Am very active as a rule; especially Water sports. My whole life I've spent covered up in a full one-piece with board shorts and a long-sleeved rash guard before hitting the waves, but...

Part of the pre-op courses stress the importance of loving the body we are in now, or else we risk not loving the post-op body later. Decided to finally take on my personal leap of bravery challenge yesterday and hit the water in a two-piece with the only coverup being sunscreen in my 335.0 pound body.

It was AWESOME.

I know plenty of people disagree with the sentiments here, but have to say—when I look back on this photo in a year, I will smile remembering the exact moment I embraced my life and stepped over the threshold.

Body love is caring enough to take responsibility for your health. Body positivity is loving yourself at all of the stages.

The BF took this amazing picture.

Don't care how much I weigh now, everything about this picture is "Me," and totally perfect.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just seeing this now in my notifications...Not sure how I missed it!

I understand we are all suffering in some capacity, or we wouldn't be electing to pursue having one of our organs cut out/banded off. Even with this though, we have to find a way to embrace who we are in the present; a reckless love if you will. Can't stress enough what happens when we break all the layers of the psychosis down and get to that damaged place that needs to be filled with love, awareness, and self care. Then... everything becomes clear, and our battle is much easier to fight— there is this sudden realization in knowing what we are fighting for. It's not a fight for who we hope to be, but who we actually are—our best selves; the self that will carry us a long way if we honor the body. Anyway, that's enough philosophical gab from this chick tonight.

From the article...THIS-THIS-THIS:

We should all print it out and tape it on our mirrors, our dashboards, the back of our front doors so we are forced to read it before we leave for the day...

(Quote)

"Your body is the vehicle that carries you from place to place, and allows you to do activities that you enjoy and that make life exciting. Your body does not define who you are as a person. Of course I advocate that you do all in your power to treat it well by eating nutritious foods, exercising, getting the sleep you need and controlling stress so that you stay healthy and strong. However, we shouldn't let worrying about how we look effect our ability to engage in life and enjoy what's going on, no matter what the season or mode of dress.

With some thought and awareness, it is possible to begin feeling better about ourselves, quiet the inner critic, and enjoy bathing suit season. (...)

Body image is a funny thing; it is not based on facts, but on emotions. And it is ever changing, sensitive to our moods, the environment, circumstances, and our physical experiences. Our body image is a learned behavior, shaped by our families, peers, culture, and most definitely by the media." (End quote.)

@@fatgirlsvelte, hello again.

I came across this article today at sparkpeople.com and skimmed it quickly for a sense of whether its spirit is close to yours. Nothing that contradicts you popped out at me, so I'm putting it in here in case you or anyone else wants to take a look.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1626

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

All dis werk yassssssss ❤️

Work it girl! Yassss

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

YES! One thing I WISH I would have had prior to surgery was self love. I hated myself, and it showed. Keep loving yourself.

You are such an inspiration! I think you look beautiful! I am still learning how to love my body.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

S.L.A.Y....best post ever!!!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App