learning 2.0 - pictures

can i just begin by saying i totally love pictures. they are a moment in time that records the some event or thing. i would be a photographer if i were good at it. i don't have that eye for framing.

i love recording things for preservation of memories and history. i just got a digital camera - and yes to all those who have been telling me for years to do it...you were right! the instant gratification of being able to download, retrieve, view and photoshop pictures myself is soooo satisfying.

which brings me to my next "thing" for work. i have to use flickr to upload, photoshop and display pictures. this might be my most favorite task yet.

a pictoral history of anyone's weight loss journey (even my own) is extremely important for a couple of reasons; serve as a reminder from whence you came and to show and encourage other potential wls folks that the transformation can be dramatic.

The reminder that folks need post wls (weight loss surgery) is vital when they are not losing weight (plateaued) or can't see the change in themselves. One way to encourage others who can't see the forrest for the trees, is to show them visual proof that the weight loss can provide an amazing change.

learning 2.0 @ work & wls

i am working on a project at work called learning 2.0, which introduces me and my coworkers to the latest and greatest technology on the net. our focus is learning about learning...keeping the skills sharp for our customers and for ourselves.

we were asked to talk about the 7.5 habits of lifelong learning. these habits relate to wls sooo closely...learning or in my case relearning how to eat will be essential for my longterm success post op. the habits are:

1. begin with the end in mind
2. accept responsibility for your own learning
3. view problems as challenges
4. have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner
5. create you own learning toolbox
6. use technology to your advantage
7. teach/mentor other
8. (actually 7.5) PLAY!

the most difficult for me is #1 - my ability to create a list of goals especially this far post op and mapping those goals out is almost nil. i know what my goals are loosely speaking, but writing them down and mapping them out? forget it! they are in my head and EEK! if you saw my head.....you would say eek too! i was able to achieve some of my goals after surgery so far but have become sidetracked due in part to the ability to map out my goals.

the easiest for me to do is #7 teach/mentor others - that is a natural thing for me to do. i come from a family of teachers and if im breathing im teaching. i belong to a group of chatters on www.obesityhelp.com and i take the opportunity to teach others who are pre op or just post op about the surgery, eating and life post op among just goofing around with all the folks there. not that i am a model of perfection but i do know a few things about this.

ps. not all my posts will be books....well ok i can't promise that...

introduction & catching up

welcome to my blog. this is a first attempt to blog and to record my post weight loss surgery life aka life after rny (roux en y or gastric bypass).

i am post op 2.5 years now and down 230 lbs all together (170 of which was post op). i had surgery to save my life. the doctors told me that i would be dead by 40 if i didnt do something about my health (weight). i think i neglected to mention that when i received this rather startling information, i was 39. i began my journey at 485 lbs. i am currently 255 lbs (give or take a few lbs due to stupid eating or water weight gain!)

the decision to have surgery was, as i said to save my life and it was the most selfish thing i have ever done and the most unselfish thing i have done as well. it's the most selfish becuase this was all about ME (me me me!) and no one else. it's the most unselfish because the benefits for my family, friends, and coworkers is almost immeasurable. they have benefitted in so many ways as i have. i am functional, happier and soooo much healthier...i might actually live a bit longer - not sure if that is a curse or a benefit?

i had no complications from the surgery (except some hair loss, which is normal post any operation). I only have a hard time eating a few things this far out, hamburgers (no ground beef just the formed hamburgers and i have tried darn near everything cuz i LOVE burgers), some fresh vegetables (but even that is getting better as time passes), lettuce (is a no go), and corn (is hard on the pouch aka tummy).

life has been an adventure since i had surgery. i knew in my life everything would change drastically, but NEVER imagined exactly what "everything" entailed. even at 2.5 years post op, i am still learning. hopefully the future blog entries will give you an insight into post weight loss surgery life (well according to kathy oh!).