I just posted this on a thread about whether we regret having surgery, and realized that it really belongs more in this forum. Apologies for the double-post.

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I am less than 5.5 months post-surgery, and have lost over 100 pounds. I crossed that threshold just yesterday, and that means I'm just three pounds from the mythical place I never thought I'd see again: ONEderland.

In the 5.5 months since surgery...

... I've discovered running. I completed couch-to-5k (thank you, "C25K Free" app!!) and then two 5k races, and have more scheduled every weekend for the next 6 weeks. Before surgery, I couldn't run half a block to catch a bus if my life depended on it. I definitely would've been the first one down in the zombie apocalypse.

... I've discovered bicycling. I rode 25 miles in a benefit event, including up a freeway ramp and across a big high bridge near Lake Michigan. And I did it without stopping. Before surgery, I hadn't been on a bike for 20+ years.

... I've discovered gardening. There was a large area of my property that used to be a garden and I always wanted to reclaim it. But the weeds were waist-high and the one time I tried to clear them out I could only manage a 2-foot square and that was even while sitting on a bucket. Now I'm growing 46 different crops and I have fresh strawberries every morning.

... I've vacationed like a fiend. I planned a big bucket-list vacation for my mom to Peru for 4 months post-surgery, and I conquered Machu Picchu like I was born to do it (see my icon). When I was in China a year ago, I could barley explore any of the Great Wall and mostly sat on a bench while watching others break out.

... I've kicked medical issues to the curb. I've beat diabetes (last A1C was 5.0 with no meds and no monitoring), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. My knees don't hurt. My back doesn't hurt. I don't get headaches anymore.

The past 5.5 months have felt miraculous and magical and transformative on every level. I catch myself getting excited about sneaking carrot sticks into the movie theater for a special treat during the show, and I hardly recognize myself.

So, no... no regrets.

Your story was really encouraging for me. All the things you say was hard to do, I am suffering now, so I can really identify. Thanks for sharing.

Incredible! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for posting this,very motivating !!

Congratulations! So happy for your success!

This is so encouraging....my surgery is in a week....and with 4 kids I love hearing I'll be able to get active with them!!!!

Thanks for sharing this! I am so excited for my journey to start ????

Great job! I have a ways to go, but with the progress I've made already, I've already started running again, have a personal trainer, and I'm getting my bike ready. I feel like I have much more self-confidence now too -- I can't stress that enough.