Today marks my 9 month into my new life.

When I first started my journey, I went into this alone. I did my research online, went to support groups, watched videos (mostly on YouTube), spoke to Doctors and I came online and spoke to people who have had surgery or was thinking about surgery to see what their thoughts on surgery were.

Prior to me having surgery, I was deep in depression. I was in a relationship with a man who brought me burgers instead of flowers., I survived a brain aneurysm, and I was an emotional eater. My food addiction was so bad that I would literally take a cab to Popeyes chicken, then another cab to White Castle then go home and binge in silence.

I barely took pictures, I was always the type to be behind someone in the picture. And finding clothes in a fat girl store was impossible because the manaquins didn't have the rolls like I did...

I had no one to talk to, all of the friends I thought I had drifted away. I started to feel myself letting go of who I was....some days I swear I just forgot I even existed. The more I ate, the more I gained. The more I gained the more my health issues declined. I had no energy to even play with my kids, and hated going outside. The gym was a no no for me, I tried every diet on the planet....and speaking of planet....I went to the gym planet fitness and how ironic the days I would go they would be serving pizza for us being loyal customers smh....

When my time came to have surgery, I wasn't a patient who had the surgery and all was great after...I had a few issues, I had to have 3-4 endoscopy's (nothing stayed down, everything I consumed came back up) I had a hematoma (blood-clot), and the first 2 months after surgery I was in and out of the hospital...but these minor things were just bumps in the road in my journey.

Before I laid down to have surgery I knew my relationship with food had to change and it did...I won't lie the first time cooking a meal I cried like hell and wanted to rip everyone's head off literally. But I knew this life change was what I needed. I was trapped in a body I hated and the reflection in the mirror I no longer recognized.

Today I feel awesome, I am learning and loving the new me that is surfacing. I have come a long way and at times I thought I would revert. Again I do have my days when I graze but I get back in motion.

I No longer have sleep apnea, borderline diabetic, morbid obese, asthmatic, my labs are better, aches and pains no longer hurt, i have so much energy, I feel better my sizes are going down....I can finally take a picture and be in the front verses the back...I like the lady I see in the mirror and now I am no longer trapped in a body I hate.

I now speak at clinics to inspire other to let people know they can change their lives and no longer feel trapped. We have choices to better improve of lifestyles, I am so thankful for the new life I have been given...my only regret is not doing it sooner.

I am blessed to be here today after surviving a brain aneurysm, I just felt like God kept me here for a reason and my lifestyle had to change...WLS used as a tool to lose weight has really saved my life....

We are all in this together, so with all this said congrats to everyone, good luck to everyone who is on their new journey, thinking about it, or just beginning.

Stay focused, log your foods, and keep a positive mind!

Sorry this was long but I'm a talker

Here are a few pics...the last pic was in the dressing room in Ashley Stewart smh how messy it was there

Fantastic. Your story is inspirational. My new story starts later today

Fantastic. Your story is inspirational. My new story starts later today

Thank you, and congrats aim excited for you:)

Wow.. I read this and it touch my heart.. because your story is so similar to mines.. except for what happend in your brain.. Thanks for sharing your story.. it motivates me more than I am

Im almost 3 weeks post op.. and the first two days were terrible and I cry like a baby.. but other than that im loving this desicion.. I know is the best desicion I could make.. Im feeling the changes.. and im very happy.. again thanks.. blessings.

You look great! Your post truly touched me! I also had it rough these past 2 months since my initial surgery on 8/12. After 4 surgeries and being in the hospital more than I've been home (two 2-week stays, +), I've been playing the "victim card". I'm finally healing & ready to take back my life.

No one said the loser's bench would be easy, but I'm determined to make it worthwhile... Keep up the good work!

Wow.. I read this and it touch my heart.. because your story is so similar to mines.. except for what happend in your brain.. Thanks for sharing your story.. it motivates me more than I am Im almost 3 weeks post op.. and the first two days were terrible and I cry like a baby.. but other than that im loving this desicion.. I know is the best desicion I could make.. Im feeling the changes.. and im very happy.. again thanks.. blessings.

I love the decision too sis, we are all truly in this together...I am happy with the progress and I love reading and hearing about everyone else too blessings to you too sis.

Together we will succeed.

You look great! Your post truly touched me! I also had it rough these past 2 months since my initial surgery on 8/12. After 4 surgeries and being in the hospital more than I've been home (two 2-week stays' date=' +), I've been playing the "victim card". I'm finally healing & ready to take back my life. No one said the loser's bench would be easy, but I'm determined to make it worthwhile... Keep up the good work! [/quote']

Thank you I was in the hospital so much I thought they would put me on payroll lol. Taking our lives back and fighting against obesity is far from easy but the fact that we are doing it makes it worth while....and having a place to come to and talk about what we go through daily helps a lot. Wishing you all the best! and thanks again