[Dawnajoy]

We talk so much about the changes we will make or have made since surgery and losing weight. Being 7 years out from my surgery, I would have thought that the changes would be over. Truthfully, I am sort of used to being the new me. I don't really think of surgery daily. The eating and vitamin regimen is pretty entrenched. I just feel normal.

One of the things I did after losing weight was to go back to school. I simply would not have had the energy to do so before. Before surgery I used to collapse in my bed at night, often in tears, because of back pain and exhaustion. Between work and trying to care for my children, I had nothing left. Survival was the name of the game.

I went back to school a few years ago, and will graduate with my Bachelor's degree in November. I'm looking into graduate schools and plan to continue at least through that level. A lifelong goal and dream, and I was easily able to accomplish it, while working two jobs and single parenting for the first two years. Amazing!

The other newer change is that I cut my hair. A lot. Really a lot! My long hair has been tied to my identity for a lifetime. It took me 20 years to grow it out, and cutting it was a major step for me. What an amazing thing! I love it.

A year or so ago I began taking pilates reformer classes, and actually found a type of exercise I love, and I never ever thought that would happen.

I love knowing that change continues. It is a good thing.

So who else continues to see changes?

Dawna

[jillybean720]

No changes for me yet since I am still pre-op, but thank you for sharing!

I look forward to all the changes to come--both initially after surgery and for the rest of my life thereafter. I realize there will still be struggles, possible complications, and handfuls of vitamins every day, but I am soooo ready to face those things rather than be fat and diabetic for the rest of my life.

[jiffypop]

oh dawna - thank you for this!!!! as soon as the mess with mom's estate clears up and i find a place to live, i'm going to grad school, too!!! straight through to my doctorate! there - the cat's out of the bag!!!

the other BIG thing is that my temper is coming out. i'm showing my anger when it's appropriate, instead of swallowing it. i KNOW that, over the long haul, whatever relationships remain <gulp!> will be stronger and more honest, but it's a tough thing to manage these days.

but i can no longer - after decades - continue to literally swallow it all!!!!! not if i want to stay alive!

[tropigal]

Thanks for saying the changes continue! I'm about 10 months out so the changes are still coming and I'm still adjusting. It's good to know they won't end.

[magi]

Dawna Thanks for sharing that. I'm a few months from 3 years out and it's always so encouraging to hear a positive story from someone as far out as you are and still doing well. The one thing I fear is regaining all that weight. I still weigh every morning. It didn't take me long at all to get used to the new me because really it felt like finally the real me was out.

Yes, I'm still changing. Jiffy, I can relate to what you're saying about the anger. I'm finding it easier to say what I think and not worry so much about what others think of it. I try to do it in a constructive way, but I don't hold back what I feel. I used to be so afraid of angry men. It goes way back to my childhood and I won't bore you with the details, but I'm standing up for myself now. My father in law is a very angry and mean man and he has no respect for women. I try to avoid confrontations with him but when necessary I'm standing my ground these days. Sometimes I leave a little shaky but glory be I'm doing it. I believe the only way I'm going to keep this weight off for the long haul is to deal with the issues that made fat to begin with. Last week he threw me out of the house and told me not to come back. Three years ago I would have come home and ate the kitchen. But not this time. I hate things have turned out this way but I'm not a basket case. I am learning to be assertive not aggressive.

Also, I'm kinda being forced into retirement a year and 3 months earlier than I planned. The real estate market is still in a downward spiral here and I'm down to 4 hours a week now (I'm the secretary at the office where my license are) Sales are lower than I've ever seen them so needless to say I'm not selling much. But that's ok. I'm dealing with it. Not eating everything in sight.

I'm doing things I've been wanting to do for a long time. I'm getting rid of all the clutter in my house and in my life. I'm painting and refinishing the guest bedroom furniture. I never could have done that 3 years ago.

I have gained 14 lbs in the last year but I had really started looking unhealthy. Imagine that !! Me.....too skinny ?!?!?!? I'm still below my goal weight but I'm watching it with an eagle eye.

I think it's great you two are going back to school. Isn't it great to be physically able to do things again? You go girls !!