Shelley.

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Kay J. 24 years, 3 months ago

Shelley, What a wonderful post to read! I appreciate your sensitivity and your thoughtfulness. I also appreciate you being willing to share your private thoughts with us. May God bless you as you have blessed us. Kay

Shelley. 24 years, 3 months ago

January 8, 2002--MY FIRST ANNIVERSARY!!! I am not sure how I feel today, I look at all of the changes in my life and am just amazed that it was ONLY a year ago that I had my surgery. Then in many other ways it seems like yesterday! First of all I want to thank each of you for giving me this safe place. I have kept this surgery extremely private and therefore don't have a lot of support otherwise. (I don't regret this in the least) However, it has been wonderful to come here and read, laugh, and cry with you. I have kept a very low profile. (Even my e-mail address isn't accurate because my real one has my last name in it. And for that I am really sorry). However, over this year I have e-mailed others with words of encouragement and assistance. I've enjoyed answering questions when I can. I don't profess to be an expert, no way. But there are things that I have found that work and am very happy to share them with others. My life before WLS was busy with managing 4 active boys and an active social life. Guess what? My life after WLS is busy with managing 4 active boys and an active social life!!! However, my outlook on life and perspective of my place in it has changed. I used to be a spectator, watching from the sidelines. I am now a participant and enjoying it. Did WLS make my life perfect? NO. There are many areas that this surgery did not change and I am not surprised. Over the past year, my main concern was hair loss. It started at about 2 1/2 months out and stopped at 8 months. I can honestly say that I lost 1/2 -3/4 of my hair. It is now growing back and I am managing to hide all of my new sprouts! Over this year, I have not been of the "bragging" sort. While I am excited for those that share their losses and new sizes with us (GO everyone!!!), I always feel bad for those that are pre-op, waiting for approval, denied, or losing at a slow pace. But today, I feel that I can share and will find only acceptance as this is my day. My starting weight was 263 and I am 5'2". I reached my goal weight of 139 in September. I now weigh 123 (a loss of 140 pounds!) and wear a size 6. I don't want to lose anymore and am adding calories. I feel that I look a bit thin and am hoping to bounce back a little. In a sense it has been a lonely year, but all of you have helped me. I've had this place to come where others know about my surgery and understand me. So, thank you. BTW, I started this post early this morning. Since that time I have showered, done 3 loads of laundry,paid bills, bathed 3 children, got two kindergarteners on the bus, feed my 20 month old 2 meals, went and helped in one of my kindergartener's classrooms. I realized as I was doing this that although today is a special day for me, my WLS is only a small part of who I am - it does not define me. My greatest joy these days, is meeting people for the first time and having them only know this me, the one that they see now. I am enjoying blendiing in and feeling normal. I can honestly say, that I would do this again 100 times if that's what it takes. Thanks again everyone!! Best of luck to everyone. If you want to get a message to me, the best place would be my surgery page. January 8, 2001 -January 8, 2002! Love, Shelley

Heather C. 24 years, 11 months ago

Shelly I just read the post about the hair loss. My friend had the same thing happen to her.. try Nioxn. I'm not sure how to spell it. say it like NY-OX-IN. I hope that this helps. Heather

JOANNA S. 25 years, 3 months ago

SHELLY WELCOME TO THE OTHER SIDE! YOUR NEW LIFE WILL NOW BE CHANGING IN LEAPS & BOUNDS FOR THE BETTER

Jamie C. 25 years, 3 months ago

Shelley, good to hear all is well, wishing you a speedy recovery.

Audrey M. 25 years, 3 months ago

Hi, everyone -- I have a report on Shelley -- I just called the hospital, and got connected to Shelley's room and spoke with her. Her throat sounds a little scratchy, but when I asked how she was, her response was "great." I'm sure I wouldn't have answered great after my surgery! So that was great news. Another one of us has made it to the other side. Congratulations, Shelley! And welcome!

Michelle B. 25 years, 3 months ago

Congratulations Shelly - as a 'wanna be' I can just imagine how you'll feel a month or two from now when your feeling wonderful. God bless you and your family for having the strength to go through this. My prayers are with you.

Debbie B. 25 years, 3 months ago

Good Luck Shelley Wishing you a safe and speedy recovery. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Debbie B

Gina Landers 25 years, 3 months ago

Hi Shirley, Welcome to your NEW YOU day.. I will pray for a speedy and safe recovery.. Hugs,

William C. 25 years, 3 months ago

Hi Shelley, Good Luck this morning I hope everything goes great for you. I hope all your wishes and dreams come true. I will say a prayer for you to have a safe and successful surgery. May GOD Bless You.