♥Trinitarenee♥

A lot of people ask me " How does it feel to have lost all that weight?" and I never can find the words to express the joy I have. It's actually taken some time for me to be comfortable with my weight loss. Contrary to popular belief, losing the weight isn't the hardest part. Accepting the "new you" and every ones reaction to the "new you" is the tricky part. It amazes me sometimes how superficial the world really can be. You would think that weighing in at over 350 lbs would make you stand out but the truth is; it was as if I was invisible. No one really pays any attention to a person of that size, not positive attention anyway. There are things as a larger person that I never really gave much thought to that I absolutely have to now. For example, I never thought about being raped or attacked at my highest weight. The reality is that it is a much bigger challenge to prey on someone that big ( Not saying it doesn't happen, just not as often). I never gave fashion much thought either. Lets be honest, if it wasn't a Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Torrid or Catherine's around then I would have been wearing bed sheets or curtains. At one point it was just a matter of "Is it going to fit?" versus " Does it look good on me?". Saying the word "NO" was also a huge challenge for me. I was a self proclaimed "People Pleaser". I figured by saying "yes" to everything and everyone, it would help them overlook my obvious weight problem. I also hid behind my sense of humor. People like funny people no matter what they look like. And me making fun of myself hurt less then someone else doing it. The world seems much friendlier then it used to now. I get smiles and greeted everywhere I go. It's like men came out of nowhere. Its like I got a face lift and record deal all at the same time! I don't think one can ever get used to the attention given after such a physical transformation. I had to learn how to live a new life. I had to establish a "New Normal", life's new routine. It' s the little things that we take for granted that make such a big change in our lives. Walking up a flight of stairs without passing out, being able to fit at any booth at a restaurant, breathing/sleeping normally or just being able to wear denim jeans again made all the difference. With limited mobility, something as small as going to the mailbox was a task. Losing the weight opened up a whole new window of opportunity. I started dreaming again. I started setting goals for myself that actually seem attainable now. I was so used to my hum drum existence that I never really considered my future. Waking up with excitement for what the day will bring, grateful to just be alive and ready to take on anything instead of never wanting to leave the house, wanting to end it all and bracing myself for the worse. Sometimes I have to stop and ask myself "Is this really my life?". Adjusting to my life's new routine is a day to day effort. Its like losing someone close to you. The absence of their presence leaves you lost and unclear about the future. It's like time stops and your stuck, not knowing what to do, what to think or how to live. Parting ways with my former self also left me with those same feelings. It too was like a death. That other person is gone and I'm now left with a "New me". I can no longer hide behind the weight or use it as an excuse. I have to be brave now. Walk in a confidence that I never had before. People see me now. Some even look up to me and are inspired by my story. It truly blows my mind how life can take such a turn for the better. Embracing my life's new routine has been both a rewarding and challenging experience. Today, I want you to think about your life and all the changes that have come. Are you ready to find your "New Normal"? The funny thing about life is that NOTHING ever stays the same. You can decide to remain stuck or roll with the punches.

Thank you so much for reading. This site has been like therapy for me. There's nothing like talking to people who actually understand what you are going through. This is indeed a journey and I'm not finished yet. Its not over once the weight is gone.I'm simply in the next phase of it. I look foward to reading your success story soon.! Thanks again ♥Trinitarenee♥

Welcome welcome welcome lol.. Im so glad you found this site. Ive been on here maybe two weeks and it's been like therapy for me. I had my gastric bypass 3 years ago and since have had three reconstructive surgeries. I'm about 10-15 pounds from my goal weight so this goes to show you that gastric bypass is just the beginning. Even now being at a healthy weight i still have struggles and still need support. Ous stories are similar. I was heavy my entire life too. This will be a long, hard journey but it's going to be so worth it! Whenever you feel discouraged tell yourself "I DESERVE TO BE HEALTHY" and your child deserves a healthy mommy. You can do this! If have any questions I'm here :-) Trinitarenee

I was told many many things about what I wasn't going to be able to do. And each time I had to tell myself "they don't know the God I serve" . Once you get that fire under you, you will be unstoppable. In January you took the steps to take control of your health. Some people don't even survive the surgery. The fact that your here and progressing means something. Live in the truth that ALL THINGS, not some things or most things are possible through Christ who gives us strength. I want to encourage you to dig deep and present a success story that will inspire many who are being told the same things your doctor is telling you. You have already accomplished so much and don't you ever forget to acknowledge that. Stay Strong! And If you ever need a pep talk I'm here . We all are. ( I sooo love this site lol) Trinitarenee

Alright!! Congrats hunny!! So happy and excited for you. I'm 3 years in but feel free to ask me anything :-) Trinitarenee

I will be praying for you and John. I just sent him a reply letting him know how brave he was to take the steps to control his health and I want you to know that you are too. This journey is not an easy one but I promise you that you will come out stronger, healthier and more determined to win then ever. Remind yourself tomorrow that this battle is no longer yours, its the Lords. Please let us know how your doing once you get home. Congrats in advance! Trinitarenee

I will def be praying for you! Like I tell everyone that is about to start this journey , you are so brave to take the steps to control your health. I'm so excited for you! Sunday May 20th was my 3 year anniversary since my gastric bypass. I have survived 3 reconstructive surgeries following the gastric bypass. I was 386 lbs and I'm proud to be a healthy 153. I'm am living proof that you can be successful. Know that all things work for the good for those who love him and all things can be done through Christ who gives us strength. Go in tomorrow knowing that this was his plan and through your success many will be inspired. Congrats in advance! Trinitarenee