Lifestyle Change

I've been hearing this phrase for the past 15 years, and I was always striving to make that a reality. I can finally say that this surgery has completely changed my lifestyle. Before the surgery, I didn't know what my life would be like afterwards--would I be able to shift the focus off food, and onto other important things in my life? Even in the first few weeks post surgery, when I was so obsessed with food, I didn't know if I could do it. I am so glad to say now that I have successfully changed my lifestyle. Since I know more what I can and can't eat and the portion sizes that are right for me, I feel I have jumped a huge hurdle in the learning curve that Patrick, my nutritionist at Duke, told me would take a while to develop after surgery. I have accepted that exercise needs to be an important part of my new "lifestyle", and now by doing the couch to 5k program, I've made that a reality. Since I've been able to get those things into place, I've found other things in my life are able to shine through. I've been wanting to go back to Church regularly for a while, and since the beginning of the year, I've been attending mass on a weekly basis. Lately so many things have been clicking into place, and I attribute that to the shift I've made on my priorities.

I am down 80.2 pounds now--and in the 170s!!! I lost about 8 pounds in January overall. I checked my measurements yesterday, and I've lost 15 inches in my waist! I have two appointments at Duke over my track out, where I'll have my 6 month visit with my surgeon and the psychologist. It blows my mind---6 months from the surgery, and I was able to lose 80 pounds--versus the year and a half it took me to lose 50 when I did Weight Watchers. Things definitely haven't been easy, and I've had to make many adjustments, but I feel like a lot of that is behind me now, and I can focus on losing more weight and seeing what the next 35 plus years of my life are going to be like. I spent the first half of my life struggling with my weight, and now in the next half I will be healthier and wiser.

Do I regret any of the choices I made in my 32 years up until now? Absolutely not. I have a wonderful life, and I didn't approach this surgery thinking it would make my life infinitely better. What the surgery has done, is given me the tools to live a healthier life, and make me able to have children. What a success!!

Thank you for being here with me on my journey. I am by no means finished, but as far as lifestyle changes go--I've finally made it a reality!!!