Caroline Ann Martin

Reading, writing, photography, hiking (when I am able), swimming

~~ Caroline Ann Martin
9+ years post-op RNY
-225 lbs and maintaining goal

www.AButterflyEmerges.com
(please keep in mind that this site is in need of updating - all of the information found there is accurate, just not up to date. As of 9+ years post-op, I continue to remain within a healthy goal weight though I have been having physical problems for the past 4 1/2 years that are not related in any way to my having had gastric bypass or three consecutive rounds of reconstructive surgeries to remove excess skin)

My Personal Facebook Page:
www.Facebook.com/CarolineAnnMartin
If you should write and I not respond, please do not take this personally. I simply have a lot going on in my life these days and it is difficult keeping up with eMail and messages. The quality time that I do have is spent with my closest of friends and family... I share this information solely to reach out to others and let people know that there is hope, but it will is not handed down on a silver platter. If you have questions of my process, there is a wealth of information on my www.AButterflyEmerges.com website as well as a full slideshow/presentation which can be viewed by the public on my personal Facebook page and a variety of exercises with weights or stretch bands found at www.YouTube.com/CarolineAnnMartinCAT.

If I could share any message at all, it would be that losing the weight is only the start of the battle. When we think of reaching a goal, most people think it means that you've reached it and now you move on to your next project, marathon, whatever... Losing weight is only a part of the overall picture, and while it gives us a better chance of a happier, healthier life, it is not a guarantee. Maintaining, learning how to cope in healthy ways without food, learning how to live in the present and enjoy your life no matter how much you weigh or what size you are IS what matters...

In my case, I lost 225 lbs in the first 18 months after surgery. I had three rounds of reconstructive surgery (7 years later I still have clamps and stitches surfacing - not fun), moved to PA, took up a new career in terms of personal training and later modeling and ultimately photography, and was the picture of health (most days). Then, in 2007, my life changed overnight. My severe intermittent pain became chronic, constant, intolerable pain following an all day photo-shoot at a couples' wedding and reception. It has been 4 1/2 years since that day, and there are many days when I am barely able to get out of bed due to pain or other physical issues all neurological in nature (Yes, I still take my vitamins and my B-12 and all other vitamins/minerals are normal.)

My point is not to complain or say pity me, but just to share something I wish someone could have shared with me the day before, the week before, the years and decades before that fateful day and that is to simply love yourself where you are at... Don't put off doing something, telling someone how you care about them, etc. waiting for better timing. There is no way for any of us to know what tomorrow brings so enjoy every moment as though it were your last... Live, truly live your life...