I am a "veteran" today!

[McButterpants 2,846]

It seems impossible, but I am one year out today...

This process became about so much more than a number on the scale. I have finally am living the life I am meant to live. While I do wish the scale reads a lower number, it's not as important to me as it once was. I am no longer held back because of my weight. I am healthy for the first time in decades. I like myself again.

I lost so many years being unhappy. I became disconnected from friends and family. I allowed my weight to drag me down. I realize that now. I realize that to my friends and family, I was just me. They didn't judge me, they loved me even when I couldn't love myself. My husband loved me at 256 pounds and he loves me now. My son didn't see his fat mom before, he just accepted me as I was. I know this now.

This year has been amazing! It has been full of tears, laughter, mourning and celebration (sometimes all of those things in the same day)!!!! I found out I love hot yoga. If you would have told me a year ago that I would have laughed! I love to hike. I love to go to the gym and work out. I am more outgoing socially than I was a year ago. I got a promotion - I don't think that's directly related to the weight loss, I think it's because I am no longer hiding in the background. I have so much more confidence! I can shop in the Misses section and can shop at Eddie Bauer, one of my favorite stores! I haven't shopped there in 20 years. I can now wear anything in the store, not have to order on line out of the Plus section.

I have learned so much from this forum and the members who are kind enough to post and answer questions. This has been and still is a valuable tool for me to use. I try to help others as they have helped me. So, thank you!

[4me4them 381]

Congratulations and THANKS for your post. As someone who is getting the sleeve on 03 December, it is good to hear your words. I'm not having second thoughts at all...just nervous worrying...

[lsereno 2,525]

Congrats and welcome Vet!

Lynda

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I am so happy for you!

Best advice I got was at my 1 year check up and surgeon said that year 2 was nearly as important as year one...time to learn maintaining. I took that seriously to heart and continue to treat maintenance seriously ...and it gets a bit harder over time.

[Katcloudshepherd 630]

McButterpants,

Congratulations! So happy for you and I can relate--just a few more weeks and I'll be a year out. Wow, time sure moves quickly, especially the older I get .

Thank you CowgirlJane for that advice about the 2nd year. I sure will keep that in mind.

Blessings to everyone and hope y'all have a good one.

Kathleen