It's hard to believe that it has already been 16 weeks since I was in the hospital getting my "sleeve". What a whirlwind of changes. I feel so fortunate to have been able to get this procedure done and get on with a more healthy, more complete life. I feel so much better and have increased energy. I find myself with a renewed outlook on life. I'm now beginning to believe things are so much more possible than they were prior to my surgery.

I am returning to college to finish my bachelors degree. Why do I count that as a benefit of my WLS? At nearly 500 lbs the prospect of walking around campus and fitting in seats was daunting if not a complete impossibility. Now, though I'm still larger than the average bear, I know I can meet the physical challenges that previously would have left me short of breath, sweaty and ashamed. Now all I have to contend with is the reality of being the old man in class.

I am playing golf again. I had not played the game in 2 years. It's not that I had lost the love of the game, as stupid as it sounds to say I love anything that causes me such aggravation (other than my wife), but rather that I did not have the energy or motivation to do anything remotely physical. I became perfectly content to spend free time watching TV or setting on the computer. Oh and my swing, so much better without the added weight to keep in balance. My goal is to walk 9 holes every Saturday morning this spring and summer, that is if spring ever arrives in MI.

So the bullet points. What's different about me in the last 4 months.

Down 6 jean sizes

Down 2 shirt sizes

Doing 6 days of dedicated exercise a week.

I've found a smile, one with dimples in fact.

I realize that my weight future is in my control.

I'm a more useful Husband to my Wife and Father to my children.

I care to do the things needed to improve my future.

I've lost 102lbs (plus another 36 pre-op)

I now realize the true value in sharing mutual experiences with others.

Thanks for reading and following me on my journey.