Feeling very grateful

Over the last several months it has been interesting to notice that some days things seem so easy and other days things are a definite challenge. Pre-surgery I made a list of goals that I hoped to achieve and have faithfully updated that list over the last 7 1/2 months. A lot of my goals were activity based as prior to surgery I was very inactive due to significant joint pain. In fact, I existed on large doses of ibuprofen and prescription pain meds. If I was going to go shopping for any significant amount of time then I would have to use one of the motorized carts. My pain level and lack of mobility was one of the main motivations for me to have the surgery.

Boy have things changed. 7 1/2 months later I could shop for hours; which is a good thing since I need all new clothes. I do boot camp or walk several days a week. In the last couple of months I accomplished a 5k and a 10k and yesterday I walked a half marathon in 3:32:11. Was I sore last night and today? Sure thing but guys, I did it and it feels great! In 8 short months I transformed from someone who just existed each day and had to sit on the couch to someone who can complete a half marathon.

It is a struggle for me to find the words to adequately express how thankful I am that I was able to have this surgery. Don't get me wrong, the sleeve hasn't magically cured everything that was ever wrong in my life. I still have bad days and crappy things still happen. However, it is one more tool that I have been given that is helping me to reclaim my life. Additionally,  I have a fantastic medical team that is doing their darndest to keep me healthy and allow me to reach my goals provided that I put in the work. All of you here at OH are also another fantastic area of support. I really appreciate the ability to come here and share my trials and successes and get new ideas and information. I still have a ways to go but wanted to thank everyone so much for the support each and every day. 

Apologize for the length of this. Apparently today my heart felt very full and needed to share :)

I love this post.  Congratulations on a half marathon!  WOW.  You're rocking this.  

Thanks Elaine. I am still really darn happy that I finished and I'm pretty psyched about being able to sustain a good pace the entire time too. If I wasn't stiff and sore today I might still be dancing around a little bit from it :)

Thank you for posting this!  it's always nice to read an uplifting story about all the great changes that have occurred post-op 

I think that is why I wanted to post. It is really easy to get caught up in the frustrations and fears that come along with overhauling our life. I knew that if anyone would get my happiness over the changes that it would be the folks here. 

    What a wonderful wonderful heartfelt post.  xoxox  (Almost brings tears to my eyes).. It's because of people like you and posts like this that spurs people like me on (fairly newbie) and very motivational.  BTW.... BIG CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.   

I will be honest and tell you that there were a couple of times that I teared up during the half marathon and I am NOT a crier. My amazement and happiness at the changes just kinda bubbled up out of me yesterday. Thanks so much for the congratulations. I can't wait for what is still to come. The future really is bright. 

That is a fantastic post!!

What a great post.  Your progress and the life changes you've made are awesome.  And the pain some of us lived with pre-op is nothing like the pain/soreness we earn post-op from exercise, eh? :D