Sleeving was like burning a bridge behind me. On the other side was endless failed dieting and certain premature death. The decision was drastic and not without risks but staying there presented greater risks in my mind.

I am glad I burned the bridge. The land I live in now is my new adopted country. The rules are real here, the sleeve is a constant reminder of the laws of the land. On the other side, however, were tyrannical dictators... compulsive hunger and a stretched out stomach... that kept me in chains.

The bridge is burned, but can I ever go back?

Yes.

If I rebel here I can swim back over the river and end up in the same prison as before even though I have a smaller stomach. It would be difficult but it is possible.

The thing is, I absolutely adore my life now! Listening to my sleeve is a small requirement and a huge advantage. My sleeve's restrictions are a tiny price to pay for the sweet freedom I now experience in every aspect of my life. My wife burned a bridge too, but with gastric bypass matches.

Looking great! So fit, happy and cute

You guys look so much younger and happier:)

Wow...truly amazing transformations for both you and your wife. I cannot congratulate you enough. I love the analogy you used and I agree. Our past lives were definitely dictated by our tyrannical impulses to consume; caged within the obesity of that bottomless pit we called a stomach. With the sleeve that bottomless pit is no longer is no longer confined to the need to constantly feed, but it is free to say, STOP. I love that about my sleeve. My job—our job—is to fill it up with the right stuff, so that we never regress to that old life that allowed us to wallow in the misery of obesity.

There you go showing that jacket again!!!!!!!!? Man!

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Y'all look FAB-U-LOUS!!!

Your description is so accurate of where I am.

Thank you,

Blessings to you and your wife,

Kathleen

There you go showing that jacket again!!!!!!!!? Man!

Ya, I remember buying that. In Macy's with that cutie pie, it was even my idea!

Shopping took such a drastic turn after shedding the fat. Before it was sure to bring on depression and many times going home with nothing. It was traumatic for both of us, I felt so bad for her.

Now the depression comes only after we realize how much money was burned!

Nicely said! You both look fantastic!

You both look awesome!! Congrats on all your success!!!

Did you buy a time machine too?? Because you both look soooo much younger! Congrats to you both!

Gman, you say what I feel. Your wife is very lucky to have such a wonderful husband, and I know you both are now living the dream with this new life. You both look great. Me and my husband have a way to go but there is hope and better times ahead. I really enjoy your posts. Thank you for always inspiring us.