Seven years ago

Seven years ago I weighed 278 pounds and was tired,miserable and in pain every single day. I was winded going down my basement steps and would have to rest before I started the laundry. I never went out in public except to go to church and I isolated myself because I was ashamed of how big I was. I had diabetes, high cholesterol,uncontrolled high blood pressure on 3 pillsand high triglycerides and wore a tight size 28 pants. When I was put on shots for my diabetes I realized I had to make a change. August 30,2012 I had gastric bypass surgery and it has totally changed my life. Now I wear a size 0 and weigh 121.8 pounds. Gone are the diabetes,high cholesterol and high triglycerides and my blood pressure is normal on one low dose pill. I have energy to clean my house,can run down the basement steps and walk 4 or 5 miles everyday with my boxer Lily. Hubby and I travel with the United Methodist Nomads,retired couples and singles who work at churches,children's homes and church camps. I climb ladders,paint,carry wood and can do anything I set my mind to and have energy left to walk with Lily at the end of the day. My surgery was the best decision I could have ever made as it gave me my life back. It's not easy in fact somedays it is a struggle to make the good food choices and to choose to move instead of being lazy. But anytime I want to give in and make a bad choice I look at my before picture and that makes the good choice a lot easier. I look at that picture and remember how sad and miserable I felt and pledge to do whatever it takes to not go back there again. Posting here with all of you holding me accountable has been the biggest blessing! I know I'm not the only one who struggles with her relationship with food and I draw comfort to keep up the daily fight to make each choice the best one I can. Thanks for being here. Before and after pic to follow.

You're an inspiration! I love hearing these personal stories as they give me hope and truth!

thank you so much for sharing!

Amazing!!!

You are an amazing lady, Karen! I can only hope to have your staying power.

Congratulations Karen!! You are certainly a success story and an example for all of us here on OH!

A true inspiration, Karen. Thank you for being consistent and here on OH. I may not post every day but I do read and you are such a kind person with great advice. Congratulations!

Such a inspiriting, motivational story. You look amazing. Thanks for sharing. Love stories like these!

Karen, you are such an inspiration! Your story and how you are focused on doing good for your community now that you are so active is really a testament to how amazing you are.

Karen, you are #goals for sure! As someone who is almost six years out, your initial loss is of course impressive but the fact you've maintained it is phenomenal. Lily and your husband and boys will have you around for a long, long time thanks to you being so healthy! And you look great. So many congratulations!!!

Wow, you did not just have surgery, you had surgery and did everything right afterwards. You are a real inspiration to me and to everyone on this site.