This past week, all the challenges I've endured have been starring me in the face. With the loss of a significant other being at the top of the list. I'm currently staying with a loved one as she endures the loss of her husband. Her and I have been through very similar challenges, but this is one I never wanted to have in common. Watching her go through this is heartbreaking, but being here for her is the least I can do.

Furthermore, this is also another wake up call. Greg was healthy and suffered a massive heart attack. I'm not as healthy as he and this has made me more grateful to be blessed with all that I am.

I'm going to make this short as I'm really at a loss for words, however, speaking of...healthy. I am now down 62 lbs. I've learned this week that I need to be proud of my accomplishments. I couldn't be prouder of myself with the decision I've made to live healthy. Let this be a reminder that life is short and we are not responsible with how short it will be, but we can make a difference regardless.

Be Blessed!
SleeveSister

Is life a box of chocolates?

Is life really like a box a chocolates if the box is always empty?  If your human, like myself, you have had some kind of struggle in your life and you have some kind of imperfection(s).  I can sit here and tell you that I am fat because I have a thyroid problem, or because I am disabled due to a motor vehicle accident, and I could go on and on.  But, the truth is that those have always been my excuse and the fact is that I actually have a food addiction (what I like to call, Hand To Mouth Disease.). Even after a Lap-Band and Gastric Sleeve, I still love food.  The difference now, rather than prior to weight loss surgery, I just enjoy food in a different context ( or should I say texture:).

Did I take the "easy" way out?  Do you light a fire beneath your stove when you cook? Do you put reigns on a horse before you drive?  Do you draw water from a well before you drink?  I think you get my point.

It was much easier to continue gaining weight than just making the decision to become healthy.  That doesn't include the decision to have weightloss surgery, actually having the surgery, or even the recovery.  I'd love to say that I took the easy way out, however, coming from someone who's had 14 different surgeries, the "easiest" was the surgery.  Just as prior to surgery, the food addiction is a daily battle, even  with 20% of a stomach.

Do I still eat unhealthy?  Rarely.  I've had a few bites (Slurpee spoonfuls) of a Slurpee, and on Thanksgiving I had one of my Antipasto Squares (ham, salami, pepperoni, Swiss, and roasted red peppers between two layers of cresants).  By the way, they were both delicious in case your wondering.  Was it worth it?  Absolutely! When you learned how to ride a bike, how many times did you fall off?

Moving on, and now that I've caught your attention, I am writing this blog for several reasons:  as part of my own therapy, to inform you of my thoughts, my progress, and to educate.

I bet you'd like to know my "stats"!?!  I am 4'10, my lowest weight (in high school) was 107 lbs, my highest weight was 273 lbs.  I lost 24 lbs with the Lap-Band, and gained 40 lbs back.  I have lost 53 lbs since my pre op diet for the VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) which was done six weeks ago.

Feel free to comment or ask questions.  I will entertain them all!  Have a blessed day!

Until next blog,
Sleeve Sister