Five year surgiversary...the good the bad and the mole rats

[kirmy]

It's been five years tomorrow since my 11.5hr marathon operation happened. I have changed beyond recognition on every front. I am still however at core me. I have grieved, moved on, dwelled when I shouldn't, revisited old pain and earned some new ones. I've also kicked arses and taken names. I have developed a massive ego then got rid of it. Became aware of my enormous self importance then kicked myself in the cooter for such arrogance and ignorance. I've been hormonal, asexual, mature, immature, wise, stupid etc etc.

I know that my future happiness revolves around managing the DS appropriately. The transformation however is staggering.

I made a list because I wanted to remind myself how transforming this surgery is:

1. I will live without a physical disability
2. No one knows I was ever fat
3. No one yells abuse at me out of cars or follows me around shopping centres making comments about my food
4. Shop assistant don't act like Godzilla is marauding though the shop and heading for skinny girl clothes
5. the adjective that strangers use to describe me upon first glance is slim...followed by bat shit crazy
6. I have created a very lucrative career in a male dominated industry and make my way on my own terms. I'm fierce ROOOOAAARRRR
7. I think I'm pretty much ok
8. I tell life sucking soul vampires to kiss my naked mole rat
9. I am supple, fit and agile although I still break shit because I'm still an idiot
10. I dance like no one is looking but of course they are looking because who is that idiot dancing?
11. My lowest weight was ( I think from memory) a tiny and fragile 136lbs or 9.8 stones or 62.5kgs. I looked terminal admittedly. Damn that was small!. My settled weight turned out to be around 147lbs or 67kgs. I have since gained up to 70-72kgs depending on the poo.
12. Despite a small regain I feel in control of my life
13. I have lost my Father and am grieving yet it doesn't seem like life is overwhelming or I'm defeated. Before it would be just another nail in the coffin.
14. I love and get love. I think that is right.
15. Calcium still continues to be a battle for me. My PTH goes up and down like a yo yo and I get disheartened. I keep persisting and trying to beat this one.

So now photo porn.


I'm so proud of my Surgery choice. I will endeavour to make my health a priority not an after thought.

Happy New Year to all.
Kirstin aka Kirmy

 

[Larra]

congratulations Kirmy! You are awesome in both looks and spirit. Don't ever lose the bat-shit crazy part of yourself.

 

[kirmy]

Right back at you girlfriend.

 

[robs477]

Holy flippin shit that is amazing!!!!!!!! Unbelievable! You have great bone structure, real classic Beauty! SO happy for you! You and your writing’s are inspirational to say the least, Happy New year to ya!

 

[newanatomy]

So friggin' cute!

 

[DianaCox]

I love your before and afters, because you were clearly living your life before surgery - but now are living it so much more deeply and fully.

And because you're gorgeous, both before and after, and the transformation in between is ah-MAY-zing.

 

[Bagaof4]

Thank you for the 5 year update, Kirmy. You have always been such an inspiration to me, and continue to do so with your beautiful perspective, intelligence, and ability to completely crack me up!
Thank you and congratulations!

 

[conceit]

kirmy, you are such an inspiration. i know this sounds cliched, but ever since i started researching the DS, I'd come across your posts ..and reading them was comforting. it made me feel like i could do this too..it's hard to explain. there was strength, honesty and vulnerability in your descriptions of your struggles and triumphs...you would make an excellent writer. i have a few of your hilarious and uplifting posts bookmarked, so i can read them when i worry (however irrationally) that I may not be able to stay true to my first love which is travel..or do X or Y,..enjoy life or what have you after the DS. post-Ds has its own set of complications and difficulties, but you have always struck me as someone who has all this joie de vivre ...that has only been enhanced by this life changing surgery. it makes me feel less nervous going ahead with the DS. thanks for the heart, the rapier wit, the laughs and for sharing your journey so openly and open heartedly. i am just pre-op, and we've never talked one on one. i just wanted to let you know on your half a decade surgiversary..that you've made a difference in my little world...even from a distance.

i want to congratulate you on your success and wish you continued success. here's to a 10 year update and counting.

p.s. you are gorgeous, and i love the haircut. i haven't had a pixie cut in years. though, i did get awesome red highlights last year. now, they've sort of faded..and my hair is a tricoloured mess- black (my natural colour), the faded light brown and a few streaks of red.

i am planning on getting a cute side shave post-DS: http://hairstyle15.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/short-female-haircuts-image.jpg - something like that hehe. i am excited.

 

[Jen-2]

Your story is very inspirational and I'm excited to take this DS journey shortly. You are beautiful! Love your sense of humor. Congratulations on all your success!!

 

[southernlady]

Happy surgiversary, Kirmy....you are an awesome person and tell David to give you a hug from Charles and I.

 

[Amanda82]

I love the list, and you look terrific! Posts like these are just what I need as a new post op.

 

[kirmy]

Holy flippin shit that is amazing!!!!!!!! Unbelievable! You have great bone structure, real classic Beauty! SO happy for you! You and your writing’s are inspirational to say the least, Happy New year to ya!

Well thank you! That is a lovely reply.

 

[kirmy]

R

So friggin' cute![/QUOTE
Right back at you foxy lady

 

[kirmy]

well I do feel utterly transformed. So much toxicity is gone from my life and that alone is liberation.

Why thank you lovely lady. Today is DAY 1 Paleo and I'm starting with a herbal tea.....sigh.

I love your before and afters, because you were clearly living your life before surgery - but now are living it so much more deeply and fully.

And because you're gorgeous, both before and after, and the transformation in between is ah-MAY-zing.[/QUOT

 

[kirmy]

Thank you for the 5 year update, Kirmy. You have always been such an inspiration to me, and continue to do so with your beautiful perspective, intelligence, and ability to completely crack me up!
Thank you and congratulations!

Well thanks honey. I love my bariatrics community.