Three years down, a lifetime to go

What a whirlwind these past three years have been. I had no idea the impact that losing weight would have on how I view my life. I feel that I am worthy of being whomever I can dream of being and have just as much right to try as anyone else does. Even when I was smaller/younger I didn't feel that I was an equal. If someone wanted my place, I moved aside. If someone was approaching, I would yield. If someone was looking at the last Mitchum deodorant stick that I wanted to buy, I would buy another brand! In my mind I thought it was courtesy but looking back, I know that it was a feeling of inadequacy that led me to submit. Going hand in hand with that was me quitting college to work in a factory when I was 19. I never got my degree, my job moved to Juarez, Mexico and I once again had failed. Well, In October of last year I mustered up my confidence to look for a job doing something that I love yet had no work experience doing.. cooking. I was hired to work in the kitchen at a retirement center making desserts where they consider me a Pastry Chef and I've started taking classes to become an RN. I've been torn between following my heart and going to culinary school or following my head and going to nursing school so that I can support my family in case my husband loses his job. So far my head is winning because I already have the job of my dreams and no college training is necessary. I just hope I can keep up the steam to make it through college doing something that I am comfortable with but not passionate about. It amazes me that 3 short years ago I was basically housebound at only 29 years old and terrified that I would die while home alone with my children. Now the possibilities are endless and I find it hard to restrain myself. I am hovering between 175 and 185 lbs, wearing size 10/medium clothes and enjoying being a girly girl. I wear makeup every day, just got gel nails with french tips put on for the first time and wear heels when I can. Loving life up one side and down the other! I have my food moments too when I let the junk win but every day is a battle in a war that I am winning. I haven't taken 3 year post op pics yet though my anniversary was on the 13th. Will post when I do. Please check in, friends. Good or bad we understand better than others could what you are going through.

Lauren,

What a great story. I am so proud of you just as you are rightfully proud of yourself. You have come so far and you are certainly a success and a postive example to others. You no longer have to step aside for others, you are an equal and you have nothing to hide from.

I wish you continued success and I am so happy you are out there living and enjoying your new life. You deserve it.


Take care, Rick