In the early weeks of my research into VSG, I was immersed in video updates of sleevers' lives post-surgery. I must have watched 100 thoughtful and detailed check-ins with dozens of people reporting their success, struggles, and victories.

During that time, I started ordering different kinds of recommended protein powders to see what flavors sat well with me, and also to see if upping my protein in an already low-carb, low-cal diet would invite my body to release some of the weight she insists holding onto.

The funny thing about having empathy as one of your top 5 strengths (ala StrengthsFinder), is that one is truly capable of feeling the emotions of others. I found that my heart hurt for those who were in a stall and worried that, like in the past, their body would just refuse to lose anymore. Also, I was elated with each victory and celebration of releasing pain, meds, ailments, being able to sit comfortably on an airplane, wear a smaller size, walk up a hill without becoming winded, and many other wonderful achievements.

I was so invested in the well-being of these courageous people, that I hoped that I could be one of these people, too. I starting stepping on the scale each morning to see how many pounds I'd lost due to the success of this life-altering event... and then realized (each morning)... that I am not one of those people. The scale shows me the same gained and lost two pounds every day. Sigh...

Oh well... I'll keep working on the insurance issue with hope in my heart... that one day... someone else might be feeling elated for my victories, too.

Wishing you a day filled with peace and beauty...