3 months post-op with progress pic

Yesterday marked 3 months and 50lbs since surgery! It has been an interesting journey so far. Unlike many people, I was not excited for surgery whatsoever. At the time I felt very overwhelmed my failing health at a relatively young age (type 2 diabetes, chronic pain, rising blood pressure, arthritis) and I felt like surgery was the most logical option. I knew I was very lucky to have insurance coverage, but that gratitude was about as close to enthusiasm as I could muster. I entered into the process feeling sad and little bitter, but determined.

In the weeks following surgery I went through the typical buyer's remorse. I felt exhausted and deprived and I was starting to think I had made a serious mistake. Thankfully the fatigue began to lift, and the last two weeks I have felt more "normal" than I have in a long time. Better than normal actually.

I have started to really feel the difference in my body. Being over 80lbs lighter I can move so much more freely and easily. I can sit in any chair without having to squeeze in, or worry that I won't fit. I can cross my legs, and walk uphill without turning into a flaming red tomato face. The thing that excites me most is returning to yoga. 10 years ago it was a really special practice in my life, but as I got bigger I could hardly do the postures and eventually I stopped completely.

I am starting to feel genuinely excited for my future. I've been taking family walks with Nick and the kids and I realized how long it had been since I was active with them at all. They are all 3 so energetic and active, and I've always been on the sideline, but I'm changing that. We have a family vacation in 12 weeks to Orlando, and I can't wait now that I have the energy to do more than just sit and watch.

Thank you to all of you who post on this forum. It has been such a fantastic source of information, motivation, and inspiration and I think it will continue to be a source of support and accountability. You are really making a difference.

Jess

Wow. You look gorgeous. But what's more important, you so happy and relaxed!

Great job!

Congratulations!

You look great! Congrats on your success so far.

You look absolutely beautiful, but more importantly, you look happy! Keep up the good work!

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement!

I think, as our weight creeps up on us over the years (and suddenly we realize...oh my gosh, I'm over 300 pounds!) we tend to not notice that we get less and less active. We go out less, because we are worried about fitting into booths or feeling out of place. I don't know how we hide it from ourselves, but we do.

I'm so, so happy for you! You look fantastic, and that happy smile on your face quite literally brought a tear to my eye. It's funny how subjective our weight is. I'm down to 319, which is almost where you started, but I feel SO much better now. I cannot WAIT TO GET TO MY 3 MONTHS. Thanks for the feeling of motivation from seeing your awesome results!

You are so right! It happens slowly and we adjust to the new normal. It's like building our own prison one bar at a time. Losing it suddenly is interesting because you can directly compare. Yesterday I got on the elliptical (which has mostly been collecting dust over the past couple of years) planning to do 20 minutes. After 20 minutes passed I felt fine and went for another 20. A few months ago 40 minutes of constant motion would've killed me, but I can just move now! It is such a relief! I'm so excited to get stronger!

I'm glad you're feeling better already. You're doing great!

What a beautiful transformation, you look so happy and healthy! Congratulations on getting back to Yoga, that's a big one!