Dear Family and Friends,
On the eve of my gastric bypass surgery six months ago I barely slept. I lay in the guest room of my parent's home imaging all the different possible outcomes. Some of my wandering thoughts were pleasant. Other thoughts, memories of how I became obese, were disturbing.
The day of my surgery I weighed over 450 pounds. I weighed less than eight pounds when I was born, and twenty-eights years later was over fifty-six times my birth weight. Still, I was lucky. My blood pressure and pulse were healthy. My cholesterol was also low. I was lucky. I was in a warm bed in a nice home, surrounded by people who love me, hours away from undergoing surgery that would arm me with the physical tools to finally conquer my weight.
Today, December 14, is the sixth month anniversary of my surgery. I understand a few things today that I was only beginning to glimpse six months ago. Weight-gain like mine does not happen by accident. I chose to ignore my body. I chose to ignore family members and friends who offered their support. I chose to isolate myself in a world of gluttony. I lived, and lived well, but I lived the life of an angry fat man.
My journey is entering a new chapter. Life is different six months after the surgery. I see food as fuel and not as a source of comfort. There are days I struggle. Everyone struggles. During those moments of adversity are usually the times I discover clarity. One salient moment of clarity tastes emotionally better than any junk food I ever wasted time eating.
Pounds have literally melted away and several pairs of recently purchased pants already hang off my body. I have lost a considerable amount, but gained so much more in perspective. The weight loss is only the beginning. Living is more than just food and surgery. Embracing life with vigor is my daily compass. The support received from you, my friends and family, these past months and years helped me learn the most important lesson so far: When you no longer isolate yourself as an angry fat man, you discover love handles all.
Happy New Year!
Recent Comments