I Found This Preop Picture of Myself . . .

I have been promising my real life OH friends a picture from my pre WLS life.  Because I moved here post op and after my most dramatic weight loss, no one here really knows what I used to look like. 

I found this picture tucked away in my brief case.  The best I can come up with is that is it probably from 2001.  I was at my heaviest, about 288 pounds.   I was working a job that I hated and which was destroying my soul, my brother had recently died, and my remaining brother was fighting mental illness and substance abuse.  I was living alone and had no family in the immediate area.   Just about every factor which could influence me to become and remain depressed and miserable. 

At the time, I thought this picture wasn't so bad.  In retrospect, every sadness that I felt is written on my face.  I feel so sorry for this girl.  She tried so hard for so long to be the best friend, sister, employee possible.  She had just about given up on herself, though. 

Shortly after this picture was taken I started a medically supervised diet program whi*****luded a food journal, exercise and prescription medications.  I lost about 70 pounds and my physician was thrilled.  He considered me a success.  Unfortunately, I was still obese, and barely made it out of morbid obesity before I began to regain.   But that was a very important step in my taking back control of my body and my life.  It has taken me a long time to relearn how to stand up for myself, but everyday it gets a little bit easier and more natural.  I believe the final break with my employer came as a result of my decision to have WLS and making that my priority.

Fast forward to July 2008.  Surgery was in April 2007 and I now weigh 155 - 157 pounds.  I have not been this size since sometime in high school in the 1980.  

It has been a long road from 2001 to 2008.  And I made it out to the other side in one piece.  I am deeply joyful that I did not give up and had the resiliency and persistence to finally take care of my body and myself.

BTW:  I can't figure out how to insert a photo.  If you go to my photos in my profile, you will see a couple of recent pictures.  The preop pic is in my befores.

 

As they say - The eyes are the window to the soul.  Your window was indeed full of sorrow.  What a difference to see happiness shine through you eyes now.  You have worked hard to get where you are now...

Wow, what a change.  We can definitely see the joy taking control has given you!  :)  Congrats on taking back your life...and hey, you look fabulous too! 

Magpie,
Thank you for sharing about your weight loss journey.
It always helps me read about what others were going though and feeling.
The saddness in your eyes is there in your before picture.
Now when I see you in person and in some of your after pics you have what I call dancing eyes.
Your transformation is beutiful.
I hope to see you on the 20th.
                                   Annie
you must tell me what your screen name means