Three Year Anniversary

[Guest guest]

Hi all. I woke up a little while ago and looked at my calender for the

marathon that will be my day today and realized that today is my three

year anniversary that I had my wls. Didn't even think about it until

just a little while ago.

Since the surgery I have gone to Disney with my hubby and the kids, been

away on two romantic weekends with hubby (trying to work more in now

that the kids are getting bigger), flew to Florida all by myself to see

my nephew be christened and for my brother's 40th birthday, been to Mt.

Rushmore and climbed rocks and went through caves that I never would

have fit through just three short years ago. Also went on an Alpine

slide while there and yodeled all the way down with joy. Have gone to

concerts to see Elton , Elton again with a few weeks

ago and Broadway shows that I love to see, but stopped going years ago,

because I just couldn't stand the thought of squeezing into the seats.

Now try to go twice a year at least. Go on bike rides with the kids,

tried roller blading a few weeks ago and take the dog out on nice long

walks some mornings after I get the kids on the bus. Things I would have

groaned at three years ago and never would have done.

The shopping for new clothes, the new hairstyles, shopping for new

clothes, different make-up techniques, shopping for new clothes, has

been a thrill. Actually went to Arden in New York a few months

ago and had a massage among other things. Never in my wildest dreams did

I ever think I would let anyone give me a massage, nor did I ever

imagine walking around this exclusive salon in a bathrobe all day. Mind

blowing. Bought my first pair of GAP low rider jeans and can tuck in my

shirts now and wear a belt since my tummy tuck in April.

I'm back at school now. Something I've dreamed about for years, but

always had an excuse, the kids are too young, my mother was sick, no

money, blah, blah, blah. The truth was, I didn't go back because I knew

I wouldn't be able to fit in the desks. That was the only reason. Now I

not only fit in the desks, I can sit there with my legs crossed under

the desks!!!!! Such a thrill. Especially since I'm going during the day

with all the size 2 teenaged girls with their belly button rings and

skimpy clothes. (Bill, I'm still working on the plaid skirt and knee

socks).

I have had my share of problems. Some related to the surgery, some not.

As you all know, I've gone through my share of problems recently, but

things seem to be getting better one thing at a time. Migraines finally

stopped about a week and a half ago, (thank God, Imitrex and Vicodin)

arm is much better and the bladder thing is too. We're still working on

the tonsil thing, just going to keep those babies for now. Not once

however, did I ever regret having had the surgery, the most commonly

asked question I get. None of these things are even surgery related,

yet, I'm asked at least once a week was it worth it. My reply is always

yes and it was the best thing I have ever done and would do it again

(actually did do it again 7 months after my inital surgery, but that's

another story). Even when I get stomach things going on that last for

weeks on end. I still say yes it was worth it. I'm alive, I'm active,

I'm enjoying my children and husband. If I didn't have the surgery I'd

probably be close to dead or wanting to be (as I was hoping prior to the

surgery), I would be achy all the time from the extra weight, I wouldn't

be in school, I wouldn't be enjoying my children and husband. As

diabetes, high blood pressure, colon cancer and heart disease run in my

family, who knows what I would be stricken with.

My mother always used to tell me it's not what's on the outside that

counts, it's what's on the inside. I tried so hard for years to believe

in that. People never knew how miserable I truly was because I always

put a smile on my face and joked around with everyone. Even fooled my

husband for years. He gets sad when he thinks about how miserable I was

and never even knew it. Maybe I should get an acadamy award for the

performance of a lifetime. Always had lots of friends and a busy social

life, just dreaded everything though. Never sat down at parties in fear

of breaking a chair. Dreaded the summer parties as I would never put a

bathing suit on or even shorts for that matter. Personally, for me, once

the outside starting changing, my insides became lighter. Though I still

think that I don't dance very well, I don't care anymore. I get up and

dance if I feel like it. I jump right into the middle of things now. I

have more confidence and am goofier than ever.

So today I'm celebrating by doing math homework, transcribing five tapes

for work and starting my sociology paper due next week and taking Leah

to a girlie girl birthday party. Three years ago I would not have been

in school, would have gotten maybe two tapes done and would have had

someone pick Leah up for the party. I just hope and pray this ride never

stops. Everyday it's a new twist and turn, some good, some not, but so

much better able to handle it all now not only mentally, but physically

too. The mental part just hit, my 9 1/2 year old son just told me that

he doesn't believe in Santa Claus and that he is asking me directly for

a Game Cube for Christmas. I'll let that ruin my day tomorrow. : )

I want to thank everyone on this list for your caring, love and support

over the past two years (that I've been on this list). Your willingness

to help someone in need from your own experiences is invaluable and

greatly appreciated. I pray for all of you every night. I hope to

someday meet all of you in person and give you great big hugs.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Love,

Regina