An Update from Me! (w/ plastic surgery progress photos)

I open every post these days with, "It's been so long since I posted..." I remember when I first started the process (almost three years ago), I saw a lot of people post online that were 18 months+ out that talked about how they were so busy living their life that they were absent from online communities. At the time, I remember thinking "I can't wait to be that person" and that's exactly who I am today.

Things have been very busy for the past few months. I found myself really eager to explore more of the country/world and travel. My previous job didn't allow me to do that and so I started searching. I just completed my 8th week at a new job that has kept me on the road for 7 out of those 8! I'm doing well with the new company and I travel the country on someone else's dime. Can't complain too much!

It's strange to be living this new life. I live in a world now where everybody I meet (from my company or companies we work with) only knows this version of me. Nobody has any idea that I used to be heavier and sometimes they poke fun at how careful I am to not eat too much and exercise on the road. Sometimes I even get comments on how I don't need to worry about it so much because I'm "fit" (which is funny because I don't consider myself to be that fit at all.

Being on the road is a struggle when it comes to eating well. For the first few weeks, I let the food and drink consume me (because hey, it's free!) But I have been doing better for the past couple of weeks. I am about 5-7 lbs higher than I want to be... so I'm working on getting into a better routine. I'm confident that I can find a balance. This kind of confidence isn't something I have ever had. Heck, maintaining weight is something I was never able to do before - and in February I will be two years into maintenance (though plastic surgery did remove about 10-12 lbs). It's always a struggle and a fight - but for me, it's effort and a fight that is completely worth it.

Without this whole process, this new job never would have been a reality either. The fact that I can easily hop on a plane, fit into seats, need no seatbelt extender, and walk quickly in heels across the airport is not lost on me. I see people struggle to do these things almost daily now and I empathize. I realize it really wasn't that long ago where I was in the same position. I am thankful everyday that I don't have to worry about these things, but also realize that I could be right back in that position if I'm not mindful and careful.

Those are my random thoughts for now! If you are interested in updated plastic surgery photos, click here to visit my blog and use the password capella2014

Wow! Yiou look fabulous. Im just beginning my journey and am curious what all was done, how many surgeries, amd how much it cosy. Thank you for posting your journey.

Thanks so much for continuing to post, even if it is just occasionally. I love hearing the stories of those farther out, they truly provide inspiration!

Hi Nikke,

Its nice to hear from you. You are looking great, and I am so pleased that you are doing so well with maintenance. It is a challenge to be mindful and careful in eating. I am fully aware how easy it would be to slip back into bad habits and gain weight. Its a life-long commitment.

Please keep posting. Its inspiring to hear of your success.

best wishes,

Carol

As always, it's good to hear form you! Glad things are going so well and you are enjoying your new job (and life!). Fantastic progress on your plastics healing. The scars look great!

As always, you have my best!

Your pictures are so reassuring to me!

And what you say about seeing people struggle really resonates with me. I really felt that at the last convention I went to - seeing all the people who I used to be. I empathize with them so much and remember how miserable it was to be SMO at those functions. I will NEVER take this new-me for granted. Nor will I ever be flippant and suggest that someone can lose a massive amount of weight with just "diet and exercise."

You are awesome. Thanks for being a role model for me. :)

Glad to hear people 'living life'...isn't that what this is all about? Thank you for sharing your plastic surgery photos. You look awesome, and it all looks so natural. Can I ask why you had a LBL revision? Did you live Close to Dr.Capella? I live about 1 1/2 hours from him, but it involved going through NYC.. so 1 1/2 hrs+++... Want someone who know WLS patients... but don't know how the distance would work.

Hey Nik....

Keep fightin the good fight !!!

Glad to hear things are all good with you, I always admired your determination and how you worked and saved for your procedures. Your a fighter !!!!

frisco

You look wonderful. Some of the best healed plastic surgery I have seen. Thank you so much for being willing to share them and your body so openly. It is very reassuring to see plastics can look so good.

It's always great to see your posts Nikke. You do a great job describing how life after surgery can be more complex, interesting, and worthwhile than most people just starting out can imagine.