5 Months

Today is my 5 month surgiversary! It's been quite the adventure so far. I was sitting back, thinking about how many changes I've gone through so far, feeling so happy and excited. I think I probably write this every time, but I don't regret my surgery at all. Not one bit. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I'm in a good place right now, in spite of the chaos that comes with living.

For the last couple of weeks, my weight loss has been almost non-existent. Now inches have been falling off. That's a great thing, but I like to see the pounds go down too. This morning, I showed a weight gain. This evening I showed a weight loss, putting me down to 63 lbs total. Wowzers! That's a lot of weight.

Several people continue to ask if my energy level has improved. I have to confess--it hasn't. What I have noticed, however, is that I am in better shape. For example, I did a high intensity work out on the elliptical machine this evening, for 30 minutes. I barely broke a sweat and I had a hard time getting my heart rate up. Considering that the last time I used this machine I was literally dripping sweat in to my eyes, I'd say this is a huge change.

My normal walking speed has also changed. I walked the dogs on my "normal" speed last night. For one mile it took us under 15 minutes. It used to take us 25 minutes. I'm guessing on my "fast" speed we would make it in 10-12 minutes. I can tell you right now, that's way faster than I can run 1 mile!

Now, in honor of my weight loss and my 5 month surgiversary, I am posting pics for the first time. Yikes this is scary! I've included my morning of surgery photos and my 5 month photos. I've still got a long way to go.

Morning of Surgery 2/14/14/Front View

Morning of Surgery 2/14/14/Back View

Morning of Surgery 2/14/14/Side View

5 Months 7/14/14/Front View

5 Months 7/14/14/Back View

5 Months 7/14/14/Side View

 Sharing my "before" pictures is SO darn scary! That was me at my heaviest, EVER. The good news is...I'll never look like that again. I'll never feel like that again. I'll never think like that again. I'm on a journey, in a process of becoming brand new. This whole newness started from the inside out.  I am so grateful to God that He never gives up on me. All of those ugly things inside of me--He helps me get rid of. He is making me beautiful from within. And I am OH SO HAPPY! I do want to be clear on one thing--thin does not equal beauty in my eyes. This isn't about me being more beautiful on the outside because I'll be smaller. It's just that on this journey, I've realized I've been holding on to some ugly things like shame and pride. As I let go of these things, I become more and more free within. There is a correlation between my weight loss and my inner spiritual and emotional journey. I don't know if any one else can relate. This is just what's going on with me. It feels great!

Tonight, I pray that you would know the peace and freedom that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. I truly believe that He lead me to the right surgeon at the right time, for the true "Me" that He created, to finally be.

Peace, Love and Joy,
Rachel