Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Dear Tess, What a wonderful look into your life, one year later! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, it means a great deal. You remind me of my " Miracle Max " rosebush--the one I started from a cut rose. I think he has finally come home, sharing a special rose garden I am working on, with a few other bushes, but in the sun most of the day, and with good soil under his " feet. " He endured several moves before we found the right place for him to grow and bloom as he should--so it is with you. You're doing a good job! Love, Sis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Dear Tess, What a wonderful look into your life, one year later! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, it means a great deal. You remind me of my " Miracle Max " rosebush--the one I started from a cut rose. I think he has finally come home, sharing a special rose garden I am working on, with a few other bushes, but in the sun most of the day, and with good soil under his " feet. " He endured several moves before we found the right place for him to grow and bloom as he should--so it is with you. You're doing a good job! Love, Sis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Tess, Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It is just beautiful. You have such a talent for expressing yourself. Even your prose is poetic. You are like a butterfly coming out of your cocoon. And I just love butterflies. I even collect them. Sue On Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at 06:51 PM, Grammi_Love@... wrote: > > Hi Friends...These are my thoughts about this past year of recovery > from > bariatric surgery. I wrote it for the various weight loss surgery > groups I'm involved in, but thought some of you might like to read it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Tess, Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It is just beautiful. You have such a talent for expressing yourself. Even your prose is poetic. You are like a butterfly coming out of your cocoon. And I just love butterflies. I even collect them. Sue On Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at 06:51 PM, Grammi_Love@... wrote: > > Hi Friends...These are my thoughts about this past year of recovery > from > bariatric surgery. I wrote it for the various weight loss surgery > groups I'm involved in, but thought some of you might like to read it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Tess, could you send me a copy of your email, for some reason I didn't see this one. Hugs June ---------- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.7 - Release Date: 4/12/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Tess, could you send me a copy of your email, for some reason I didn't see this one. Hugs June ---------- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.7 - Release Date: 4/12/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Tess, Your words of the past year seem so eloquent, poetic. The emotional rollercoaster you have gone through must be so difficult. The fact that you have shared it with us is one step to the road of recovery. Think of what you have gone through as that of a catapillar. Over time, it goes through so many changes, but in the end it comes out a beautiful butterfly, with so many colors, and as the butterfly, it puts itself out there for all to see and admire. Your ARE one to admire for what you have gone through. Thank you for sharing your experience....Marina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Tess, Your words of the past year seem so eloquent, poetic. The emotional rollercoaster you have gone through must be so difficult. The fact that you have shared it with us is one step to the road of recovery. Think of what you have gone through as that of a catapillar. Over time, it goes through so many changes, but in the end it comes out a beautiful butterfly, with so many colors, and as the butterfly, it puts itself out there for all to see and admire. Your ARE one to admire for what you have gone through. Thank you for sharing your experience....Marina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Dear Tess, What mountains you have climbed this Year! We are all so proud of you! - no matter what size you are! You are an inspiration to all of us- spiritually - emotionally and physically! As one of your RA-sisters it is great to have someone like you in the family. Please keep singing your songs and moving along thru the joy that a God-given life gives you. Love to my favorite mountaineer! Gentle Hugs & Prayers, Carol M. in CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Dear Tess, What mountains you have climbed this Year! We are all so proud of you! - no matter what size you are! You are an inspiration to all of us- spiritually - emotionally and physically! As one of your RA-sisters it is great to have someone like you in the family. Please keep singing your songs and moving along thru the joy that a God-given life gives you. Love to my favorite mountaineer! Gentle Hugs & Prayers, Carol M. in CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Thanks for sharing your innermost feelings Tess. This past year sure has been life altering for you. To shed all those pounds and find the " real you " hiding out in them in like a flower blooming. You should be very proud of yourself for all of your accomplishments. Once you learn to love yourself, other people's thoughts won't matter so much. You just have to do what you have to do for YOU, not for what others around you think. My prayers for you is for this next year to be filled with new adventures, and have less emotional roller coaster rides. You are truly an inspiration. a On Apr 13, 2005, at 6:51 PM, Grammi_Love@... wrote: > Hi Friends...These are my thoughts about this past year of recovery > from > bariatric surgery. I wrote it for the various weight loss surgery > groups I'm involved in, but thought some of you might like to read it. > > ONE YEAR > OK, here is the physical stuff...down 132 pounds from highest weight, > loss of 11 inches each at chest, waist, hips, size 12 ring now a size > 7 > 1/2, no diabetes, high bp, edema, or breathing meds anymore.  > Looking > at other folks with my surgery (DS) I think I'm pretty average (in > that > in the first year some have lost more, some have lost less.) The > physical stuff is WONDERFUL and I FEEL pretty doggone strong and > healthy > MUCH more of the time. > > Here's the harder stuff....emotional and interpersonal issues. > This has been THE year (so far) of learning to LET GO, LET GOD. And I > sure don't do it well all the time. > There are some people who 'seemed' to like me much more 132 pounds > ago. > The 'soft-n-fluffy' 'don't step on anyone's toes' Tess was 'easier' to > be around, I guess. And it is not exactly that I am an emotional > bulldozer now. : ) I treat people kindly, and if I mess up, I > apologize. But I make the effort to speak honestly. To be " who I am " . > That is a HARD thing to do when you've been 'camouflaged' with fat > and > crazy eating all your life and you haven't really gotten to know > yourself even at 53 years of age. But, one foot ahead of the other... > > The bouts of depression this past year have, at times, almost been > catastrophic. I am not exaggerating. I have learned that it is NOT > because I can't eat food to numb things as I have done nearly all my > life, because I can eat anything I want. But the revelation that EVEN > IF > I DO, the food just won't work anymore. It's being emotionally naked. > So, I sit with my raw bundle of nerves trying to move forward in this' > psychic surgery' we call life, without anestesia. Oh my Lord, has > that > been hard. > > Hormones have been involved. Changing body size has been involved. > Different reactions to medications have occurred. But the deep stuff > of > the heart, the " Who am I? " and " Why am I here? " stuff has been more > intense than ever in my life. > > There have been other changes in my life the past year...moving to a > new > place, my last child moving out, problems with friends and family > members. However, I am convinced that before this surgery I would > have > anesthetized myself sufficiently with food so it all wouldn't have > hurt > so bad or been so frightening. > And, I would have remained stagnant and not grown. > > Would I do this again? Yes. Because there is hope for me now on so > many > more levels. Physically, certainly. Emotionally, well it's about > time > I learn to know and love myself. Interpersonally, because, though I > am > willing to take a lot, and be empathetic and compassionate with > others, > I > am also learning to do that with and for me. > > I think I was much more prepared for the physical changes (most of the > time) than the emotional and interpersonal changes. > > And then there is the spiritual aspect. As I have lost weight, fat, > inches, and become physically healthier, I have found that my need for > the Lord in my life is much more profound. The fat is just a facade, > a > veneer of protection. It doesn't protect me from anything other than > joy, health, and hope. As I let go of the fat and release it, I have > to > make more room for God. > > I am grateful amidst the tears. This has been quite a year. > > Lovingly, always.... > > Tess           > Open BPD/DS April 14, 2004 > Age 53 > Dr. McConnell ~ OHSU > 398~266~180 > Loss so far ~ 132 lbs. > Starting BMI 70.5 > Current ~ 47.1 > 86 pounds to goal! > Updated 04/12/05 > " Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own > understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct > your paths. "  Prov 3~5-6    > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Thanks for sharing your innermost feelings Tess. This past year sure has been life altering for you. To shed all those pounds and find the " real you " hiding out in them in like a flower blooming. You should be very proud of yourself for all of your accomplishments. Once you learn to love yourself, other people's thoughts won't matter so much. You just have to do what you have to do for YOU, not for what others around you think. My prayers for you is for this next year to be filled with new adventures, and have less emotional roller coaster rides. You are truly an inspiration. a On Apr 13, 2005, at 6:51 PM, Grammi_Love@... wrote: > Hi Friends...These are my thoughts about this past year of recovery > from > bariatric surgery. I wrote it for the various weight loss surgery > groups I'm involved in, but thought some of you might like to read it. > > ONE YEAR > OK, here is the physical stuff...down 132 pounds from highest weight, > loss of 11 inches each at chest, waist, hips, size 12 ring now a size > 7 > 1/2, no diabetes, high bp, edema, or breathing meds anymore.  > Looking > at other folks with my surgery (DS) I think I'm pretty average (in > that > in the first year some have lost more, some have lost less.) The > physical stuff is WONDERFUL and I FEEL pretty doggone strong and > healthy > MUCH more of the time. > > Here's the harder stuff....emotional and interpersonal issues. > This has been THE year (so far) of learning to LET GO, LET GOD. And I > sure don't do it well all the time. > There are some people who 'seemed' to like me much more 132 pounds > ago. > The 'soft-n-fluffy' 'don't step on anyone's toes' Tess was 'easier' to > be around, I guess. And it is not exactly that I am an emotional > bulldozer now. : ) I treat people kindly, and if I mess up, I > apologize. But I make the effort to speak honestly. To be " who I am " . > That is a HARD thing to do when you've been 'camouflaged' with fat > and > crazy eating all your life and you haven't really gotten to know > yourself even at 53 years of age. But, one foot ahead of the other... > > The bouts of depression this past year have, at times, almost been > catastrophic. I am not exaggerating. I have learned that it is NOT > because I can't eat food to numb things as I have done nearly all my > life, because I can eat anything I want. But the revelation that EVEN > IF > I DO, the food just won't work anymore. It's being emotionally naked. > So, I sit with my raw bundle of nerves trying to move forward in this' > psychic surgery' we call life, without anestesia. Oh my Lord, has > that > been hard. > > Hormones have been involved. Changing body size has been involved. > Different reactions to medications have occurred. But the deep stuff > of > the heart, the " Who am I? " and " Why am I here? " stuff has been more > intense than ever in my life. > > There have been other changes in my life the past year...moving to a > new > place, my last child moving out, problems with friends and family > members. However, I am convinced that before this surgery I would > have > anesthetized myself sufficiently with food so it all wouldn't have > hurt > so bad or been so frightening. > And, I would have remained stagnant and not grown. > > Would I do this again? Yes. Because there is hope for me now on so > many > more levels. Physically, certainly. Emotionally, well it's about > time > I learn to know and love myself. Interpersonally, because, though I > am > willing to take a lot, and be empathetic and compassionate with > others, > I > am also learning to do that with and for me. > > I think I was much more prepared for the physical changes (most of the > time) than the emotional and interpersonal changes. > > And then there is the spiritual aspect. As I have lost weight, fat, > inches, and become physically healthier, I have found that my need for > the Lord in my life is much more profound. The fat is just a facade, > a > veneer of protection. It doesn't protect me from anything other than > joy, health, and hope. As I let go of the fat and release it, I have > to > make more room for God. > > I am grateful amidst the tears. This has been quite a year. > > Lovingly, always.... > > Tess           > Open BPD/DS April 14, 2004 > Age 53 > Dr. McConnell ~ OHSU > 398~266~180 > Loss so far ~ 132 lbs. > Starting BMI 70.5 > Current ~ 47.1 > 86 pounds to goal! > Updated 04/12/05 > " Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own > understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct > your paths. "  Prov 3~5-6    > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Thanks so much Tess, I wouldn't have missed reading this story. You write so well and with so much emotion, half way through I could feel the lump in my throat getting bigger. What you are going through now is something that happens to a lot of people who have achieved remarkable goals. Some of it is envy but I believe for the most part, people are just so accustomed to having the " old " Tess around, they need time to get used to this new, rather remarkable lady that has found her niche in life. Don't let anyone spoil the new " you " for you. Look in the mirror and see what is really there, someone you would be proud to know and love. You have accomplished to much in one year, take it and run with it my friend. Hugs June ---------- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.10 - Release Date: 4/14/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 I came back here looking to see what had become of you Tess! I have become so very busy that this group had fallen off of my radar. When I happened to remember you, and your courageous struggles with your weight, and your diabetes. So, I came back hoping to find out what had happened to you. And, what a happy ending you are working towards Tess! **Congratulations!** You have done so well, and come so far. May the Lord continue to bless you with the courage to win your battles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 I came back here looking to see what had become of you Tess! I have become so very busy that this group had fallen off of my radar. When I happened to remember you, and your courageous struggles with your weight, and your diabetes. So, I came back hoping to find out what had happened to you. And, what a happy ending you are working towards Tess! **Congratulations!** You have done so well, and come so far. May the Lord continue to bless you with the courage to win your battles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2007 Report Share Posted July 28, 2007 Hi , Did anyone ever respond to your post? I'm no expert - I just sort of lurk and learn around here. I'm so glad to hear you are doing well and I'm also happy that there's the hope of LDN for your friend. Any chance you could take her to wherever you're getting your RX? Beach > > Hi Folks > I have been one 4.5 for one year now and have had zero progression of ms symptoms. My legs do no hurt anymore, my strenght has doubled, I still have a fuzzy eye and my legs are a bit spastic. > I look back at my symptoms diary and forget now what some of them felt like, > I don't fear it so much anymore, which is the best part. > Thanks to kricket, jen d, BB,and Kathy p for input and support through this journey. > I have a young family friend (female, 30s) just > dxd who is trying to find someone to write a script as her gp won't, in southwestern ontario. She has been given the hurry up and wait message > by Doctors. Her Mom is a Nurse and > has done alot of reading and is all for trying it due to the number of symptoms she is having. > Any input would be greatly appreaciated. > > Ontario, canada > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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