A Special Christmas With Friends

I once lived in the Orlando, Florida area for nearly 7 years.  I have only a few contacts left here but one of them is a true friend that is more like a sister to me.  We don't always keep in touch as much as we should, but nevertheless, we know that the other is always there if we need them.  Christmas is by far my favorite holiday and I wasn't looking forward to spending it alone.  I've done it before but it's just not the same as spending the day with friends and family.  I was so excited that my friend invited me to share Christmas with her and her family.

When we talked a few days ago, she told me all of the things that she was cooking for Christmas dinner and even offered to make some special items for me.  I told her not to worry about me.  I made a meal on my own and took it with me and was just happy to spend the day with friends.  I can remember years ago when we were both single and going out living the single life and looking for dating opportunities.  We both have stories to share that we laugh about today.  A few years ago, she met the man of her dreams and I came back down for the wedding.  I'm so happy for them now as they are expecting their first child within the next few weeks.  I even got to feel the baby move!

Our lives have gone in different directions but yet in many ways we are both having dreams come true.  I couldn't be happier for her, and in seeing my weight loss and how I feel about myself, she couldn't be happier for me.  She was there for the times when I really felt the most insecure about my body and shied away from opportunities for fun because of my self-image.  There's much to be said about having great support along this journey.  I have to say that I've been extremely blessed in having support from nearly everyone around me.  It really makes a difference!

My Christmas gift this year is the gift of connecting with family and friends, seeing positive changes in myself physically and mentally, and knowing that I am loved.  These gifts far outweigh any material gifts that I could receive.

Post-Op Inspiration

Hey there Post-Ops!!  I'd love some inspiration from you as I'm winding down my last 3 weeks before surgery. I'm having laparoscopic RNY.  I want to know from you two things....

1. What was your most embarassing moment as a morbidly obese person?
2. In what way has your life changed so that moment would never happen to you today (other than the obvious weight loss)?

If you prefer, you could answer any of these questions in addition or instead....

1. What were your thoughts going into those last few days or weeks before surgery?
2. In retrospect, what do you wish that you would have known then that you would change if you had it to do all over again?  (e.g. I would have read more about.... or I would have gone to more support groups, etc.)
3. What has been your greatest mental or emotional struggle since you had your surgery?
4. What does your weekly exercise routine consist of?
5. Did you experience any serious complications and if you're comfortable, would you mind sharing some of your experiences?
6. And lastly, what's on your Bucket List now that you've lost your excess weight that you wouldn't have been able to do before?

Please tell me how long it has been since you had your surgery.  You can leave your comments here on the blog openly or anonymously, your choice. 

As you can tell from my blog, as well as my presence on Facebook, Twitter, and the Twibe,  I've been researching my upcoming surgery quite extensively since I started the process back in January.  I have my last pre-op appointments with my surgeon and dietician this Thursday 10/22, then will be starting my two week liquid liver reduction diet next Monday, 10/26.  Nothing motivates me more than hearing your stories both good and bad.  I like hearing the truth because I know that medicine is not a perfect science for anyone.

Thanks in advance for sharing and tweeting and for being my fellow twits and tweeples!

Thinking thin,
travelingvixen
(aka Ericka)

Sad Goodbyes....or Should I Say TTFN

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have a unique situation with my job.  I work in a healthcare position with a company that has several regions around the country.  I elected to be a traveler when I was hired on 4 years ago, so I literally pick up and move every 3-6 months or so.  The longest stay that I've had is only 8 months and I've now lived in 10 states over the course of these 4 years.  I love the traveling!  It gives me a great opportunity to see so much of the country, but the downfall is that it is often difficult to make and maintain social relationships. 

Shortly after I started my weight loss journey in North Carolina, I was transferred to Albany, New York.  I quickly sought out a weight loss surgery support group because I knew that I had more research to do and I wanted to be able to meet other post-op patients and hear their stories.  I wanted to hear both about the positives and negatives of the surgery so that I can be prepared when my time comes.  I found exactly what I was looking for in the Capital District of New York Weight Loss Surgery Support Group.  I've made some incredible friendships and become so informed that I feel like I know what to do in case of a complication as well as simple things like ideas for making the liquid and soft food diets more palatable.

I hope and pray that these friendships will last for a lifetime.  I have a small family that is currently not educated on the process of weight loss surgery or the long term change in lifestyle.  I try to talk to them when I can, but I know that their education will come moreso after I've had my surgery and they see the changes in me.  Moving around the country has its disadvantages because not all cities have bariatric programs or support groups that I can attend on an ongoing basis.  While I will of course do all of the necessary after-care with my doctor,  I will still be relying heavily on my friends in New York.  Thank God we have a Facebook group to make it easier.  Hmm...I'll have to figure out how to Skype my way into the weekly meetings.

I am so thankful for these friends.  They've been so open and honest about what to expect and the experiences that they've had that I now feel like I'm ready to do this!  I feel like I can face whatever comes my way and know that I still have the support that I need that simply says...."Try this...." or "....this worked for me".  Thank you so much Capital District for your stories, your honesty, and your friendship.  You have given me confidence as well as the knowledge of what I need to do to become successful for the long term.  I certainly hope that I'll get to see you again even though you may not recognize me when you see me! I will of course look for support groups that are local to wherever I am, but I will always recognize this group as my weight loss support family, and what a non-dysfunctional family we are!