Life can't get much better...

crystal M.
on 8/15/15 7:03 pm - Joliet, IL

I just got back from my honeymoon. Yes I married a very wonderful man.

My life now and before surgery...to say it is completely different is not an understatement. I was 360 lbs and not feeling well...inside or out. The least little bit of activity tired me out and exhausted me. I would sweat just from walking around the grocery store. I was afraid to take risks. I never dated...in fact it had been over a decade since I had been in a relationship. I had low self confidence and a low self image. I respected myself enough to not let people abuse me or use me...but I made self deprecating jokes about my weight. Basically I put myself down.

Fast forward 6 years and now I have taken enough risks that I have changed jobs and now make close to twice as much as I did before. I don't cringe when I see myself in pictures. I still have to work on thinking I am beautiful...I always say I am average or plain. I should not do that. But hey it's a work in progress. I have obviously started to date again. I dated a dud that broke my heart and cheated on me. But guess what I had enough self respect and worth to say good bye to a crappy unhealthy relationship. I was then rewarded with Greg. A very wonderful, kind man that has done nothing but make my life better and better.

Now has all this happened because I am thinner. Yes. Not because of the outside is more attractive. But because I changed on the inside. I became more confident and started to take more risks. I believe happiness is the most important aspect of my life. Why happiness. Well everything is connected to happiness. My family, health, love life, work life, and the world around me and how I interact with people. I am a happier and more content person. I strive to be happier and make the people around me happier. I was never like that before.

So yes I lost almost 200lbs and have been able to maintain this loss. But more importantly is the change inside.

Before -

After- and a few wedding photos

White Dove
on 8/15/15 8:24 pm - Warren, OH

RNY on 10/16/07

Beautiful story and beautiful bride

Real life begins where your comfort zone ends

Jenn77p
on 8/15/15 2:08 pm

RNY on 08/07/15

U r beautiful! Congrats on ur wedding.

Jenn 77 p

Doingrightin2015
on 8/16/15 3:09 am

RNY on 03/10/15

You are very pretty. Thanks for sharing your story. Congratulations on your wedding wishing you many happy years together!

Doingitright2015

HW in life 282 HW265 at start SW 244 CW170

Missella20
on 8/16/15 5:41 am

RNY on 07/11/13

Congratulations!! Happy for you!! You are beautiful!!!

HW 264 SW 234 CW 149 5'4"

H.A.L.A B.
on 8/16/15 5:50 am

RNY on 05/14/08

You look amazingly happy!!! Congratulations!!!

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

Loser2542
on 8/16/15 6:00 am

I love this post! I am so glad to hear about how your complete well being was positively impacted by your surgery. I hope you continue with a lifetime of "happy"!

HW: 388 SW: 240 CW: 172 Surgery Date 11/07/2014 VSG with Dr. Chengelis

lking
on 8/16/15 7:04 am - Indianapolis, IN

RNY on 12/04/15

WOW! Such a beautiful and inspiring story. I wish the very best for you. Congrats on your marriage.

67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.