Day 343 - New Beginnings

It was one year ago I was told by my surgeon to begin a strict pre-op diet that consisted of liquids only. Going from eating like I was accustomed to eating to only having liquid "meal-replacement" shakes was horrifying.

I was allowed five shakes a day. Each one had barely 150 calories, but contained all the nutrients important to promote good health. The diet was critical to the success of the surgery, as it helped shrink the liver and provided an easier path for the surgeon to navigate.

Enjoying one of my favorite past-times!

For two weeks I had to endure the smells around me - Watching others eat food that I knew tasted so good. It was the most mentally miserable I can ever recall feeling.

While the purpose of the diet was critical for the physical success of the surgery, it was even more important for the mental aspect. This was my mourning period for food. It was the time to cleanse myself of all the bad habits. A sort of moratorium on gorging. A self-imposed rehabilitation. It was during this time I had to convince myself to find happiness elsewhere.

One year later, I've lost 165lbs. To say my life has changed would be a dramatic understatement. The ills of obesity, I feel, are far behind me. No more chronic joint pain. No more struggling to get out of bed in the mornings. No more tight booths in restaurants.