My Journey to Become a Healthier Me Continues

My journey to Become a Healthier Me began 33 months ago – January, 2013.  The first 6 months I spent my days going through a special study, Winning the Battle of the Bulge (it’s not just about weight), by Mary Englund Murphy (http://www.lookingglassministries.com/ ), nutrition classes, psychological appointments, and a multitude of specialist appointments.  All culminating to the gastric bypass surgery I had in mid June 2013.  

The weight loss during the first 6 months after surgery was mostly due to the surgery, thereafter I am on the same battle field as everyone else.  The information I gleaned from the nutrition classes as well as the special study continues to prepare me to fight the life-long battle of the bulge.  That is the key though – to realize it is a life-long battle.  Even though one may reach their weight loss goal (which I have yet to do), it does not mean the battle is over.  We can never let our guard down and believe we can go back to the way we used to eat and live.  Personally, I don’t want to go back!  

On Wednesday, September 9, 2015 my journey takes another positive direction.  After losing 190 lbs, I have a large amount of “hanging” excess skin; especially the abdominal area.  Mine has become a health concern (infections etc.) so my insurance will cover removal of the 20 plus pounds of the hanging skin in that area.  I wish insurance would pay for the thighs, arms and why not throw in a boob job too!  LOL.  My mind is swirling with thoughts as well as being excited to know that when I wake up from my surgery I will no longer have that 20 plus pounds of hanging skin (which hangs half way to my knees).  I will be able to wear “normal” clothes – non stretchy clothes – clothes with zippers- even button down blouses!  

When the doctor shared the procedure with me and the changes that will occur, I cried!  33 months ago I knew this would be a possibility!  And for over 27 years of being morbidly obese the journey to Become a Healthier Me has come to fruition.  Although on the health charts I am considered “obese”, I am no longer morbidly obese.  After I lose over 20 pounds from the skin removal surgery I will down on the BMI charts as “overweight”.  

So many changes have occurred during these 33 months.  Not only the obvious physical changes of losing 190 lbs. (plus the 20 plus pounds after Wednesday’s surgery) and going down over 10 clothing sizes; but the psychological changes I continue to battle.  

I went from being stared at and mocked as a lazy grotesque sickly woman who had to get around with a wheelchair and dependent upon other to have her personal hygiene cared for by others; to a woman who can freely walk and care for herself who even receives compliments every day as to how good she looks. I even teach a weight loss group, helping others to Become a Healthier Me as well!   There are days I still see myself as the aforementioned woman, and I do not accept the compliments very well either, but I continue to be a work in progress.  As an old song my family used to sing together, “He’s Still Working on Me”.  

I certainly could not have accomplished nor continue in my journey without the encouragement and prayers from others.  Thank you being my partner in my journey to Become a Healthier Me.  I truly appreciate your prayers, especially this coming Wednesday, and the next six weeks as I recuperate and heal from the surgery.   

Our Lord is so faithful.  God is good – all the time!  

Want to see the doctor and procedure I will have on Wednesday?

  http://www.corsettrunkplasty.com/