I decided when I started this journey in May 2015 that I wanted to live. I wanted to physically live to see grandchildren, but I also wanted to fully engage in life. I have been doing that pretty well for 60 years but I didn't want to decay bit by bit as I saw family members age with health issues.

So I had surgery in late September.

Part of the process was going to be a trip to Europe with my just graduated college child. She has been my biggest supporter (this morning - mom, I can Heimlich you now as she wrapped her arms around me for a hug).

We just got back from three wonderful weeks in Great Britain. I climbed every one of the hundreds of steps in each castle. Walked five to 10 miles a day. Had a flat in London that was two flights up. Up and down stairs in the tube.

At one cathedral I thought I had reached the top, only to find another staircase even twister and steeper than the first few. I looked up and could see no end to it. I turned away and started back down. I stopped. Did I do all this to not go to the tip-top of the cathedral? Of course not. I deserved the whole experience and that included the breath-taking view from the very top.

The best though was passport control when I arrived. The immigration officer looked at my passport, then me, and said, well you've lost a lot of weight. Good job.

I smiled and told him thanks. And made a mental note to get a new passport. I have many more trips ahead and although I enjoyed his noticing, I want all future immigration officers to see a face that matches the passport!

Oh, and I lost five pounds!

Edited May 28, 201511 yr by Lani789

It sounds like a wonderful trip. I wish I could go back to all the places I have been now that I am thin. I would enjoy the trips so much more now that I can walk without pain and climb stairs without losing my breath.

Your trip sounds amazing. I'm impressed that you were able to push forward up those steps and enjoy your views! And I'm not at a point in my journey yet where I can fathom a 3-week vacation where you lose 5 pounds!

My husband and I have decided to take a trip when I get to goal, and one of the places we're thinking of is Great Britain. Reading about your trip has definitely put it back on the top of my list.

Congrats on all your successes. Can't wait to join you on the loser's bench!