Year 15

 

 Year 15: A Journey of Grace, Growth, and Gratitude

July 13, 2011. 

I can hardly believe it has been 15 years. Fifteen years since I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. It feels fitting that 5 × 3 equals 15, because this journey has been built on so many layers—physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. 

When I look back, I remember the people who have gone on before me: Vette, Evonne, and Annette. Their support mattered more than they may ever know. I also remember exactly how I felt before surgery—scared, depressed, but somehow still hopeful. Hope was the small light that kept shining when everything else felt uncertain. 

The road was far from easy. What many people don't see is that gastric bypass is not just a surgery; it's a lifelong commitment. Before surgery, I faced serious challenges, including a DVT and two pulmonary embolisms. After surgery, there was also a hospitalization for dehydration. Those moments were frightening and tested me in ways I never expected. 

What I've learned over the years is that weight loss surgery is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. The surgery changed my stomach, but I had to work on changing my mind. Every day required choices, awareness, and a willingness to keep going even when progress felt slow. 

Over time, the rewards came. I felt better. I looked better. I slept better. I learned to read labels. I became more aware of what I was putting into my body and how it made me feel. Most importantly, I learned that taking care of myself wasn't selfish—it was necessary. Building a healthier life wasn't just for me; it was also for Layla. I wanted to model a life filled with wellness, resilience, and self-respect. 

The years have continued to bring new challenges. Menopause arrived with its own lessons, including weight gain that seemed to appear no matter how hard I worked. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, life reminded me that growth never stops. New skills unlocked. New strategies learned. 

Most recently, that included starting a GLP-1 medication. I'll be honest—I was scared. After everything I had already been through, trying something new felt intimidating. But I did it anyway. Sometimes courage isn't the absence of fear; it's moving forward despite it. 

After 15 years, the basics are still the basics: protein, water, and movement. Those simple habits continue to be the foundation of my success. Not perfection—just consistency. 

Today, as I weigh in, I feel happy but reflective. Not because a number defines me, but because it represents years of perseverance, setbacks, victories, learning, and healing. 

Fifteen years later, I'm still growing. 

I am still learning. 

I am still choosing myself. 

This journey has taught me that self-care and self-love are not destinations—they're daily practices. Some days are easier than others, but every day is another opportunity to show up for myself. 

Year 15 isn't the end of the story. It's another chapter. And if the last 15 years have taught me anything, it's that the best measure of success isn't the number on the scale—it's the strength, wisdom, and gratitude I've gained along the way. 

Here's to the journey, the lessons, the people who supported me, and the woman I've become. The story continues. ❤️