Reflecting on this last year

No, this isn't a new year's resolution post. Today is my 1 year surgiversary. I had almost forgotten about it, but my grandma surprised me with a delicious ribeye I wall eat on for the next couple meals. It made me think about this last year, and even the year before that really started it all. Everyday I am thankful to a local program called ReDiscover, which is a facility dedicated to getting people back on track with their mental health. Before them, I was lost, depressed, suffering, and ready to just kill myself. The only thing that was stopping me was trying to plan out how to do it and not have my grandma be the one to find me. Sorry, I know that's really sorta depressing to say lol! ReDiscover put me on the right track of medication and therapy. I had slip ups of course, but thanks to them I was getting my head on, and thanks to them I was approved for medicaid and my surgery was paid for in full.

I feel like I was reborn. Maybe I didn't feel that way at first, but sitting here now I definitely know I was. In just a year, I have lost around 240 lbs, I went to school to become a CNA to get me on the right track to go into nursing, and I'm doing physical things I've literally never been able to do in my life. My clothes can be bought pretty much from anywhere I want to buy them from, and for the first time in my life I believe I am a person who deserves a future. Even little things are a delight, like being able to sit in a booth with an immovable table at a restaurant, being able to buckle my seat belt with out the need for an extender, and the best part; seeing old friends who have zero idea who I am until I tell them who I am. Apparently I'm unrecognizable.

The advice I've gotten from you all here has been invaluable on this journey. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again, you all are awesome. To the veterans, thank you for answering my questions which I now know have been the same questions asked a zillion times, and to anyone who is new; you can do this!

I really didn't intend for this to be so big. Sorry about that!

Happy Surgiversary! You have come a long way. Congratulations on all your hard work!

Congratulations what a great story and a lot of hard work. Keep it up.

Congratulations on your hard work paying off. It's so wonderful that you are feeling so good and have made so many positive changes! Your story is inspiring!!

You and others like you are the reason I marched in protests to help people keep their healthcare.

I am very inspired by your story. Thanks for sharing it.

Thank you so much for marching for that cause. It's so important. I know my state in particular is so hard to get medicaid granted and I couldn't get it alone. I am glad the social workers fought for me.

Wow! You've put in a lot of hard work to get where you are today. Congratulations. The mental difference is part of what people see, not just the physical. Thanks for being honest about your path. It helps others. I don't want to sound like a creeper but I wish I could give you a big hug. You deserve it. I'm just two weeks ahead of your surgery date.

Not a creeper at all! We'll have to settle for a cyber hug though

YOU are awesome! You are such an inspiration for others in turning your life around. Congratulations and Happy Surgiversary!

Thank you! It's been a long, exciting road, but it's not done yet!