NeonRaven8919

14 hours ago, SpartanMaker said:

I'm also a big fan of Soup (yes even in summer), because it helps me rehydrate (due to the salt and fluid), as well as get some food in me after my workouts. I totally realize that for many people, the thought of something warm post workout seems odd, but it works for me.

Yes I love Soup too! Easier to cook as well because I can just throw it all in the slow cooker.

I'm going to make a big pot of white chicken chili this weekend too

1 hour ago, SpartanMaker said:

I wanted to address this because it's just not correct.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from doing resistance training since there are a lot of benefits, but this idea that it helps you burn more calories is based on outdated science.

We used to think that adding a pound of muscle mass would on average burn an additional 50 or so calories in a day. More recent research shows it to be closer to just 6 calories per day. Considering that the average woman that strength trains might do well to add 10-12 pounds of muscle in a year, Strength training consistently for a year is only going to get you to a place where you burn maybe an additional 60-70 calories a day. For comparison, this is roughly the equivalent of 1/2 a scoop of your typical Protein Powder.

Yes, you do burn some calories as you do resistance training, but it's not even close to the amount you can burn doing moderate to heavy cardio such as running, spinning, etc. Resistance training does contribute to a higher level of something we call EPOC, or Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption, but the contribution there is also minimal. Even with the increased EPOC amount, resistance training simply can't touch the amount of calories burned in moderate to intense cardio.

Once again, I'm not trying to discourage anyone from doing resistance training. There are some tremendous benefits, from increased health and longevity, to being more capable (and bad a$$), to making you look seriously hot, but as a way to burn more calories? Eh, not so much.

Interesting. I always thought cardio burned more fat anyway, so when the doctor said this, I was a bit surprised.

On 6/25/2025 at 1:27 PM, SpartanMaker said:

I forgot to mention that I went for my Vitamin B12 injection today. I have a new GP since I changed to new practice and she said she was going to refer me to an "exercise specialist" which I have never heard of in my life so I will see what she has to say. She may be able to suggest more classes for me to do as well.

Unrelated note, a good GP is a thing to be treasured. She was proud of my weight loss progress and she has had WLS too. Went form 140kg to 58kg (she's 5 foot) She suggested if anyone tells me again that weight loss surgery is cheating, I should sit on them to keep them quiet until I'm too thin for that and then just slap them.

On 6/25/2025 at 1:27 PM, SpartanMaker said:

I totally get the counting reps thing. I sometimes feel the exact same way, so you're not alone there.

I did want to have you clarify something else if you don't mind? You didn't mention any specific goals for wanting to lift, other than you were told you're supposed to do it. Is that really the only reason you're thinking about lifting?

Sometimes having strong motivators can overcome the negative feels about a behavior, I mention this because if there was something else that was driving you to want to strength train, it might go a long way toward getting you lifting. If there's not really anything else, that's fine too, it just means the key for you may lie in "non-traditional" strength training.

What's "non-traditional" strength training? Well, it can mean a lot of things, but the first thing that came to mind was Yoga. Depending on the style of yoga you choose, you can get quite strong. Since yoga is primarily isometric training, there are typically no sets and reps to count, you simply hold poses. In person classes would be the best place to start IMO, but there are online things available as well. I just think the instruction available via a class is worth the extra expense. Plus, there is value in suffering together, as that can be really motivating for some people and help keep them compliant. If it's just online, some people find it really easy to skip. You know you though and know which might be better for you.

Another option to consider if yoga's not your thing would be fitness classes like Les Mills, Orange Theory, or even crossfit. I'm already on record for saying I'm not a fan of crossfit (mostly because it comes across as really cultish), but if it gets you out there and moving, please do crossfit! As far as traditional exercise classes, some are going to really just be cardio based, but some of them do emphasize at least some strength work into the class. Note that these types of classes are a lot more likely to use sets and reps, but typically the instructor will be the one counting, so all you really have to do is follow along. Just like yoga, the social aspect of this type of class can also be really great to keep people motivated and returning.

Next up in the non-traditional arena would be certain sports like rowing, swimming, gymnastics or martial arts. Sure these aren't traditionally thought of as resistance training, but you can get quite strong participating in them recreationally and they would contrast nicely with the exercise you're already doing.

Finally, I'm going to mention something that's somewhere in between a fitness class and traditional strength training. This would be some combination of functional fitness, calisthenics & plyometric training. Don't worry about the terminology for now. The idea here would be designing a workout that has you do a specific type of exercise until failure, rather than using defined sets and reps. This means no counting. You simply do an exercise until you can't anymore. Alternately you do them for a specific amount of time such as one minute. You can use an app on your phone to time yourself if doing the "by time" method, so again no counting. The observant among you will recognize that this is very "crossfit-like". Again, I don't hate on the approach, I think it can be effective depending on your goals. What I take issue with are the zealots that think EVERYONE must do crossfit, or that if you don't do crossfit, you're somehow exercising wrong. Crossfit type workouts can get you quite strong, but are typically less effective at muscle hypertrophy and are not that great at building muscular endurance.

Anyway, just my thoughts so far.

My doctor said weight training will help me lose me more weight long term than cardio and I'm hoping to get rid of the arm flab and I've been told weights or at least muscle training will help.

I've tried crossfit and that's not really my thing either. Weight lifting has always been a painful and miserable experience for me. Reminds me too much of the gym classes in school that I always hated. I'm really too lazy for weight training and real fitness, but If my gp says I have to do it, then I need to find a way to do it.

She recommended resistance bands, but I won't ever be in the mindset where I'm at home going "maybe i should get the resistance bands out". I need to change my mindset, but if changing a mindset was easy, I wouldn't need half my stomach yeeted out to lose weight.

I've been thinking about pilates and I've been told that it's nothing compared to weight lifting and I guess that is true in some aspects, but again, better than doing nothing, and using my own body weight is a good workout. I would be interested in trying it anyway.

On 5/31/2025 at 2:28 PM, Bari_Hopeful said:

Did you have any psychological input during your Tier 3? (I don’t know if you had to go through Tier 3?) I had about 4 sessions with an NHS bariatric psychologist, but I believe I’ll still be having a Tier 4 psychological consultation to sign me off 🤞 for the MDT.

Also, two weeks post-approval for the LRD! That is AWESOME! I think my trust tends to do the two-week milk diet. Even though I currently eat fairly low calorie Keto, I think the milk diet would help lose a bit of pre-surgery weight at least.

💗

I'm glad you don't have the 12 week milk diet. It was difficult and I slipped up occasionally, but it was helpful for losing weight and shrinking the liver. Because of the 12 week diet, I lost 12.9 kg (28lbs) in those three months.

My NHS trust just flat out said "no ozempic" At the time, it was because it hadn't quite been approved for the NHS But I wouldn't have wanted that anyway as it would mean injections for the rest of my life and a lot of people have endless diarhoea on those meds.

I had one session with an NHS psychologist and one group session. I don't really know about what tiers I had. I asked for a referral for the weight loss team, then I had an information session which was via zoom where each the nurse, dietician and psychologist gave some advice about the programme. Then I had an individual session with each one.

Once I was approved, I had fortnightly appointments with the medical team to check how my weight loss was going with the milk diet, pre surgery vitals and then the surgery itself.

I had a one month and 6 month follow up with the surgical nurse. Next month, I have a phone call with the psychologist.

It sounds to me like you are getting a lot more psychological support than I did, which I think is great. It really makes a big difference.

On 6/23/2025 at 3:45 PM, SpartanMaker said:

Strength training is strongly recommended for everyone just from a general health perspective, though I hear you about hating lifting. Some people love it and some don't, and that's okay.

Keep in mind the recommendations above for @Bypass2Freedom may not (in fact probably are not), appropriate for you. Depending on your goals for wanting to lift, and what specifically you do or don't like about lifting, I might be able to come up with something a bit more appropriate?

Lifting and counting reps is repetitive and boring to me. Cardio i can just tune out by listening to music or watching something on netflix. I can make it fun and enjoyable Or since I already need to commute to work and I like going by bike, that's already cardio. There isn't really any way to make weight lifting fun or even just bearable for me. It's going to take all my mental energy to force myself to do it.

I know i need to do strength training and the hospital recommended at my 6 month post op review to use resistance bands but I can't imagine that's any more bearable than weight lifting and I know me. I'm never actually going to do a home work out.

Following because I'm in the same boat.

I've been doing cardio only because I hate weight lifting and that kind of thing and because I ride my bike everywhere which is fun and cardio, but i need to try and firm up the arm flab and I can't put it off any longer.

I think your regime is a good starting point for me.

3 hours ago, NeonRaven8919 said:

Same! I had my surgery on the NHS and I've got saggy thighs and upper arms that I won't be able tonafford together rid of. Good Luck! Hopefully this is something they will dkmfor more patients soon!

*to get rid of. * Do for more patients.

Sorry too late to edit.

I never had nausea. The inmy times I've thrown up since my surgery 8 months ago was because if the Multivitamin they prescribed. The first time, it was because of the method I needed to use to.take it post surgery (bite the gel cap and swallow the Fluid and then discard the gel cap) and that made me ill. The doctors told me to wait until month two tomorrow again. The second time, I took it on an empty stomach because I can't fit pills and food kn the stomach anymore. So the surgery itself has nevermore me feel nauseous. Now, eating too mich makes me feel nauseous and that's my fault, not the result of the surgery.

On 6/17/2025 at 7:15 AM, Bypass2Freedom said:

@GreenTealael Ooo yes I love a bodycon!

My breasts were a 42GG - I am now down to a 32E and I completely get the deflated thing! I wonder if I will need the same thing!

Omg I can't wait to have smaller boobs so I can go without a bra, wear backless dresses and cowl-style tops!!!

So glad that you are enjoying and loving your new body ❤️

44d down to 38 and still cant figure out what cup. I'm still not done losing (Only 8 months post op) so I'm afraid to buy new bras and such until I finish losing

On 6/16/2025 at 4:58 PM, summerseeker said:

I didnt know it was even possible on the NHS anymore so I am so keen to follow this thread. Fingers crossed for you x

Same! I had my surgery on the NHS and I've got saggy thighs and upper arms that I won't be able tonafford together rid of. Good Luck! Hopefully this is something they will dkmfor more patients soon!

I have a red bull addiction. It's not as fizzy, but definitely what I shouldn't be drinking. I was told it need to give up fizzy drinks for life, ideally, but for at least during the firstv8 weeks after surgery. I knew I couldn't give them up, but I don't drink coffee or tea and I need caffeine somehow. I was good and waited until the recommended time after surgery to drink fizzy drinks.

Sort of. I've always dressed a little more alternative/gothic, but considering most of those fashions don't come in plus sizes I've mostly just made do with black leggings and black tops. Now, I'm a size 14 (uk) so I can actually start buying and wearing all the clothes I've always wanted to wear!

I do think that I've gain more confidence since I lost weight and that means I've starting taking more time and put more effort into makeup and hair etc.

On 5/31/2025 at 11:46 AM, Bari_Hopeful said:

Hi, NeonRaven!

Thank you so much for your reply and sharing your experience! I find it so helpful to hear how other NHsers have experienced the process since it seems so much more elongated from the U.S. process. And you make such a good point about the London privilege - now it makes more sense why I’ve seen more internet presence and response from London NHSers. (And quite a few from the far north of England as well!)

About three or four years ago during my annual diabetic review, my nurse had suggested bariatric surgery and that gave me a lot of hope - she was able to refer me for Tier 3.

I had my dietitian appointment yesterday and it went really well! It was about 30 minutes and went over the Tier 3 lifestyle changes, continued lifestyle changes (balanced meals, regular exercise, blood sugar monitoring, weight maintenance, etc), medications, and then any questions I might have. She was very positive and said she would be recommending me to go forward for surgery when the MDT meeting happens 🥲 (once I meet with the next consultants - psychologist, anaesthetist, bariatric nurse, and surgeon - how soon? No one knows.)

Needless to say, I am so relieved, so happy, and so excited to be moving forward even if it’s one step.

I’ve found out that my hospital trust now does their “one-stop” clinic as separate virtual appointments, rather than in-person. (So, perhaps it will be quite some time before that MDT meeting?) And then the endoscopy and ECG will be done at the pre-op assessment once a surgery date is confirmed.

I am so glad to hear your NHS experience has been so good and positive. I am so sorry to hear about your mother's complication and her passing, but it is so hopeful to hear she was able to put her diabetes into remission (that’s one of my big hopes!)

Congratulations on your weight loss and wishing all the health and success! 💕

PS - funny enough, I have not had any group sessions whatsoever in this process. I am wondering if I’ll have a group session with the bariatric nurse?

My group session was for the first initial information session and group psychology initially information session. but everything else was one on one or in person with a few team members.

I'm glad your moving forward! As I mentioned before, my friend who lives in Gloucestershire is trying to get surgery, but their NHS trust requires either comorbidities or a 50+ BMI which she doesn't have. It's really tricky when each NHS trust has so many differnt rules so any progress on the path as slow as it seems, is good.

You're on your way which is a good start! Keep us updated!

32 minutes ago, Dub said:

Anyone who has ever flown commercial has seen the safety briefing, right ?

"In the case of cabin pressure drop....an air mask will lower itself in front of each passenger.....put your own in place before helping those beside you"

Took me quite a while to realize that our own personal health condition is no different.

The WLS provided a wild ride for about three years. Surgery yield excellent weight loss results. Faster than I was ready for. I didn't make the best of decisions and never missed the opportunity to go have fun.

One day....I woke up from the hubris and took inventory. My marriage had somehow survived...as it had survived tough times well prior. I was a dad to an insanely gifted son. I had a good job surrounded by great people. Mostly, though....my wife was there at my side and patiently waiting for me to get my head extracted from my arse.

I did.

We then had what can only be described as the best years of our marriage....like we were dating again. I was blessed and the first to acknowledge such.

She had some health issues arise and we discovered it was worse than we were expecting. Diagnosis was cancer....treatment began right away but it was a terminal diagnosis. She fought hard...superhuman efforts. Her pain tolerance was Simply Beyond my compression. Cancer took her in April of 2021.

I maintained my promise to her to keep on with the sobriety.

I failed in most other ways. I had zero desire to cook as it was too painful. Anytime I'd try the sense of loss would be overpowering. We had so many fun times in and around the kitchen....I'd cook and she'd help me clean up my mess. Music always on....every day together was alike a date night.

I remain so very grateful to have been given those recent great years together....but I chickened out when it involved anything we'd once do together. No cooking of anything other than maybe a quick breakfast.....no music....no movies or shows we once enjoyed, no gym, no maintaining of friendships......just went to work each day and came home....existing off fast food and vending machine garbage at work.

Three and a half years went on like that.

As the fourth anniversary of her death loomed, I once again took inventory. What I acknowledged was ugly. The mirror sucked, the way most of my clothes fit sucked, my annual checkups with our primary care doc sucked....and I owned every single bit of it. I owned all that suck.

I also knew that she would kick my ass for letting myself give up like I had. I've never quit anything in my life....yet there I was....quitting on pretty much everything. I pissed myself off so badly.

I made the decision to crawl outa that hole and do what she would have me do if she was here to push & pull on me to get my shyt together. She fought so hard to live....and there I was... giving up...no fight, no attempt, just giving up like a punk.

So things began to improve greatly when I started jumping on what I could gain control of. My health was a perfect place to start.....

And so it has been going the last few months. Daily macros are improving more each day. Essentially Keto but am supplementing with fish oil, Fiber, turmeric, powdered greens, multi-vitamins.....trying to shore up every aspect of daily good stuff taken in. I flipped the collective bird to all the fast food restaurants and their drive thru windows. Screw 'em all.

Found the stereo again....whether in the truck or at the house. There is music.

Took over the yardwork....and there is a pile of it needed.

Joined a gym. Bought some new ear buds and gym clothes....and a heap more new music.

In short.....I acknowledged that throwing my own health away was what had been selfish......taking control of it was imperative.

The loss is still there....but my response to it is now different.

Now I am doing much more to honor her by living as she wanted me to. She wanted me to live....all aspects of living.

Health first, foremost and always.......and the other aspects of living are becoming more clear each day.

Life is a gift. Squandering that gift is a crime.

Longwinded answer.

That's a wonderful, but sad, story. It's also incredibly happy. You find your way through the darkness and that's incredible!

34 minutes ago, Dub said:

I still get a kick out of hearing the scale make its new lower reports, but I don't get pissed if there isn't some big drop or even an uptick from the day before. I know this for the long haul. There will be a steady drop and there may be a few days here or there where it'll be in a holding pattern before resuming the loss train.

This a great point!

This took a long for me to get to terms with. Just going up slightly while I was on the pre-op diet had me panicking that I would be refused surgery, and going slightly up or the scale not budging after surgery and I was convinced I was a failure. The scale is neither a friend, nor an enemy, but this mindset took some time for me to understand.

It is a marathon, not a sprint or *insert favourite cliche here*

On 5/27/2025 at 4:37 PM, Selina333 said:

I was just thinking about this. So looked it up on a bmi calculator. I will at least know my health is better and I have a greater chance of living longer if I get to the 160s. Yes, less than that will be great also. And had a follow up today. Went well. I speak with the plastic surgeon about skin removal on my stomach in 7 more months (at year mark) and have to have weighed about the same for 6 months, so at 18 months is when they'll consider surgery. Excited about that as well. Would love to hear your experiences with getting under being obese and also about plastic surgery. I heard Aetna will cover it. But no telling until we get to that point. Not going to worry much about it right now. Happy to be in the 180s after being in the 220-250 range most of my life. 🤗💗

Well done! Not being obese anymore is my goal too. I just being regular obese instead of morbidly, category 2 feels really good too as I never in my life thought I could do that!

I'm a London, UK based NHS patient. I've only just found your post, but I've added some hopefully helpful waffle to your original post.

I don't have experience of Portsmouth hospitals (only their seaside touristy spots) but in general, I've had only good experiences with the NHS treatment I got.

The psychologist visit is usually just a formality because I don't think a ten minute phone call is a really good gauge of someone's preparedness for a life altering surgery. If they NHS has already gotten you past the referral stage, I would imagine, you'll just need to wait until they can find a surgery slot.

I was approved in July of 2024 and told that "unless the moons and planets all align, you will likely get your surgery Spring 2025" I guess the moons aligned because two weeks later, they called to tell me it was time to start the 12 week milk pre-op diet and I was scheduled for October 2024. You will probably not have a 12 week pre-op diet. I was told this was a test group trial for University College London Hospital and because I had NAFLD.

Don't be too nervous (easier said than done, I'm sure) and congratulations! You've made it this far! You can do this!

We're all here to support you!

On 5/23/2025 at 4:16 PM, Bari_Hopeful said:

Hello, hello!

This is my first post here and after searching for this topic, not much came up for me, so here I am! 🙂

I was wondering if anyone here could share their experience going through the NHS Tier 4 appointments, particularly this first meeting with the bariatric dietitian? I'm assuming each trust probably has their own system of doing Tier 4, but for me, this is my first Tier 4 appointment and it’s a video call. After this appointment, if all goes well, I will (eventually 🤞) progress onwards to the in-person-at-the-hospital “one-stop clinic” to meet with the bariatric nurse, anaesthetist, psychologist, and surgeon.

I was successfully discharged from Tier 3 in Dec 2023 and have since been waiting for a Tier 4 appointment - the time has finally come! 🥳 Needless to say, I’m both excited and nervous - and happy to receive any words of advice or wisdom anyone can offer.

Also, for what it’s worth, I’m under the Portsmouth NHS trust (Queen Alexandra) and hoping for either the OAGB or RNY. Anyone have any experience with the QA bariatric team?

Thanks in advance!

Hi!

Sorry to have found your post so late! There's not a lot of NHS patients on here as this is mostly an American website.

I had my surgery in October 2024 on the NHS. I remember the dietician appointment was a video call with other patients before any surgeries were finalised.

I will admit that I don't feel like I got much out of it. The main message is eat slowly and prioritise Protein first when eating a meal.

The session with the psychologist (a ten minute phone call) was probably the least helpful as she just said I need to practice mindfulness and learn others ways to cope with stress other than eating. (Gee, thanks! Where was that advice when I was a fat 8 year old? 🙄)

I had a higher BMI than you currently do and the privilege of living in London, so I think I was bumped up a few tiers and fast tracked (I don't know if this true in general, but London seems to get the lion's share of the funding so hospitals are less strict. My Gloucester based friend has a BMI of 44, but because she has no comorbidities, she can't get any weight loss referrals because her BMI isn't 50+)

But I digress.

Once I had the surgery, it was a year and a half from the initial referral, it's mostly been smooth sailing. I had the gastric sleeve and had no problems. So far, I've lost 39 kg and more fatty liver has improved significantly.

My mother had the gastric bypass (also on the NHS). She had a complication, St Anthony's private hospital did the surgery, but the NHS covered it but once they operated again, she had no problems. She never shared exactly how much she weighed with me, but she went from a size 28-30 to a 22 and reversed her diabetes. She passed away in 2023, but if she hadn't, she would be much smaller I'm sure.

I've had a great experience so far with my procedure and weight loss. I really do recommend going the NHS route if you are able to do so.

Well done on making this decision to change your life! You've got this. Sometimes, just making the decision to get help is the hardest part!

Definitely a win in my eyes, or more accurately, a near win

I walk passed a charity shop every day on my way to work and they've had a dress in there that I've loved for awhile (Light grey stripes with neon yellow stripes). I never bought it because it's a size S and I'm not a size S. Still sometimes never think I could be. But still, I admired it from afar.

For months, I've seen it in there next to the neon yellow hot pants (I love neon, but I will never be a hot pants person as I don't like the wedgie feeling)

I handed in my resignation a month ago and am moving on to new neon green pastures. So I told myself, if that dress is still there on the last day of work and it's the last time I will walk by that charity shop, it must be fate.

So I bought the dress. As my mother would say "just because it goes around you, doesn't mean it fits". She was right. It doesn't fit. Yet. But the fact I can even get a size S to go around me is a victory. Something I would never have dreamed.

But it WILL fit me. Not just because I believe in fate, not just because no one else wanted this grey and neon yellow eye sore, but because I've quite literally worked my arse off.

On 5/23/2025 at 7:52 PM, DaisyChainOz said:

You look terrific. Well done!

Those dress size numbers going down are so rewarding aren't they!! 😁

Yes, but I have to buy new clothes and some of my favourite outfits look like tents. I just have to learn how to sew and alter things.

On 5/24/2025 at 5:06 AM, WendyJane said:

That is great for you!! Your size is smaller, and you feel good too, right? How has your health changed since your surgery? I did it for health reasons and would not ever want to go back. Best decision I made and I'm looking forward to see my new life emerge. Congratulations!

I feel so much better! Yes, i did it for health reasons, but I won't lie and say it don't look better now. The only heath problems I realy had apart form the obesity were PCOS os NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). I don't know if the PCOS symptoms have really improved or not since I was asymptomaticfor a long time, but I have been told my liver function has improved significantly because of the weight loss! I used to cycle everywhere when I was bigger, but I couldn't conquer the hills on the bike. (I live in North London, which is basically i smal mountain range compared to the rest of London) Now, I cycle everywhere and I can make (most) hills my b*****s. Just one left that I am training to climb on the bike. I have no reason to take that route except pride at this point.

Yes there is long term damage to my knees and hips, but that wasn't all weight related, I just have flat feet and had problems with my posture that was exacerbated by my weight problems.

I'm glad I did this and the health benefits are definitely the main ones.

I live in the UK, so what you cam get over there may be different, but I like Myprotein. My favourite is to add the salted caramel flavour with some cinnamon to some oatmeal. But I also really like their chocolate mint and I add that or some of the cookie dough flavour to some milk when I want something a little sweet. I would also say get a good blender. I've done the Protein shaker bottles and they just never blend in. I end up with milk and a lump of powder in the mixer part.

On 5/15/2025 at 9:58 PM, LiamofKY said:

Hey everyone! I had my surgery on the 9th! Everything went really well, I’m still a little sore, but it gets easier every day. The biggest challenge has been the Protein Shakes, while they were good at first, I have begun to have a dislike for them. Tomorrow is mashed potatoes, Soups, and creamy peanut butter! Looking forward to that immensely. So far I haven’t experienced any nausea or vomiting. I already feel a change in my weight I’ve lost 25 lbs between my preop and post op diet. Once I start working out the weight should fall off. Thanks to everyone who greeted me and sent their well wishes!

Congratulations!

I'm wearing a new pair of jeans that are a size 14 (uk or size 10us)

I have NEVER been a size 14 in my life!

When I was a kid, I went from a kids 6 to a juniors 11 to a 16! Even when moving to the UK as a teenager and taking into account size diversions, I've never been this size.

I'm not supposed to wear jeans to work, but my manager was so happy for me, she let me today! (I guess also because my last week is next week) but still.

It's been an amazing 7 months! Three years ago, I lost my stepfather, two years ago i lost my mother and I was at my lowest point mentally and couldn't imagine light at the end of that tunnel, and now I'm happier and healthier than I thought I could ever be again!

Thanks to everyone on this forum as well when I've spiraled and you've kept me inspired.