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.


But each day still presents challenges. I live in fear of stretching my new stomach. I have been given such a great tool to help me manage my food intake. But like any tool, without proper maintenance it will fail. I find myself pushing the envelope of things to eat. A sip of soda here. A sweet treat there. It all leads to a road I've been down before, and refuse to go down again.

I still don't trust myself to moderate, even with the wonderful tool of moderation (the bypass) I've been given.

This week I'm celebrating the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the process by doing it again. I'm limiting myself to a liquid only diet. It will serve as a reminder of the hardships I went through to get to where I am.

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As I approach the one-year anniversary of my surgery, I remain convinced having the gastric bypass surgery was the best decision of my life. My blood pressure continues to remain normal without medication. I am more active than ever. I find myself doing things I've only dreamt of doing in the past.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm actually actively participating in my kid's lives. I'm helping coach Jacks' soccer team, which is great time spent with him. We take trips now more frequently and I no longer worry about walking long distances or being outside for extended periods of time.

Having an awesome support group helps as well. My wife - bless her soul - has seen the best and the worst of the process. I love her so much for her unconditional love. My parents have been my biggest cheerleaders, and I'm so thankful they are both still in my life. I've had so many friends, near and far, that have voiced their support over the last year, and I can't properly express how much it means.

I'd like to especially thank Kevin Haynes, who is a great friend that, as a former Bariatric patient himself, has been my go-to resource for most of my questions over the last year and a half. Thanks for making it all so much easier bud!

With the "Grammy Awards Thank You" speech now behind me, I'll leave you with this call-to-action:


I urge each and every one of you to tackle your problems head-on. If you have something you want to change about your life, do it. The rewards are immeasurable. Two years ago I was a super-morbidly obese college drop-out. Those were two things in my life I desperately wanted to change. All it took was making the decision to change them, and having the dedication to follow through with it. 165 pounds and a BA Degree later, I'm much happier with who I am.

The Vanished Taylor
John

Weight this morning: 275