I have gained and lost hundreds of pounds throughout my life.  I had weight loss surgery in 2007.  I have maintained 140 lbs. weight loss and worn the same size jeans since 2008. 

 It took me longer to adjust my thinking and behavior than it did to lose the weight.  Everything changed, and it was overwhelming at times.  I went to a hardware store about 80 lbs. into my weight loss, and I saw a gate and a turnstile.  I chose the gate because my head told me I wouldn’t fit through the turnstile, even though I would have fit easily!  I felt like my head was still overweight, and my body was shrinking.  How would I find my “goal weight?”  

So many things are new and exciting when you get into a healthy place with your body and mind.  And, there is no magic wand that instantly resolves feelings and issues along the way.  (Trust me, I looked!)  

 I learned happiness is possible because it happened to me. I also had to be in so much pain that it truly was easier to change than to keep going another day.  I have learned the value of self-care, discipline, compassion for self and others, and many other things.  It is an ongoing process with challenges and changes, and I am meeting them day by day, one step at a time.