Jillian O. featured on WLS Facebook page!

Hello - I'm the admin for a WLS Facebook support page. From time to time I like to feature members of the WLS community. Last week I decided I wanted to share the story of a fitness inspiration post WLS. Jillian responded to my post and this week I featured her story. It seemed appropriate to share on this board as well.  

See here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=293487289160&sk=pict ure#!/notes/weight-loss-surgery/featured-member-jillian/2187 85241482395

Congrats to you, Jillian! Your story brought tears to my eyes!!

Thanks for letting me share my story! I have never thought of myself as inspirational, just a war veteran trying to move on to the rest of my life. A bunch of roadblocks along the way, but I think I finally have things under control.

You are an inspiration ! Proud to call myself your friend.

Thanks Nate, since I started posting here I admire greatly that you keep up with such an intense lifting and cardio regiment despite getting bad medical news, while other would sit on their couch wallowing in their own misery, you keep plugging away. You sir, are the inspiration!

Wow Jillian, never knew everything you went through.  You must be so proud of yourself, it's quite an incredible journey you've taken.  It's an honor to know you!

Jan

Thank you Jan! Making me blush. Being a war veteran, I sometimes feel alone in the journey. Since so many WLS patients have always been heavy, a large number of them didn't get to join the military. When I got really involved in training and racing, I found this group and finally felt that I found a "home" within the WLS community. I found somewhere I belong. Also, the training and racing has been my therapy in overcoming war. Because I found my "thing" I have made dramatic progress, and I encourage my fellow veterans who are struggling to find their "thing". When the weight came off, I felt free. One of my friends discovered motorcycles, and riding is his therapy, and he organized rides where to proceeds benefit veteran organizations.