Bring On A New Year

A new year has begun, and I feel obligated to share some thoughts. I mean, that’s what every good blogger does, right…share what I learned last year and where I hope to go this new year? To be honest, I’ve probably already shared most of the “bariatric biggies” from this past year. Don’t misunderstand, I am always open to chat about my weight loss journey and could blab on and on, but I will save you the repeat. For very different personal reasons, some bariatric patients choose to keep their surgery private from family and friends, while others make the decision to be very open with their journey. But, I never know when something I am going through, good or bad, might help someone else. Therefore, I have always known I wanted to be public about this adventure.

As many of you know who have been following my blog for awhile, the year 2022 was life changing for me…it literally altered my life for the better. After eight long months of preparation, I finally had gastric bypass surgery on April 18, 2022. The rest of the year was spent adjusting to my new tool (stomach pouch) and finding a new daily normal. Other than a few “learning” experiences, which were definitely uncomfortable, my surgery and recovery was uneventful and full of positives. I can say, unequivocally, that I would make the same surgery decision again if given the option. 

I have experienced many non-scale victories (NSVs) over this past year, and I am learning to enjoy new choices that I now have available to me following a 90 pound weight loss. I do want to highlight one health-related NSV that has impacted me the most so far in this journey…a real A-HA moment for me!! Due to a recent incident at work, I had to escort emergency personnel up two flights of stairs, twice. I did not realize until later that I had made both quick trips up two flights of stairs without losing my breath or breaking a sweat as a result of the exertion. It may sound petty to be concerned about the sweating, but for the past several years, physical exertion (especially accompanied by anxiety/adrenaline) has set off an embarrassing firestorm of labored breathing and uncontrollable perspiration from head to toe. Being able to climb stairs without a significant increase in my heart rate was like receiving my own personal miracle. This time last year, I could never have pictured this change and I had to take a moment that day to really appreciate my new reality. This journey is about so much more than looks or how my clothes fit. Despite enjoying several NSV’s since my surgery, this was the first time I experienced a tangible improvement in my physical HEALTH. 

I do have more weight to lose, and must start incorporating more activity into my daily routine. My surgeon has told me that most weight loss achieved as a result of gastric bypass will occur during the first year following surgery. Therefore, April 2023 is looming as a rapidly approaching target. I hope to see continued significant weight loss during these next few months, while creating more lifestyle changes in order to maintain my weight going forward into the future. 

I know my body is starting to adjust to my tool and the hormone changes that occurred as a result of my surgery.  I’m still hitting daily protein and water goals, but feelings of hunger are starting to return and I am finding it easier to snack, or at least want to snack. Thankfully, my aversion to meat has diminished somewhat which makes it possible to get more of my protein from actual real food rather than supplements.

So, 2023 has arrived with fresh new life-giving experiences on the horizon. In addition, this new year will bring its own set of challenges as I transition from recovery and “honeymoon” weight loss into lifelong maintenance and control. But I refuse to dwell on the challenges to come. Instead, I will look forward to this new year as it brings FREEDOM and LIFE!!!! I am anxious to see who I become this year.

Thank you for taking this ride with me!