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I personally love cold pizza; He does not. What side are you on?? 🤔

I personally love cold pizza; He does not. What side are you on?? 🤔

About two and a half years ago, I made a life changing decision. After almost two years of Covid lockdowns, seven years of poor mental health and a deep hatred of the direction my life was going, I consulted my doctor about Bariatric surgery. It was the absolute last resort, something I adamantly did not want but something needed to change. I’ve been heavy all of my adult life but being locked in, away from the world took its toll and I ballooned to over 350 lbs. Mind you, I am 6 feet tall & big boned but at 30 years old, I was in constant pain. Severe back pain, that was “blamed” on my weight (let’s ignore the fractured disk and mass on my spine…that can’t possibly cause pain, right?); severe plantar fasciitis and swelling in my feet. I avoided mirrors, especially when naked bc I hated my body.

There is a horrible misconception about Bariatric surgery. It is NOT the easy way out. It is NOT permanent. I spent nine months taking classes in nutrition, meeting with dietitians, social workers, nurses and psychologists to get to the bottom of my eating disorder (yes, obesity is an eating disorder whether society wants to admit it or not). When I was finally approved, I couldn’t wait! Yes, surgery is drastic and risky, but I was a walking time bomb. All my labs all came back “normal” but how long would that last?

July 21, 2022 I started three weeks of a strict, liquid only diet. The shakes tasted like shit…basic nutrients to keep me alive and shrink my liver. Although I was supposed to drink four a day, by the end I was lucky to get one in me a day. I definitely took eating for granted. August 13 was my surgery date and I had already lost 32 lbs in those three weeks.

After surgery was worse. First week, liquid diet, watered down beverages, no solid foods. Slowly, I introduced new foods and learned my new stomach. I had a laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve….my stomach is the size and shape of a small banana).

At the two year mark, I am down almost 95 lbs and about 40 lbs away from my goal. To say I’ve had an easy go since surgery would be inaccurate. I suffer from frequent acid reflux (>1% of sleeve patents get it…yay me), dumping syndrome and other side effects BUT, I would do it again in a heartbeat. My back pain is gone (still have arthritis and a mass on my spine but the nerve pain is gone); the swelling and plantar fasciitis are gone. My self esteem and mental health better (not perfect, but significantly better).

To anyone who feels trapped in their body, I see you. It takes immense courage to seek help but the benefits are worth it! I have my life back! I have a better job and a brighter outlook in my future. It can be done.

About two and a half years ago, I made a life changing decision. After almost two years of Covid lockdowns, seven years of poor mental health and a deep hatred of the direction my life was going, I consulted my doctor about Bariatric surgery. It was the absolute last resort, something I adamantly did not want but something needed to change. I’ve been heavy all of my adult life but being locked in, away from the world took its toll and I ballooned to over 350 lbs. Mind you, I am 6 feet tall & big boned but at 30 years old, I was in constant pain. Severe back pain, that was “blamed” on my weight (let’s ignore the fractured disk and mass on my spine…that can’t possibly cause pain, right?); severe plantar fasciitis and swelling in my feet. I avoided mirrors, especially when naked bc I hated my body.

There is a horrible misconception about Bariatric surgery. It is NOT the easy way out. It is NOT permanent. I spent nine months taking classes in nutrition, meeting with dietitians, social workers, nurses and psychologists to get to the bottom of my eating disorder (yes, obesity is an eating disorder whether society wants to admit it or not). When I was finally approved, I couldn’t wait! Yes, surgery is drastic and risky, but I was a walking time bomb. All my labs all came back “normal” but how long would that last?

July 21, 2022 I started three weeks of a strict, liquid only diet. The shakes tasted like shit…basic nutrients to keep me alive and shrink my liver. Although I was supposed to drink four a day, by the end I was lucky to get one in me a day. I definitely took eating for granted. August 13 was my surgery date and I had already lost 32 lbs in those three weeks.

After surgery was worse. First week, liquid diet, watered down beverages, no solid foods. Slowly, I introduced new foods and learned my new stomach. I had a laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve….my stomach is the size and shape of a small banana).

At the two year mark, I am down almost 95 lbs and about 40 lbs away from my goal. To say I’ve had an easy go since surgery would be inaccurate. I suffer from frequent acid reflux (>1% of sleeve patents get it…yay me), dumping syndrome and other side effects BUT, I would do it again in a heartbeat. My back pain is gone (still have arthritis and a mass on my spine but the nerve pain is gone); the swelling and plantar fasciitis are gone. My self esteem and mental health better (not perfect, but significantly better).

To anyone who feels trapped in their body, I see you. It takes immense courage to seek help but the benefits are worth it! I have my life back! I have a better job and a brighter outlook in my future. It can be done.

Happy Sunday ❤️

Happy Sunday ❤️

Can we normalize telling people they’re being rude or mean without them blowing up and reminding us of ✨everything✨ they do for us? As if we must be eternally grateful and indebted to them forever?

Can we normalize telling people they’re being rude or mean without them blowing up and reminding us of ✨everything✨ they do for us? As if we must be eternally grateful and indebted to them forever?

There’s a difference between a house and a home. A house protects you from the elements. A home makes you feel respected, safe and at peace. I have one; can you guess which?

There’s a difference between a house and a home. A house protects you from the elements. A home makes you feel respected, safe and at peace. I have one; can you guess which?

Happy Fall, Y’all 🌞🍁🎃

Happy Fall, Y’all 🌞🍁🎃