Before and after weight loss surgery (2001/2019)

Today is my 18th year anniversary from having weight loss surgery!! I started my journey at 400 lbs. It wasn’t an easy decision to make. As a matter of fact it was scary. But after battling my weight since I was approximately 11 years old on a diet. Losing 100 lbs. twice, 50 and 75 lbs. multiple times only to re-gain that weight plus more every time. The gastric bypass gave me the tool that I needed to help me lose weight and keep it off. It was the first time in my life that I felt normal when I ate. (I had never had a full feeling before). I also made a lifestyle change and have a eliminated some things from my diet and also embraced exercising. I do know that if I don’t do what I’m supposed to do on this journey I can gain weight back and I have over the years and was able to get it back off. Losing weight gave me more than good health. It made it possible for me to go back to school become a registered nurse and be so blessed to be able to care for other bariatric patients who are struggling with their weight like I was. 18 years ago if you would have told me my life would be like it is today and all the adventures I have had, I would have never believed you!! I’m blessed and I know it!! And life is so, so good!!! Thank you God for seeing a bigger picture than I could ever had seen and showing me the way every day!!