Just got back from biking! I feel like a "real" person--one that isn't afraid to exert themselves, who is willing to try new things, and especially one who able to fully enjoy a gorgeous day off! I biked about 7 miles from my apartment to the Lincoln Memorial. I did wimp out and take the metro home, but all in due time, right? I am SO happy that I got this surgery! :)

Before I had WLS, I heard everyone talking about how it "isn't a magic pill, it's a tool." And as much as I understood the "there is no easy way" sentiment, it wasn't until I had the surgery that I was fully able to understand what folks meant. (Or at least my interpretation of what they meant!)

WLS is a tool like this: Before surgery, I'd tried 8 million ways to lose weight--medical supervision, WW (3-4 times), Michael Thurmond (those informercials will get me every time!!), Walking off the Pounds, Lindora, and any other weirdo way I could think of. The point being-- I KNOW how to lose weight. We all do. Eat less, exercise more. The problem was, there wasn't enough will power in the universe to keep me from jumping off the wagon when things weren't going my way. Also, for me, I spend YEARS at WW. Every time, I lost 40-45 pounds and then couldn't get anymore weight off. And that 40 pounds took a year to get off. So after working sooo hard and doing all the right things on those other programs and STILL be a size 20 or 22 was just more than I could handle. And so, I'd start eating again and before you know it, I've gained it all back and those pounds had brought friends with them!

Now, with WLS, I CANNOT overeat. Yesterday, I went out to dinner with some friends and I was sooo hungry, I couldn't wait for the food to arrive. I wanted to order one of everything on the menu. I've eaten at this same restaurant before surgery, and my order was something like this: Chili Cheese Fries, Burger + Cheese, Chocolate Shake, and a Soda. I can tell you, walking back into the restaurant, that is EXACTLY what I wanted again! But, when my food came, I was able to eat half a veggie burger (no bun), my tomato + pickle and a few french fries (plain). And then, I was almost too full. Although my mind wanted all this crap, my body was able to stop me, and I left the restaurant SATISFIED, not longing for more.

Second, because with WLS, the weight comes off quickly, I've already past my "best" WW weight loss (in pounds, at least--I've a ways to go to get to my lowest "after" weight) in just 2 months! So, exercising is way easier to do than if I was losing a 1/2 pound or a pound a week. After dinner yesterday, we all went and watched a movie (The Island: it was good, but the product placement was cheesy!!) After, we have to walk up a large hill to catch the bus. I've always dreaded this part of watching a movie because it was so hard to get back up the hill. I've even had to stop before and catch my breath (while pretending to look at the window of some silly store). Yesterday, however, I powered up the hill. All of a sudden, I noticed that I wasn't breathing hard. I began walking even faster. Still normal. I got to the top of the hill and I just couldn't believe how much more in shape I was--it was like I'd been walking down the street!

What a difference 2 months makes! I look forward to the next two months and will totally enjoy seeing what new things I can accomplish then!