4 Lettre Words said...

So glad that it's worked out well for you! XO!

April said...

You are an inspiration to many!

Unknown said...

I don't have any questions. Just admiration.

Unknown said...

Good for you! I used to be obese too, and it is sad how differently people treat you. But I am so glad we are both on the other side now!

Unknown said...

That is so wonderful! I think even without having surgery the things you described greatly help with weight control.

Astaryth said...

You Rock! Glad that it has all gone so well for you. Congrats on a wonderfully successful 2 years of being a better (or at least smaller) you! :)

cat said...

Gosh, what a biggie! I do not think I will ever have the courage.

Frugal Vicki said...

I have heard that it is quite challenging to stick to what you need to do to keep that weight off, so good for you!

Frugal Vicki said...

I have heard that it is quite challenging to stick to what you need to do to keep that weight off, so good for you!

Jenners said...

I think it is great you are putting this out there ... I'm sure a lot of people considering this surgery have lots of questions. I'm glad it is working out so well for you!

Momisodes said...

And you look fantastic to boot my friend :)

Kat said...

It has been two years already???? I remember when you first announced it on your blog. You were so nervous to talk about it. And now look at you!!! YEAH!!! You are a success story! I love it!
Happy Two Year Surgiversary!!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

You made a brave choice and I am so happy it is working for you. It is sad that your didn't get the same respect for being the same person only fluffy! Congratulations. It is so wonderful to hear you talk about how happy you are today. God Bless.

Unknown said...

Wow. I have a couple of questions...

1) My friend had this surgery several years ago and she has experienced some side effects, such as vitamin deficiency. She takes lots of supplements for that but one side effect there is no supplement for is...gas. Terrible, obnoxious, stinky gas. You don't have any problems with that?

2) How much did you weigh at your largest?

3) Did your insurance cover your procedure?

4) Did you have to have plastic surgery to remove excess skin?

I'd love to have something like this done but there is no way I can afford it. However, if my insurance covered it...that might be a different story. Also, not sure if I could live with myself if I had gas like that.

Thanks for sharing with us!

Momo Fali said...

Good for you! I'm very happy for the new, improved, healthier you.

(By the way, I tried to click the link, but it brought me back to this post.)

debi9kids said...

Good for you! Something to be very proud of :)

Kelly L said...

WOW - I'm debating on whether I should get it done or not...

thank you for your information - you are my new hero...

Love to you
kelly

Tracie said...

Congrats on having so much success with your surgery!

Allison said...

Congratulations!

If I could, I would get the surgery in a heartbeat. Because it's not an option right now, I'm trying to do it on my own and it's tough but slowly but surely, I'm getting there...I hope!

Unknown said...

you look fantastic to boot my friend :)
bookmarking demon

KK said...

Wow, good for you. THat is awesome!

Messy Mommy said...

So awesome!!! I had a friend get this done and I didn't even recognize him! Has been so great for him!

Megan said...

Surgery always seems so scary, but I'm so glad it worked out so well for you! Congratulations!