Two Year Anniversary

What an amazing journey the last 2 years have been. Today I weigh 148 pounds and I've lost 154 pounds. I have exceeded my wildest dreams in terms of my success with this weight loss surgery. However, my success in not measured just in pounds. There are so many elements that come into play with my success including

• My diabetes is under control without medication. I have not taken any medication since I left the hospital after my gastric bypass surgery. My last hba1c was 5.1; anything below 6 is considered non-diabetic. This is the most important benefit I've achieved from this surgery.
• I can run! I started running when I was about 5 months out from my surgery. It was a really slow start, but I was doing something I always wanted to do. This year I ran 2 half-marathons! It is just hard for me still to believe it! In 2007, I am planning to run the NYC marathon.
• I can bend. Ok, it may sound like a small thing, but those of us who have suffered from weight problems know how problematic bending can be. It is wonderful to be able to bend and tie my shoes or pick something up without giving it a second thought.
• I don't have to worry about seat belts on plane rides. I used to dread asking for an extender and actually went out and bought my own so I wouldn't have to ask for one.
• I am now on my surgeon's website under "Success Stories". How wild is that?!
• I was able to thoroughly enjoy our Alaskan cruise this year. I got out and did things like riding in float planes, helicopters and kayaks without wondering if my weight would be a problem. I had a major WOW moment when a little girl complimented me on my dress. I remember being a little girl and looking forward to dressing up and that moment captured that thrill I used to get when I was young.
• I hit a normal BMI on 9/14 this year and almost two months later I am still in the normal BMI weight range.
• I love shopping! Ok, this isn't necessarily a good thing.:) But after my lower body lift, shopping is so much fun.
• I bought my first cute bathing suit – a tankini! I can't wait to wear it.

As important as all my successes and WOW moments are, it is also important to me that I remember the pain. I don't want to forget how miserable I was as I believe it helps me not to allow myself to go back there. I know it could be all too easy to slip back into old habits. It is easier to eat now, and I can eat more than I've been able to. I have to watch that I don't allow myself to start picking up bad habits along the way.

There are so many people to thank for their support thoughout this journey. I just want to mention here my wonderfully gifted surgeons; Dr. Pomp and Dr. Sterry. And I have to mention my amazingly supportive husband, Rodney, who puts up with all my craziness.