Surgery day, with my incredible, supportive husband.
Today marks the first anniversary of one of the most life-changing decisions I’ve ever made. It’s a decision I trepidatiously shared with the world, with a little bit of shame and a whole lot of fear and emotional baggage.
On October 28, 2024, after a lifelong battle with my weight, I chose to have gastric bypass surgery.
I’ve experienced a great deal of loss over the last 12 months…
Coffee (thankfully, that was only for a few months)
Solid foods (also short-lived)
The ability to drink carbonated beverages (ongoing)
Drinking anything with my meals; I have to wait 30 minutes after eating (forever)
My gallbladder (also forever)
The ability to consume most breads, pastas, sugary foods, chicken, or broccoli without feeling sick (possibly forever)
My dignity when a team of firefighters gathered around me to cut off my wedding ring before the surgery (I didn’t have much dignity to begin with).
Oh, and 84 pounds and counting (hopefully forever)
But I’ve gained so much more…
Robert snapped this photo of me on an evening date out together.
Confidence. Last year, I explicitly banned our graphic designer from publicizing any photos of me speaking at our conference. This year, I couldn’t care less.
Stamina. I went from not being able to run at all to jogging two miles three times a week. I’m also more prone to trying more physically demanding activities because I’m less clumsy, out of breath or tired.
Compassion for myself. I truly don’t feel like I’m any more disciplined or working any harder at weight loss than I ever did before. I just had a lot stacked against me – and I needed help. This tool has been the lifeline I needed.
Healthier ways of expressing and coping with my emotions.
A better relationship with food.
New friendships and connections with others who have been on this same journey.
A repaired ring, restored to my wedding day size.
Presumably, a few more years added onto my life.
The decision I made is not the right one for everyone, but it was the right decision for me. I have zero regrets and a million reasons to be grateful.
I’ve also been reminded, once again, of the power of getting real. Last year, I debated for months about whether I’d tell ANYONE about my decision, let alone post it where the world could see.
Because I did decide to share, I’ve heard from numerous people who were encouraged by my story, and, in turn, I’ve been encouraged by theirs. As a community, you have poured out love, affirmation, and support in a thousand different ways. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
In many ways, October 28, 2024, feels like a lifetime ago. I’m not the same person I was back then; I see and navigate the world differently.
Yet somehow, the months have also flown by. And in the most important ways, I’m exactly the same person as I’ve always been. I feel like I’m barely just started on this journey.
So I guess I’ll just keep plugging along—persisting, learning, growing, adapting. Who knows where the road will take me?!
I’ll make sure to report back to you, perhaps one year later.
