Life is Worth Living Again

Jul 12, 2015

It's been almost 14 months since I had roux-en-y gastric bypass. My life has changed dramatically. I am living life, walking and enjoying being active, smiling, remarried to a supportive man, and relocated to the state of Florida. It is amazing how my entire attitude and will to live has improved. Every day is an adventure now. The last phase of my changes include getting back in to the work force. I have only lived here two weeks and it does not look like there are a lot of options for someone who has been out of work for 11 years but I will continue to search. I'm sure there is a place for me out here somewhere.

Stats on weight loss since surgery:

Surgery Date: May 23, 2014

Amount lost per month:

Month 1:  -25.6
Month 2:  -22.2
Month 3:  -11.5
Month 4:  -16.7
Month 5:  -8.4
Month 6:  -16.8
Month 7:  -10.6
Month 8:  -9.8
Month 9:  -12.2  (My highest BMI was 70. It is now 36.5)

Month 10: -8

Month 11: -5.2

Month 12: -6.14 (weight is 176 so in a year that is a total loss of 207 lbs from my highest weight of 383 lbs)

Month 13: -.06

To be honest, I have not been getting all 80 grams of protein in per day. I am very sleepy on a constant basis because of this. I blame this lack of compliance on stress. I've been through huge life changes and it did not help my weight loss at all. I am grateful I have not gained weight though. Honestly, I am very comfortable at my current weight of 173.8, although it is not my goal weight. I am wearing bikinis and am very proud of that. Yes, I have excess skin but I also have the attitude that this is my life and what other people think about my body is not important. When 2014 began, I was in a wheelchair. I am feeling completely helpless and lost. I no longer feel that way. I no longer need walking assistance of any kind. The extra skin is something I will always have to live with. I am not a wealthy person and do not want to put myself into debt trying to be someone I am not. I figure if I had skin removal surgery, I would have scars and imperfections anyway. What is the difference really? I will never be a super model but I am a much healthier, happier person for having had this surgery. The only regret I have is not having had this surgery sooner. God is good though and here I am. I just turned 42 years old. I feel like I am 21, although I stay grounded and real about my experience. I will tell anyone and everyone about my surgery because I have nothing to hide. If I can help one person take this huge step towards living then that is what I will do.

I do wish insurance companies supported counseling services for eating addictions. Since my surgery, I have searched high and low for someone to help me overcome my eating addictions. I have had no luck. I have a lot of emotional issues and food had always been my safe haven. I'd do anything to overcome the constant thoughts of food that run through my head and overwhelm my mind.

I am not on OH much. I tend to hang out in FB groups geared towards weight loss surgery patients. Every once in a while though I stop here to see how everyone is coming along.

Live life! Forget the opinions of others. Do what is best for YOU! This is YOUR decision. This is YOUR life. Live it!

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