First I would like to apologize to all for the delay in an update. Over the holidays, I had an unexpected visit from the kidney stone fairy. She was sweet enough to allow me to welcome in the New Year with not one, not two, but three new additions to my kidney stone family. There was a positive though. In years past, a kidney stone over 4mm in size always resulted in surgical intervention for passage. Two of the kidney stones that I passed this time were 6mm and 4mm. They were passed with no surgery needed. They still hurt just as bad and yes, there was a need for “pharmaceutical assistance” with pain. For the first time in many years though I passed significant stones without surgery. I couldn’t tell you the reason for this. All I know is that after losing 90 lbs, I was able to pass stones that I could not before.
Now, on to the update. I am currently 4 months post-op and down 90 lbs. I am finally starting to really notice the physical changes to my body. I can look in the mirror and no longer look like I’m carrying twins. I have lost about 10 inches off my waistline. For my work as a sheriff, I wear a duty belt. That belt was on its last notch before surgery. Now, I have had to drill new holes into it to tighten it up. Cows around the world are rejoicing because it only takes one of them to make a belt for me.
Here's a new picture with me before on the left and me three-months post-op on the right.
Not all is perfect in my world of weight loss surgery though. Old habits die hard, and sometimes not at all. Prior to surgery, I was a boredom eater. I ate simply because I was sitting there and it was something to do. Lately, I am finding myself falling back into this habit of spectacularly stupid behavior. I find myself justifying it by saying, “It’s not so bad, I am eating the 100 calorie pack of snacks", or "It’s only a Weight Watcher piece of candy.”
The reality is I am beginning to see myself heading down a slippery and dangerous road. Many of my behaviors have changed for the better. I am eating healthier and less than before. I am exercising and living a more active lifestyle. I am making strides in my health that I never expected. But I am also beginning to struggle with things I wrestled with most of my life.
Up to this point, the tool of the surgery has been enough to make me successful. I think I am now entering a new phase of post-surgical life. I am reaching the fork in the road. One turn will take me down a road that leads to a healthier, happier me. The other goes down a road that I have spent most of my life on. What I am beginning to realize is that I have to face this fork in the road every morning that I wake up. The surgery will help give me direction, but it will never be able to choose the road for me. That is a decision I will need to commit to every day.
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The following is feedback received for this blog:
Scott thanks for your candid comments. I am in the process of attending a seminar on Feb.5th. I look forward to a healthier, happy life. I am also in law enforcement since 1990 and I am 100lbs overweight. I think the hardest part is putting that gun belt on every morning. I look forward to loosening a notch in my belt the most of all. Keep me posted I enjoy your thoughts.
- Jackie
Scott, again, thanks for sharing. You look AMAZING!
- Jen
I am so happy you gave us an update. Sorry for the kidney stones. I have followed your story from the begining and was concerned when you had a lapse on the blog. Your humor is appreciated. I am happy for your weight loss success thus far. Your absolutly correct, whatever demons each of us has, we need to deal with as they are really I beleive the core of our problem/addiction whatever that may be. I wish you continued success. Dont be too hard on yourself. It sounds like you have a handle on your justifications.
scott i have ready your story an it help me i am thinking about having the surgery i have been over weight for a long time now an i have lots of health problem i am some what scared but i am all so scared that if i don,t get some help i won,t live as long as i could i have nine granda kids an i am raising three of them i want to be around for a long time thank you for your story i know it want be easy but i trust an god that i will be ok again thank you for your story
- rosie f. |