A Year Ago

This time last year I was laying on in the hospital, getting ready to say "night-night" for my 8am surgery to begin.



Later today, will be 1 year since I took the first steps out of my hospital bed and put myself on the path to better health. At the same time, one year later, I'll be enjoying a Turkey Day party at my Daughter's daycare, because I won't be secretly embarrassed to be seen by the other parents.



I have my health back, better self-esteem and am able to live my life more closely to how I've always envisioned I should be living it. To no longer be plagued by pain, physical challenges, needing to use the C-Pap or being Diabetic, is plenty enough to be thankful for.



Never mind mentioning (but I will anyway) that I no longer have to pretend with everyone my weight didn't bother or limit me. And while I am an over-achiever by nature (because I always had to work harder to prove myself in light of my obesity), I can still strive for excellence in all that I do, but I not feel like I have to prove myself over, and over, and over again. Initially derived perceptions of me are no longer quite as negative since people no longer see a 347 pound woman.



As much as I have gained from losing, there is still work to be done. I need to work on the head issues and self-esteem issues. I need to remember that my while my weight/body doesn't define who I am, I do deserve to take care of me in the way I take care of those I love.



This will all come one step-at-a-time -- just like the first steps from the recovery bed. It is all necessary for long-term success.



Thanks also to those who support and encourage all of us to be better than we already are.