Does one's Journey really ever end?
When I see people post pics of their successes and their accomplishments it is so wonderful to see. Like an ending to a long task that is very hard.. .but in getting close to my goal now myself, I wonder if the "hard" part is really over..... surely maintaining a weight, never to go back as before will be just as much a struggle to stay there.... so really...is the journey really ever over?
Guess it's what you call life and living.... being ever mindful of a situation that can slip into that danger zone if no****ched.... and it is sooo easy to slip back into old patterns if not careful. One can spiral out of control easily enough and get caught up in the emotional eating....having a person in your life to grab hold of you and remind you to get back on track is so important... we all need that helping hand to keep us on track, for which i am ever thankful of in my life to have. Accountability is so important.... we can hide so well, but being accountable to friends.... keeps us honest... but those friends who will remain true and be the one over our shoulder... reminding us are few and are such a blessing. A safety net much needed.
Having been 600 pounds 2 1/2 years ago.. is alot to get one's head wrapped around, especially now fitting into clothes in a "normal" store lol. The body may have "lost" weight, but the mind still thinks "big" and takes time to assimulate. Many things to get "use to" even friends who may treat you differently, heck even society treats you differently.... so many things to get use to. People look at me now, they don't see the scars below, whether invisible or visible they are there.... if they seen them would they act differently? But I guess that is a cross section of life... there will be always those that judge... somethings you never escape.... so the struggles continue in life.... there is no ending... just a continuing journey IMO.
In less than a month, on March 20th I will finally have my hernia repair. A reminder of neglecting my health finally repaired (my gut is fully outside my abdominal wall) Life will change for me again that day. Doc says I could lose 20-50lbs in the skin removal alone for the repair. Having not to wear clothes to camophlage a large hernia will definitely be different.... so watch out world lol.
For those of you struggling along your journey... you are not alone.... keep working at yourself n your surgeon's plans... be proud of your accomplishments. It's a long hard one but it's so rewarding. Health especially. Having been on blood pressure meds and 170 units of insulin a day and now on nothing feels so good. Not to mention the energy I feel to do things I never did before... everything is so worth it. Keep to your plan, you will accomplish what you've set out to do.
So here's a few befores... and presents lol... for my "afters" is a continuing saga in this journey of mine....
BEFORE:
PICTURE AFTER SEEING SURGEON FEB25TH 2011 AT 430lbs:by dec was 238lbs before vsg surgery.
WALKING ... taken by chronicle herald story
I am grateful for this forum and for all the amazing people who share their experiences, such as you, to help people like me. It is a courageous journey and i am looking forward to sharing my journey as well. Good luck with your next surgery and all the best to you and your awesome life :)
Strong Bean :)
You have a very inspirational story! Thanks for sharing your transformation in pictures. I'm very happy for you, not only having lost so much weight, but to take charge of your health and be able to get the hernia treatment you need.
Congrats! Keep rockin' it!
5'5" Goal reached, but fighting regain. Back to Basics.
Start Weight 246 Goal Weight 160 Current Weight 183
Starting size: 22, 2x
Current size: 12, L
Having the VSG is wonderful to have. It is however not a saviour of all weight issues... for we battle with ourselves n old habits that can easy put that weight back on very easily..even with the restriction we now have.
when the surgeon said to me 1/2 hr walking or exercise a day for the rest of your life is a must.... IT IS... and being in maintenance cannot get me out of that habit irregardless what one tells themselves in balancing diet and exercise.
WOW......U R AMAZING! You look great and ur hard work is paying off. What excersie do u do? I saw the picture of u walking what else do u do? R there ever days where u just don't want to excersise? How do u motivate urself? I am still trying to get myself motivate to excerse. Any advise would be great! 
Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So....get on your way! - Dr. Seuss
month 1-14 month 2 - 12
http://www.youtube.com/user/72Crabadams Me rambling about my journey : )
