18 Month post op photo

We just had family portraits done and they coincide with my 18 month anniversary. My new avatar is one of the photos I had done. I have a couple of others posted on my profile. Ben will be having his surgery in a couple of weeks. It will really be interesting to see what next year's holiday photos look like in comparison.

At 18 months post op, I'm feeling much better than I did when I started this journey.  I have been able to cross off most of health and quality of life items I had on my checklist... I'm still coming to terms with the new me and honestly having the portraits does help some with that. I keep thinking that I like the way I look when I'm about 12 to 15 lbs heavier ... and I do, but looking at these latest photos as though I were looking at someone else and I have to admit, I look okay. I'm working on not being quite so self-critical. 

I think that the first 12 months were about getting the weight off. I think that the second 12 months are about learning to live in and maintain the new body I worked so hard to attain.

Barbara,

Your new pics are so beautiful... You and Ben look like you *belong* together.  Yes, next year's Holiday pics will be interesting. 

Learn to believe in yourself....

Shelia

Hi Sheila,

Thanks for the compliments and encouragement.

 

Barbara, you look great! Congratulatons.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff! So do you!

Just beutiful pics I enjoyed looking at them all.
I do have a question OT do you think the pumkim mousse will freeze well? I just made some and there is so much I am going to use some to take to my brothers for Thanksgiving so I am wondering if I could freeze the rest.
                                             Annie

Hi Annie,

Thanks for the compliments... 

RE: the pumpkin mouse ... I think it will freeze because you can make frozen pudding pops with the pudding mix and of course the cool whip freezes, but I've never tried it. I guess you can give it a try and see what happens.

Hi Barbara,  You have a very nice looking family.  The photos are great.  Size 4 jeans????? , and the boots... you go girl.... I can only wish, but I know my day is coming....  Happy Thanksgiving  Connie

Hi Connie,

I was talking to Ben just this week and asked him if he would have ever thought I'd end up as small as I am? He said no, he would have never thought so either, that he thought I would have been more 'average' sized ... which is about a 12. Me too... What a surprise?!

Your day is literally just around the corner... It will be interesting to see where you land 18 months from now.

You look wonderful Barb!  Congratulations!

Take care and hopefully, see you soon.
Ellen