MaryfromMI

The only people who know that I had surgery are my parents and I had my surgery a year and a half ago. First, I did not want any sort of judgement from anyone and second, I didn't want to be a "posterchild" for weight loss surgery and be labeled as a "success" or "failure." My brother just got married last month and it was an opportunity for a lot of people to see how much weight I lost because I wore a very form-fitting bridesmaid dress, so I received a lot of questions about how I did it. I didn't lie to anyone, I simply said I watch what I eat which is completely true. It has been easy to keep this secret, except when I get a stuck episode in front of people. I just go to the bathroom and wait for the pain to stop, lol.

Today marks 3 years ago today that I have been banded. I cannot believe how much has changed in 3 short years. Even though I would love for my weight loss to be more, I know for an absolute fact that I would not be where I am today without the band. It's even a little scary to think about where my life would be. In the 3 years since I have been banded I have graduated college, became a RN, moved from the country to the big city, and have a life that at one time I only wished I had. All I need is a good man!!! lol, that is another story in and of itself. But I just wanted to share with everyone my post that I put on my Facebook page today and hope this can give a little hope if someone is struggling or need reinforcing of how much of a life changer the band is:
January 4, 2010-I made a decision to stop simply existing and start living. I made a choice to change my life. Up until that point, I had been too scared of judgment and other people's opinions to take any risks or have any fun. On this day... 3 years ago, as cheesy as it sounds, was the first day of the rest of my life. 2012 was the most fun year I have ever had and only hope 2013 can come somewhere close. Today is a day that I Celebrate not how far I have left to go, but how far I have come

I feel like I have a lot going for me. I'm 23 years old, a nurse, have my own apartment, car, pay my own bills. I have lost 50+ lbs since my surgery and have more confidence now than I have ever had in my life. I do get more attention from guys, but they all seem to be douchebags or at least 20 years older than me (No, really, the majority of attention I get is from older guys and I don't really know why that is). I have been told by so many people to not go looking for boyfriend material in a bar, but I don't know where else to go! I just feel really lonely and feel like I am at a good place in my life and want to share all these new experiences I am having with somebody. So does anyone have any advice as to where I can meet a good, decent guy?