My progress

The first picture was taken on our mexican cruise 6 years ago.  I recently came across this picture and was shocked.  Did I really look like that???!!!  I told Tim that I looked like I swallowed an umpaloompa.  I keep looking at thinking that it's distorted in some way.  But, sadly, it isn't.  This was taken on an automatic 35mm camera before digital and before photoshop.  A bad angle?  No, I was turned slightly to the side, so not straight on.  I give up.  It's a true picture of my obesity.

The second picture was taken yesterday when we took the kids to a corn maze.  I am still about 35 lbs from my goal.  But wow, what a difference.  

It's been almost 6 months since my gastric bypass.  I am very happy with my recovery and feel great right now.  I believe that my decision to have this surgery was right for ME.  It is in no way an easy way or a 'cure'.  It is simply, MY way.  I still have to do ALL the work.  I still have to watch every single thing that goes into my mouth.  I log all my food in a notebook everyday.  I have an 'old person's weekly pill container' in my kitchen for vitamins I take throughout the day and one in my bathroom for nighttime vitamins. I still struggle with wanting to eat like before.  I had surgery on my guts, not my head.  If I eat right, then I feel good.  If I eat too much, then I lay there like a lump complaining that I ate too much and wait for the nausea and general feeling of sickness to pass.  I never throw up, I eat WAY more than a few bites per meal, and still do get hungry.  Regaining the weight is a very real possibility.  It happens all the time.  I have to WORK to make sure that doesn't happen. Many of my health issues that I had from being obese are going away.  They are replaced with some new issues, like controlling my blood sugar from dropping too low.  Seems my system responds differently to carbs like potatoes and sugar.  much more sensitive.

So, that's how I feel.  Today - very good!  But just like everyone else, if I don't take care of myself, then I will feel like poop.  And we have enough poop around here.  

Comments

[Aunt Kim]

Tara, you are beautiful. Just like you always have been. You are also a true inspiration. Can you take a pic of your plate full of dinner so I can see what a portion should look like?

much love!!!!
kim

[Catalina, Marshall & Jeremy]

I agree with Kim take a pic of the right portion!!! you look amazing and you always have! im soo happy to hear you feel good about yourself! keep up the good work! we love you

[Gramma jayne]

Tara, your success is awesome!! The path of wellness you are on is inspiring a lot of us. Keep up the good work! Love you so much!