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Freedom2Thrive

Gastric Bypass Patients
  • Content Count

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Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from MsNat3 in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    This post is for anyone looking for a mentor to help support them through their weight-loss journey!
    I am 6-years post-bypass (pics below) and as a veteran looking back the one thing I wish I had more than anything was an accountability partner for support at any point throughout my journey,
    Whether it be:
    A simple hello
    Advice on how to manage a balanced and healthy lifestyle (recipes, food substitutions, health products)
    Information and advice on how to manage a recent complication you've been experiencing
    I am here to offer my ear and provide you with my knowledge and expertise to help you reach your health goals
    Remember that we're all worth it and we were born with the #freedom2thrive

  2. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from MsNat3 in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    This post is for anyone looking for a mentor to help support them through their weight-loss journey!
    I am 6-years post-bypass (pics below) and as a veteran looking back the one thing I wish I had more than anything was an accountability partner for support at any point throughout my journey,
    Whether it be:
    A simple hello
    Advice on how to manage a balanced and healthy lifestyle (recipes, food substitutions, health products)
    Information and advice on how to manage a recent complication you've been experiencing
    I am here to offer my ear and provide you with my knowledge and expertise to help you reach your health goals
    Remember that we're all worth it and we were born with the #freedom2thrive

  3. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from MsNat3 in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    This post is for anyone looking for a mentor to help support them through their weight-loss journey!
    I am 6-years post-bypass (pics below) and as a veteran looking back the one thing I wish I had more than anything was an accountability partner for support at any point throughout my journey,
    Whether it be:
    A simple hello
    Advice on how to manage a balanced and healthy lifestyle (recipes, food substitutions, health products)
    Information and advice on how to manage a recent complication you've been experiencing
    I am here to offer my ear and provide you with my knowledge and expertise to help you reach your health goals
    Remember that we're all worth it and we were born with the #freedom2thrive

  4. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from MsNat3 in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    This post is for anyone looking for a mentor to help support them through their weight-loss journey!
    I am 6-years post-bypass (pics below) and as a veteran looking back the one thing I wish I had more than anything was an accountability partner for support at any point throughout my journey,
    Whether it be:
    A simple hello
    Advice on how to manage a balanced and healthy lifestyle (recipes, food substitutions, health products)
    Information and advice on how to manage a recent complication you've been experiencing
    I am here to offer my ear and provide you with my knowledge and expertise to help you reach your health goals
    Remember that we're all worth it and we were born with the #freedom2thrive

  5. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from Artistyc1 in 152 pounds in 8.5 months, and hit a major milestone today!   
    You're a rockstar and you look absolutely stunning! It brings me soo much joy to see success and happiness on the face of other bariatric buddies. Truly an inspiration!
  6. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from Liltwidget in 16 and 340 lbs - My Journey   
    This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him.

    He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds.

    It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose.


    In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery

    In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life.

    It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life.

    He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to give back and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received.
     
    He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
        
    He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.



  7. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from MsNat3 in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    This post is for anyone looking for a mentor to help support them through their weight-loss journey!
    I am 6-years post-bypass (pics below) and as a veteran looking back the one thing I wish I had more than anything was an accountability partner for support at any point throughout my journey,
    Whether it be:
    A simple hello
    Advice on how to manage a balanced and healthy lifestyle (recipes, food substitutions, health products)
    Information and advice on how to manage a recent complication you've been experiencing
    I am here to offer my ear and provide you with my knowledge and expertise to help you reach your health goals
    Remember that we're all worth it and we were born with the #freedom2thrive

  8. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from Liltwidget in 16 and 340 lbs - My Journey   
    This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him.

    He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds.

    It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose.


    In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery

    In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life.

    It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life.

    He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to give back and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received.
     
    He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
        
    He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.



  9. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from Liltwidget in 16 and 340 lbs - My Journey   
    This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him.

    He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds.

    It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose.


    In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery

    In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life.

    It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life.

    He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to give back and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received.
     
    He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
        
    He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.



  10. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from Liltwidget in 16 and 340 lbs - My Journey   
    This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him.

    He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds.

    It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose.


    In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery

    In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life.

    It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life.

    He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to give back and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received.
     
    He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
        
    He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.



  11. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from Liltwidget in 16 and 340 lbs - My Journey   
    This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him.

    He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds.

    It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose.


    In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery

    In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life.

    It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life.

    He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to give back and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received.
     
    He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
        
    He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.



  12. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from Liltwidget in 16 and 340 lbs - My Journey   
    This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him.

    He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds.

    It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose.


    In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery

    In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life.

    It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life.

    He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to give back and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received.
     
    He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
        
    He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.



  13. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from Liltwidget in 16 and 340 lbs - My Journey   
    This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him.

    He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds.

    It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose.


    In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery

    In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life.

    It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life.

    He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to give back and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received.
     
    He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
        
    He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.



  14. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from MsNat3 in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    This post is for anyone looking for a mentor to help support them through their weight-loss journey!
    I am 6-years post-bypass (pics below) and as a veteran looking back the one thing I wish I had more than anything was an accountability partner for support at any point throughout my journey,
    Whether it be:
    A simple hello
    Advice on how to manage a balanced and healthy lifestyle (recipes, food substitutions, health products)
    Information and advice on how to manage a recent complication you've been experiencing
    I am here to offer my ear and provide you with my knowledge and expertise to help you reach your health goals
    Remember that we're all worth it and we were born with the #freedom2thrive

  15. Like
    Freedom2Thrive reacted to Introversion in 6 months in the hospital   
    Which surgery did your brother have? I'm assuming it was the gastric plication since you posted this thread in the gastric plication forum.
    I am sorry for what happened to your brother. May expedient healing and a swift recovery arrive in his direction as soon as humanly possible.
    Any surgery entails risks. For most of us who have chosen to undergo weight loss surgery, the risks associated with remaining obese and miserable weren't worth it.
    Less than 1 percent of those who undergo bariatric surgery suffer from major complications. To place it into perspective, 1 out of 100 people who have weight loss surgery experience major complications.
    Nonetheless, since people who experience bad outcomes tend to be the most vocal and outspoken, it makes it seem like bariatric surgery is riskier than it really is. After all, few people run to an internet forum to proclaim, "I had an uncomplicated recovery with minimal pain! I lost 100+ pounds and kept it off! I have no regrets and am pleased with the outcome! My life has changed for the better because of weight loss surgery!"
    The vast majority (read: those who had good outcomes) move on with their lives, whereas the vocal minority blow the risks tremendously out of proportion. It's called negativity bias.
  16. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from melunruh in Negative people   
    As a 16 year old having bypass surgery I was approached by many people who were either supportive or toxic. I say toxic because making the decision to undergo WLS is not something easily decided and many people try to persuade you out of it.

    It required a huge team of thinkers (including me) coming together to create a plan that would help me live my best life!

    A lot of people can't see what were trying to do because they lack empathy and they are scared for us, and fear manifests itself in many different ways (anger, anxiety, negativity), and yes it's true we could die on the table but we can also get hit by a bus, That's just life.

    6 years out and looking back now I can say it was the best decision I ever made. I came to realize that there are three types of people in the world. People who:

    1. Make things happen (Oprah, you and me)

    2. Watch things happen (the spectators, the one's that root for us to fail)

    3. Look at their life and say "what just happened" (the victims)

    You should feel soo proud of yourself for making a step in the right direction for yourself and the lives of the people around you.

    However you or any of you choose to move forward know that you're not alone and we're all hear to support you


  17. Like
    Freedom2Thrive reacted to pasquini in Saying Hi: 6 years out   
    Hello everyone. I thought i would drop in and say hi. I am a little over 6 years out from my Sleave, (went to Mexico) I lost 153lbs in 7 months end happy to report 6 years later it is still gone!!!!
    Dream my friends. So much better than anything I imagined before hand.


  18. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from Liltwidget in 16 and 340 lbs - My Journey   
    This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him.

    He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds.

    It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose.


    In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery

    In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life.

    It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life.

    He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to give back and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received.
     
    He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
        
    He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.



  19. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from skinnydreamer16 in This is where I start my journey!   
    Congratulations on starting this incredible journey!
  20. Like
    Freedom2Thrive reacted to Kimberlee williams in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    Wow you look awesome!! Help I am 7 yrs out and am totally off track I have gained back much of the weight:( so depressed discouraged
  21. Like
    Freedom2Thrive reacted to PaulaUSN in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    Wow well done, you look fabulous and healthy. Thank you for your support!

    Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app


  22. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from MsNat3 in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    This post is for anyone looking for a mentor to help support them through their weight-loss journey!
    I am 6-years post-bypass (pics below) and as a veteran looking back the one thing I wish I had more than anything was an accountability partner for support at any point throughout my journey,
    Whether it be:
    A simple hello
    Advice on how to manage a balanced and healthy lifestyle (recipes, food substitutions, health products)
    Information and advice on how to manage a recent complication you've been experiencing
    I am here to offer my ear and provide you with my knowledge and expertise to help you reach your health goals
    Remember that we're all worth it and we were born with the #freedom2thrive

  23. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from MsNat3 in Never Fear! Mentor Here!   
    This post is for anyone looking for a mentor to help support them through their weight-loss journey!
    I am 6-years post-bypass (pics below) and as a veteran looking back the one thing I wish I had more than anything was an accountability partner for support at any point throughout my journey,
    Whether it be:
    A simple hello
    Advice on how to manage a balanced and healthy lifestyle (recipes, food substitutions, health products)
    Information and advice on how to manage a recent complication you've been experiencing
    I am here to offer my ear and provide you with my knowledge and expertise to help you reach your health goals
    Remember that we're all worth it and we were born with the #freedom2thrive

  24. Like
    Freedom2Thrive got a reaction from hopekate in 16 and 340 lbs - My Journey   
    This is a story about a young man who always had a smile on his face but knew he was different. Whether it be his heart or his waistline he always had the biggest in his class. He never let it hold him back because he saw the best in people when they couldn't see it in him.

    He wasn’t always so confident about what life would hold for him. At the age of 12, he had gotten to 220 pounds. Due to a condition unrelated to his weight he suffered pain in his legs and ankles and required surgery to repair a curvature in his legs. Post-op, he gained even more weight. From age 12 to 16 he gained about 120 pounds.

    It's hard to see the pain behind this cutie's smile, but when he was 16 he told a psychiatrist that he was ready to die. He felt like he maxed out on his potential in life and it would be okay if he wasn't around anymore. It was an extremely stressful time and he had no proper way to cope with anything, and he let himself get to 340 pounds. He had no values. He had no beliefs and he saw no purpose.


    In 2010, his mom read a magazine article about the SickKids Team Obesity Management Program. Through STOMP, patients can access a team of health professionals, support groups and, for those who meet specific criteria, bariatric surgery. At the time, the program was focused on teens with other health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, but he was still a solid fit. After three months, he had lost 20 pounds and the team was looking at surgical options. In August 2011 and weighing 300 pounds, he had a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery

    In less than a year he lost around 80 pounds, weighing 220 pounds. His life had changed significantly when it came to eating, but he was prepared for that and knew he would have to manage this for the rest of his life.

    It wasn't perfect and for a few years post-op he struggled with multiple different complications, but he found a way to push through them and find some balance in his life.
     
    He began to find purpose in his life. He went to nursing school, driven by the care and passion that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals poured into him along his journey. He wanted to giveback and make a difference in other people's lives. He wanted others to see that they were just as worth the love and care he received.
     
    He found values. He became accountable for his actions and saw what was truly important in his life. He became a lover of travelling, eating delicious food and engaging in fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
        
    He developed a new set of beliefs - that every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier and be the best version of himself because he is human - perfectly imperfect and worth it.


  25. Like
    Freedom2Thrive reacted to Sherrie Scharbrough in Grapefruit Goodness Blend   
    Wow!! This sounds delish!! I had my RNY July2, 2013. We are considered oldies. LOl You are 6 years. I am 4 years out. Did you have any problems? Great job!!

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