Cry.It.Out.

On By mrsjmejonesIn friendship, love, my heart, positive thinking, praise, prayers, trust, trust in Jesus, world, worry1 Comment

I’m not talking about the tactic where you let your newborn-ish baby cry to the top of their lungs in their crib while you sit by the door in anguish and try to resist rescuing them.  I could never do that, personally…but that’s SO not the point…or maybe…it is?

I feel like I hear more often than not – BE STRONG….PUT ON YOUR BIG GIRL PANTIES AND DEAL WITH IT….SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP…basically all the ‘wash your face’ logic that is so popular today.  I just wonder why?  Why are we fighting so hard to be so strong when we were created to depend on Jesus and also on others?  Why are we trying to hold back our tears when we know…from the Bible…that Jesus hears our cries?  He heals our hurts and He is pleased by our need for Him.

I am so guilty of being ashamed of crying. Of trying to hide my tears and trying to appear strong…of trying to pretend someone didn’t hurt my feelings or disappoint me…and of not just crying it out.  Imagine if Jesus is right outside of our door, waiting for us to cry out to Him so He can rescue us?  Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Prayer Priorities

On By mrsjmejonesIn family, grateful, home, hubby, kids, love, marriage, my heart, positive thinking, praise, prayers, serious, trust in Jesus1 Comment

Y’all wouldn’t believe how many people have asked me recently about prayer. How to start…what to pray about…format…how do I find the time…and I LOVE sharing what I personally find helpful and am ALWAYS happy to share (so message me if you have questions at all!! NOT an expert but I can say I work hard at it!!)…

I heard about task oriented prayer a while back and forgot to share it in case it is something that might help someone! I cannot find the article/blog/instagram that I read it on but basically it just involves praying about what you are currently DOING….so it’s not as hard to remember/fit it in your busy day/etc…

Examples:

folding clothes – thank Jesus for the bodies that wear the clothes, the conveniences (washer/dryer/electricity) that we have, the means to buy them/wash them….and then pray for those same things..blessings for your family….

cooking dinner – thank Jesus for the family you are cooking for and the means to have food / ways to cook / water / etc….and then pray for nourishment and blessings for your family…for health and joy to come from your cooking!

driving to school to pick up kids – thank Jesus for the blessing of children, education, freedoms, etc….pray for them/teachers/admins/safety

You see how easy that is? The idea is to remain grateful and in prayer constantly so that you are keeping the communication with Jesus ongoing. It is SO SO SO easy to fill our brains/minds/ears with constant NOISE of this world with TV/radio/podcasts/books but the most important thing we can do is talk to Jesus. I know I am preaching to myself here, so hopefully I am encouraging someone!!

 

Pity Party Perspective Shift

On By mrsjmejonesIn Uncategorized1 Comment

For those who don’t know, I had surgery December 5, 2018, on my shoulder.  Specifically I had a bicep tenodesis and labrum repair.  It was SO much easier than I anticipated (with the help of a pain pump for the three days following surgery!!) and I was so incredibly thankful.  When physical therapy started, I knew it would be painful getting my shoulder moving again and improving my range of motion.  What I did NOT anticipate was the scar tissue and the extreme pain of trying to alleviate it.  The massages from my therapists leave me in tears.  They expect me to do this to myself, at home, on my days away from their office and honestly it makes me nearly sick to my stomach to think of touching these “marbles” in my shoulder.  It. Is. Painful.  I have prayed, I have begged, I have cried in anticipation of appointments.  This week I had therapy on Tuesday – which was awful.  They used the “cupping” technique on my scar tissue in addition to the massage and now I’m left with purple/red circles to mark my pain points.  Yesterday (Wednesday) I spent in tears many times, worrying about the appointment for today (Thursday).  What I did not anticipate, was realizing this morning that EVERY SINGLE devotion I have read this week was about NOT WORRYING.  About not borrowing trouble.  About not rehearsing your troubles or multiplying your suffering.  Ummm.  Ouch.

I love that Jesus created us to need Him. I am saddened when I hear someone so proudly proclaim they are independent and self-sufficient and don’t need anyone.  Jesus created us to do the opposite of that.  To need Him…rely on Him…call on Him.  I felt like I had been doing that through this season of pain, so in my mind I had submitted this pain to Him…but I have been reminded that it is more than praying through it.  I have to stop worrying about this.  Let’s run through some math….  I wake up around 5 every morning to start my day.  I go to bed around 10 most nights.  That is 17 waking hours.  Of that 17 hours, physical therapy takes up approximately 1 hour.  (By the way, not even the whole hour is the extreme pain…it’s probably made up of about 10-15 minutes.  It lingers, yes, but nothing compares to that few minutes!)  I have been literally crying, worrying – a HOT MESS – about Thursday.  THURS.DAY.  When, really, I am dreading that PT appt.  That hour.  That 1/17th of time for Thursday.  A day of cooking breakfast for my hubby…the opportunity to take my baby girl to school…of loving my family by doing their laundry…playing with puppies…cooking for my family…ALL THE THINGS – ALL THE GOOD THINGS.  I have been crying over less than 6% of a day.

More than that…I have missed time being thankful.  Missed time with my family because I was upset over the pain, the impending appointment, missed fellowship with friends.  I feel so silly….so guilty!!

I am SO THANKFUL for a Jesus who forgives and who pursues me – no matter how stubborn I am!  He put the words in front of me day after day this week and FINALLY let me SEE them.  Yesterday my devotion said, “Relax in His Peace.”  Ha!  Let’s just say I did NOT listen. Monday it said, “Laugh at the future.” Ummmm…for SUUUUUURE I am laughing at myself right now!!! Today I was reminded to be thankful and how He made this day.  This day that I have dreaded and L I T E R A L L Y cried over – He made it!!!!  Can you imagine creating something that is beautiful and holds so many blessings and someone acting like a BABY OVER IT and pitching an ALL OUT fit in dread and worry and anxiety?????  (I’m guessing if you’re a Mom you probably have experienced this because KIDS, but whatever!!!)

So – let me not waste another minute having my little pity party.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to get my shoulder repaired and having a chance at better range of motion.  I am thankful for my surgeons and my physical therapists and their commitment to health and wellness.  I am depending on Jesus and calling on Him to get me through my appointment today as well as my home exercies/massages.  He will strengthen me, I know!

Friends, do not let problems and troubles of this world be bigger than your faith in Him.  He is bigger and stronger than them all…we just have to remember it and stay in communication with Him.  The closer we are to Him, the easier it is to remember.

Treats for Delivery Drivers

On By mrsjmejonesIn Uncategorized1 Comment

I started doing this before Christmas and received RAVE reviews from our delivery drivers.  We order a LOT online…so I see them very often! 🙂  When a few gave me a “thanks for dinner” comment and smiles…I knew I could not stop doing this after Christmas this year!  I created a new sign with a happy new year message…and plan to continue this for every season – so that every day there is a treat for them!  Especially when I know I have a shipment coming.  I wanted to include it here so that it can be downloaded if anyone would like it as well!  Feel free to use it!  BLESS OTHERS!!

year round delivery treats justjmejones

Download PDF Here

 

 

Weight Loss Chronicles ~ TOC

On By mrsjmejonesIn Bariatric, Blogging, diabetes, Diet, Doctors, food, friendship, lists, recipes, sickness, Weight Loss SurgeryLeave a comment

I cannot tell you the number of times that I have been contacted by a friend from high school, a neighbor or a perfect stranger to ask for help as they decide whether or not to take the plunge and have Weight Loss Surgery.  It can be SO intimidating and stressful throughout the process and especially when thinking of maintaining a new life and a new relationship with food.  I am always SO happy to help and always direct them to this blog as well as my Instagram feed for WLS (username:  rnyftw) but I have noticed how hard it is to go back and reference each stage of my journey so I thought I’d link it all here to help anyone (and myself!) who may need to see a specific one:

WLS Chronicles – The Decision

WLS Chronicles – The Initial Visit

WLS Chronicles – Pre-Op Testing

WLS Chronicles – Pre-Op Diet

WLS Chronicles – Surgery Day!

WLS Chronicles – Post-Op Diet (Days 1 -3 Clear Liquids)

WLS Chronicles – Post-Op Diet (Days 4 -13)

WLS Chronicles – Emotions

WLS Chronicles – HELP!!! (links to apps, and support talk)

WLS Chronicles – Post-Op Diet (Days 14 – 20) ~ Semi-Solids

WLS Chronicles – Post-Op Diet (Day 21/Week 4 – Day 41/Week 6) ~ Soft Foods

WLS Chronicles – Post-Op Diet (Day 42/Week 7 – Three Months Post-Op)

WLS Chronicles ~ Week 14 Update

WLS Chronicles ~ Dining Out

WLS Chronicles ~ Maintaining

I hope that makes it easier for everyone to reference the stage they are looking for!  If you have ANY questions beyond what I’ve blogged out, please please please reach out to me!  My email is mrsjmejones@gmail.com and I truly do enjoy helping others in their journey as well!

 

Promises, Promises

On By mrsjmejonesIn about us, Blogging, Bryan, College Station, family, friendship, grateful, home, hubby, kids, lists, love, new house, positive thinking, praise, prayers, real estate, Sanford, Texas, travel, trust, trust in Jesus, Uncategorized, USA, Weight Loss Surgery1 Comment

I am so human.  SO human.  I am also SO thankful that Jesus is much more than that.  That His promises are guarantees.  That said, I am going to promise you that I am going to update you, in due time, on all of the changes that have gone on in my life in the last year.  I will try to follow through with this but I will likely fail….but I do PROMISE you that I have good intentions!  If you have followed or known me long at all, you know that I love lists…so I will just jot down here the changes and come back here to link once I actually type it out!

In 2017 – we……..

  1. Sold our NC home.
  2. Lived with my Mom and Dad (and without my hubby!!!) for two months.
  3. Moved to Texas.
  4. Road tripped to Austin, Houston, Waco, Arlington, and Galveston.
  5. Lived in an apartment for several months.
  6. Started an amazing Bible study, through Community Bible Study.
  7. Continued weight loss.
  8. Built a house.  An amazing, beautiful, creation if I do say so myself!  (see #10 for referenced IG acct to see pics)
  9. Started backyard projects.
  10. Started a home decor Instagram page (due to that nagging fear of my friends/family growing tired of me sharing home stuff) at http://www.instagram.com/sweetcharmhouse
  11. Visited NC in July and December.
  12. Stepped up our prayer life.

SO, happy Friday and have a great weekend!  I’m going to work on my blog catch up posts!  🙂

 

WLS Chronicles ~ Maintaining

On By mrsjmejonesIn Bariatric, diabetes, Doctors, food, new house, praise, real estate, Weight Loss Surgery2 Comments

It has been almost SEVEN months since my surgery and I am still absolutely overjoyed at my decision.  I have found more energy than I EVER remember having, am only on one medication (hypothyroidism) and I am feeling more confident than ever.  This surgery has given me a new lease on life and I LOVE it!

Now, I make the best decisions with ease on food and drink choices.  I eat a LOT of cheese.  A LOT.  Mostly I eat eggs, bacon, chicken, broccoli, more chicken, cheese, beef, cauliflower, more cheese….ha ha ha!  I drink coffee.  A LOT OF COFFEE.  Splenda, sugar free creamer and the occasional sugar free Torani syrup are necessary in this new life.

I find myself with tons of energy during the day, when you are supposed to have it!  Moving was still exhausting but I could tell many times that I was able to do more, lift more, move longer when we were packing up our home of four years!  (We moved from NC to TX….not sure if I blogged on that…will do if I haven’t!)

Do I get hungry?  It depends.  If I miss a meal, I get hungry around the six hour mark.  I usually eat every three hours…so I can tell if I missed one easily.  But the hunger is different.  I crave protein and healthy foods.  I love roasted veggies.  I feel like I can TASTE foods better because I’m eating so much healthier.

Do I cheat?  I guess it depends on your definition.  I eat a few M&M’s (peanut) with my cheese and crackers if I am creating my own bento box.  Peanut M&M’s do contain protein so it’s not a terrible choice.  But I eat a max of FIVE.  It gives me enough of a sweet taste but will not wreck my life plan.  I ate a bite of my Mom’s birthday cake.  I have licked icing off of a knife.  In the last few weeks (since my nutritionist told me to treat myself every now and then) I have let myself have more carbs a few times a week.  Sweet potato – yessssssss.  (with butter + cinnamon + splenda)

Do I have cravings?  Yes.  As mentioned before I crave healthy foods.  I do have unhealthy wants as well.  I want soft, white bread.  All the time.  LOL  I do not cave on that one and I won’t.  Sandwiches were a go-to for me and I do miss them but I would rather stick to my plan.

All in all, I am doing quite well at adjusting to “life after bariatric surgery” and have had VERY few issues.  I have had “dumping syndrome” a couple of times, both after having something with a large amount of milk.  I (obviously) now avoid large amounts of milk.  I find that if I don’t plan, I see either a stall or I don’t feel my best.  SO – I plan!  🙂

In all honesty, the hardest parts of this journey have been been:

  • the planning – it can take as much time as you want it to take…from a few minutes to stop and think “do I have my water and a healthy protein” every time I walk out the door to a few hours meal planning/grocery shopping/prepping.  You get what you put into it.  It is SO worth it to take the time to figure out what works for your schedule, your new tummy and your family/lifestyle.
  • the change in habits – (I mean I am from the South where EVERYTHING revolves around eating!)  Thinking about food nonstop is a really hard habit to break.  We are inundated with Food Network, recipes/videos on Facebook, food everywhere we go – it is extremely hard for someone who is trying to live a new lifestyle of eating to live and not living to eat.
  • the emotions from support and nonsupport – This one is pretty self explanatory but the support I have received from my husband, parents, children, in-laws, friends and weight loss surgery family has been nothing short of amazing.  The feedback on my progress, on pictures, on my meals….I can’t tell you how important it has been.  It’s the reason I had to “come out of the kitchen” (my Dad coined that!) a month after my surgery.  I had all intentions of only telling a few people but I quickly realized that the cheerleading and kudos and encouragement meant far more to me than my privacy or pride.  The negative side of that, of course, is opening yourself up to criticism, snarky comments or judgements.  The worst thing you can do to someone who has lost 105 pounds is NOT MENTION IT.  I promise.  It is awkward.  I feel like I’m searching for the reason they aren’t noticing or mentioning it or is it me or am I not that different or or or or orrrrr….I feel like saying, “You mad, bro?” when someone doesn’t!!!   (One day I am going to post a Dos and Don’ts I PROMISE!)
  • the impact on my family (good and bad) – I think I covered most of this already but it does impact every day life, of course.  I prefer to not go to Texas Roadhouse.  I LOVED it.  Truly.  BUT THOSE ROLLS THOUGH.  That one is a hard one.  They are EVERYWHERE.  I am certainly not going to ask my family to not eat them, so I just don’t go there.  It is where they go without me and have their own dates and I stay home or find something else to do.  No problem.  Am I jealous when they all get dessert?  You betcha.  I’m human.  Occasionally, I’ll have a bite (depending on what I have eaten) but I have resisted overdoing it.  We truly have to plan our day trips, date nights and dinners out in a way that we have never had to before.  Our kids are picky (ok, so is Mike) so we’ve always had to plan ahead – look at menus – but NOW it’s an extra challenge with my new tummy.  I am SO appreciative of understanding kids – they really have never complained about the changes.  Of course, I feel like that’s probably because they see the good in this new lifestyle.  They see me healthy and energized…and most of all, happy.

 

New Home, New Group

On By mrsjmejonesIn about us, Bryan, College Station, home, occupation, Texas, Thirty-One, workLeave a comment

As some of you may know, I am a Thirty-One consultant.  I decided to refresh my page (since I’m a Texas resident now!) in hopes that I can spend a little more time on that business and meet some news friends in the process.  Head over to:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/bcsbags/ if you would like to join!  Feel free to contact me at mrsjmejones@gmail.com if you want to order something directly or find out about becoming a consultant (OR just to find out about that awesome $99 enrollment kit!!).  july-customer-graphics

WLS Chronicles ~ Dining Out

On By mrsjmejonesIn Bariatric, Weight Loss Surgery3 Comments

I had a request to put together some restaurant experience from a WLS perspective.  It is not as easy as it might seem to just eat less than you did before.  It takes some planning, tons of patience and it certainly takes a support system that understands and empathizes with what you’re going through.  Life is DIFFERENT.  It is BETTER, for sure.  But, different, nonetheless.

My first meal out was Mexican.  I ate refried beans.  They were amazing.  Cheap.  Everything.  🙂  Once I felt better about going out, it was easier to ask our server if I could eat off the kid’s menu.  I have yet to find a restaurant that denied me that chance.  I have a card from my surgeon stating that I had bariatric surgery but have not needed to “prove it” yet!

The easiest way to see my food habits is to check me out on Instagram.  Search the hashtag #whatJJate and you’ll see ALL my foodie pics!  Here are some things that I snapped pics of that have worked well for me in the last several weeks and where I had them:

Broiled Fish, Bay Breeze (Sanford, NC)

This was one of my first restaurant meals.  It was delicious.  I could only eat VERY little and to be honest it was not great reheated.  If I had an air fryer maybe it would have been better?  It was a costly dinner for what I ate so I have not had this one again!  (Note, I just was not very comfortable asking about the kid’s meal here…no knock on them, I just wasn’t prepared to talk about my surgery too much to strangers.)

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Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap, Chick-fil-A (Many times, many places!)

This is one of my faves.  It is a quick decision and as long as I have somewhere to stop and eat, it’s easy.  I usually get the avocado ranch dressing and dip it in there (sparingly).  The key to this one is SMALL bites.  One wrap is two servings for me at this time.  I peel off most of the wrap as the lettuce holds it together nicely.  I do still eat a few bites of the wrap though.

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Protein Bistro Box, Starbucks (Many times, many places)

Another great idea.  It includes apples, hard-boiled egg, grapes, white cheddar cheese and Justin’s honey peanut butter.  (It also includes a multigrain muelsi bread which I discard.)  I squeeze a little of the peanut butter on the apples – delish!  A great choice if you forget to pack your snack and need a meal on the run!  I have also taken this into restaurants if I was worried about their choices.

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{Kids Meal} Grilled chicken w/ broccoli rabe, California Pizza Kitchen (Durham, NC)

This was yummy and for sure was better than any of the regular menu options.  Yes, you can always go with a salad with some type of protein but you are paying about $12-$14 for ONE meal then.  A kids meal $4-6 will easily fill you up (protein first – then veggies to fill up) and you’re not wasting a ton of food.  I usually take the leftover veggies home to put w/ other protein meals!

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Grilled Chicken Quesadilla, Los Charros (Broadway, NC)

I usually get this with a side of guacamole to put on top of it (or pico).  I open the quesadilla up and then just eat the chicken and cheese.  I also usually let myself have TWO tortilla chips with salsa if I’m still hungry after my chicken is gone.

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{Kids Meal} Grilled chicken w/ broccoli, Outback (College Station, TX)

Easy choice here!  Order from kids menu….the chicken is really good.  You can do steak here too of course but this was before my steak days! 🙂

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Burrito Bowl, Chipotle (College Station, TX)

This looks HORRIBLE.  But it’s delish. 🙂  I get a burrito bowl w/ no rice.  Only protein of choice, beans, salsa, cheese, light on the lettuce and sour cream.  It is easily 4-6 meals for me.

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Sirloin steak, Texas Roadhouse (College Station, TX)

My first steak after surgery.  I chose to wait three months post op to have ANY steak because I like mine medium (risk of infection in your recently sewn up gut!).  It.was.amazing.  Also, it’s easy to order a REAL portion (I did 6 oz) because it’s easily divisible.  🙂  I ate this three times….ordered my two sides as a bowl of chili and a house salad.  Ate the chili for another meal and had some of the salad each time I ate the steak.  Makes that $9.99 go pretty far!

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White bean chicken chili, Lupe Tortilla (College Station, TX)

We make this a lot at home.  I think my Dad eats it about twice a month.  It’s easy to make and is packed with protein w/o having a ton of bad carbs.  The restaurant version was the same and very good.  I did not eat the tortillas w/ cheese that it came with (but I wanted to).  I ordered this from the “Starter” menu so it wasn’t the price of an entree but was two servings for me.

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Cheeseburger (no bun), green beans & mushrooms, Sodulak’s (Snook, TX)

A cheeseburger (hold the bun) is an easy choice anywhere.  Having a side like green beans is a huge bonus for me!  I was able to eat about 1/2 of this burger w/ the mushrooms on top and a few bites of green beans.

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{Kids Meal} Grilled chicken w/ broccoli, Outback (Southern Pines, NC)

Ordered from the kids menu again…and my Mom got a potato that they gave her extra cheese and bacon for…I added that to my chicken and will do that again!  Yummy!  Pretty much MOST restaurants have grilled chicken on their kids menu and some type of steamed veggie.  (Note:  I have gotten very comfy about the kids menu and don’t even feel the need to tell my life story in defense of it!)

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Fast Food Options:  OF COURSE, cooking at home – grilling, roasting, etc…. is usually best…LIFE HAPPENS.  These choices have gotten me through a meal that I might have otherwise skipped (DO NOT DO THAT).

Chick-fil-A

  • An 8 count (FRIED!) nugget entree only has 9 g of carbs and packs 28 g of protein.  My tummy tolerates these VERY well…just eat slowly!
  • Grilled chicken sandwiches (minus bun) are great!
  • Even the regular (fried) chicken sandwiches are low in carbs due to the fact that they are not heavily breaded.  (Again, no bun.)
  • Chicken Noodle Soup…the small has 18g of carbs and 12 g of protein.  (NOOOO crackers!)
  • I stay away from the salads because there is just not that much chicken in them and I have to focus on protein.

Taco Bell

  • Breakfast Soft Taco (Bacon) has only 15g of carbs and has 11 g of protein.  Again, take it SLOW and chew well.  I TRY NOT TO EAT ALL OF THE TORTILLA.  (So, I move all the contents to one side and tear off the tortilla.)
  • Beef Soft Taco Supreme has only 20 g of carbs and has 10 g of protein.  (Same tortilla note above.)

Bojangles

  • You can order a side of bacon and egg.  For real.  🙂

Cook Out

  • Burgers w/ no buns
  • Grilled chicken w/ no bun
  • Barbecue & slaw

Wendy’s

  • Burgers w/ no buns
  • Grilled chicken w/ no bun
  • Chili is a WONDERFUL option.  (small has 16g of carbs and 15g of protein)

Big T’s, Jim’s, Dairy Bar, etc…. – stick with either hamburger steak, burger w/ no bun, grilled chicken, or eat before you go with family and you can have an unsweet tea or coffee and visit and not worry about what you eat!

TRAVEL NOTES – If you’re blessed and get upgraded to First…there is usually a low carb option and MOST meals come with salads that you can put whatever “meat” (and I use that term very loosely!!) on the salad and call it a day!  Best to pack snacks that you can easily turn to though, in case they are just not serving or are only carb-loading!

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HOME CHEF/HELLO FRESH/ETC ETC ETC NOTE:  You can still do these services..you just have to watch the carbs.  Choose meals that are low-carb or that you can adapt by not eating the breads.  Most of them include sides that are relatively low on carbs (like roasted veggies) so it’s still a possibility!

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Treats:

Sugar-Free Sno-cones are the BEST!

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WLS Chronicles ~ Week 14 Update

On By mrsjmejonesIn Bariatric, Weight Loss Surgery1 Comment
I have not posted lately about my progress with weight loss surgery so I thought I would while I have a few minutes on my hands this morning! It has been 14 weeks and 2 days since my life changed in a major way. I am only on ONE medication now (which I can’t shake – you know thyroid meds NEVER go away once you start!!). I have more energy than I can ever remember in my life. My diet and meal planning still are a huge part of my day. I have been able to dine out with friends more lately and even last night had dinner at a friend’s house. You wouldn’t believe the anxiety over worrying about hurting someone’s feelings by not eating a ton of their home cooked food. (Yes, I know not everyone would have this anxiety but when you are someone who is super sensitive you are more sensitive about other’s feelings and some of y’all just should thank me right now for that because SOME people just don’t care about anyone’s feelings! I digress…) However, we had a wonderful time and I explained and we were done with that!
I have kissed blood pressure and diabetes meds goodbye. I have kissed 80 pounds goodbye. I have kissed lots of foods goodbye. I have kissed LOTS of clothes goodbye (5-6 sizes down!). I have welcomed new friendships made by this journey. I’ve enjoyed exercising which I have really never EVER looked forward to before. I have adapted to my new tummy and my new emotions and new habits….and I have even turned into the most COLD NATURED PERSON I KNOW. (Well besides Shannon :)) EVEN IN TEXAS! LOL I have felt stress about new things. Not eating enough protein, drinking water too quickly, having 1 too many carbs… It is crazy to think of the differences in my diet and lifestyle. There is absolutely no way to tell you in words the emotions and pure joy that I have in my heart over this opportunity. The coolest thing is that people have reached out, privately, to ask questions. To get advice. To tell me they have been considering it. To dig deeper. To get support. So while I’m already in my feels over here, let me tell you that I am OVERJOYED to support others and their personal decisions to make changes to better themselves. Whether that means surgery or diet changes or lifestyle changes – if it makes you better….if it makes you live longer, if it makes you able to enjoy your family more, if it makes you healthier, DOOOOO IT.  Will everyone agree with you?  NOPE!  I can tell you that firsthand.  Side note, don’t get me wrong….those that don’t agree with you likely won’t tell you that to your face…but the whispers happen.  The “why didn’t she just exercise and eat better” questions….the “wow, that was drastic” conversations…the people who just act like it didn’t happen (that’s by far my favorite….hahahahaha….like, do you NOT notice I look crazy different?  now you just seem weird.)  Honestly I used to be offended by the thought of someone not agreeing but then I read a few memes (HA HA HA!) and felt better.  You know the ones…

 

Also, the support of family and friends means a TON. It is still second to my relationship with Jesus. He is the ONLY reason I have been successful in this because I AM WEAK. Alone, I’d be searching out some Shipley’s Donuts right now. But here I sit, coffee with Splenda & sugar free creamer in hand. Happy. Blessed. Grateful.