It has been almos ten weeks since I was sleeved and I have been having frequent moments of thankfulness for this gift:

My husband can wrap his arms around me when we hug

My feet don't hurt anymore first thing in the morning so I don't hobble around

My brain isn't so foggy at work

I am gaining confidence

I can tie my gym shoes without losing my breath

I don't crave nor miss sweets

My ankles aren't swollen at the end of the day every day

So I bought some cute sandals and got a teal pedicure!

My eyes look bigger and not "hooded" anymore

So I bought new make up and feel beautiful (lovely husband says I have always been beautiful even - and especially - without make up. Love love love him!!!)

No more buffalo hump

No one has been negative

I don't snore anymore (that one never gets old!)

Not one migraine

I have more flexibility

I am more inclined to go to the gym

My husband said I get up from the couch or bed faster and no longer use my arms to brace or balance myself (I never even realized I did that before)

I feel younger

My friends and colleagues have been so supportive and complimentary, which feels good

My clothes are almost all too big, even the ones that were too small two months ago

I am just so lucky and thankful for getting through the surgery safely, the first part of recovery that was so scary in the week after, having no complications and getting to this point. If I never lose another ounce, I am so much better off than I was before surgery for so many years. I am now 197 lbs and the size 16 clothes that I have are too big (I plan to go shopping this weekend). When my husband married me nine years ago I was 206 so he has never known me any smaller or healthier. He always said he wanted us to go running together but I never thought that could happen. Now it seems possible. I just signed up for a 5K in January 2014 and have started training for it already. That is a huge deal for me.

I am not interested in perfection because that is unrealistic. I am happy to be healthier and to appreciate the mobility that I am gifting to my future golden years. I heard somewhere that thankfulness is essential for good mental health and happiness. So, I am truly grateful for my life and the second chance that I have been given to live it.