Six Months Later...

❤ December 7, 2024 ❤

Good morning, dearest friends and family!!

Saturday marked six months since my gastric sleeve surgery at Blossom Bariatrics in Vegas.  It's been an incredible, transformative season for me, inside and out!  Today, my heart overflows with gratitude and determination... weight loss surgery has given me the gift of an amazing jump start.  More importantly, it offered RENEWED HOPE that real, lasting change is possible.  After years of struggle, I now feel empowered to pursue and maintain a healthier lifestyle, grounded in a growing sense of purpose. ❤

Progress Update:

• I’m down 90 pounds from my highest weight ever, over 70 pounds since this summer, and within 40 pounds of my goal weight range!
• No more blood pressure meds, better lab results, and increased energy and endurance!!
• Improved emotional balance as the initial hormonal changes have stabilized!
• More confidence and a desire to take better care of myself in several areas!

I chose the safest and least invasive surgical option, which means my weight loss is slower than it might have been with other surgeries.  My body still fully absorbs all the calories and nutrients of everything I eat (which is part of why I'm not struggling with vitamin deficiencies, major hair loss, malabsorption, etc.).  I am really happy with that decision, while being aware that it puts more responsibility on me to continue and maintain my progress as I move forward!

Six months down, the rest of my life to go...

Challenges and Growth:  As my body adjusts (the newly smaller stomach naturally relaxes a bit by the six-month mark), it’s time to get more serious about consistent, wise food choices.  I'm aware that protein and veggies fuel me best and keep me feeling full, while sugary treats and processed carbs digest quickly and cause cravings.  Old habits are hard to break, but not impossible - so much of it lies in where our identity is rooted.  One thing I'm actively struggling with is having a little too much grace for myself and thinking of 'eating whatever I want' as the best way to really enjoy my life, especially around vacations and holidays.  Having a more limited portion size can make it feel more tempting to snack around and have "just a little" of ALL the things I want... but those calories add up, and it all impacts my blood sugar and mood and energy levels, so it's important for me to use wisdom and remember that there are other ways to reward myself (like buying smaller clothes, for example)!  For more than one reason, I am embracing the WW app for some extra accountability moving forward.

Especially in the first three months post-op, the physical changes were rapid and my mind and heart were struggling to catch up - LOTS of strong emotions and long-held fears were bubbling up to the surface.  I'm thankful for my counseling sessions with Emily, having a place where I've felt safe to process the past shame, emotional shifts, and unique life changes that accompany my story.  At this point, things feel much more balanced, and God is healing/transforming my thoughts to align with this healthier new identity.  I feel increasing clarity about what I want my health patterns to look like moving forward - I am not exactly where I was hoping to be by this particular milestone, but I have plenty to celebrate today!!  I finished my 5th Half Marathon, I'm on a good health trajectory, and I'm close enough to believe with confidence that my weight and health goals are now within my reach - that hope is not a small thing!  I'm deeply grateful to be stepping into a happier and healthier identity - mind, body, soul, and spirit! ❤

Looking Ahead:  I’m excited to begin training for my first Full Marathon soon, a long-term goal that I feel ready to conquer now!  I plan to document and share that journey - I'll get into those details in a later post, but I've decided to use the WW app paired with the Apple Watch activity tracking to ensure that I stay in the right food range as I'm training.  It's a simple and familiar tool that feels helpful and aligns well with my goals right now (prioritizing protein and healthier foods + enjoying all foods mindfully while keeping smart boundaries + adjusting my food intake according to my activity level).  This new season is about consistency, discipline, and embracing the identity of being an athlete in training!!

*On a personal note, the doctors recommend that you wait at least a year to try for a pregnancy after weight loss surgery... so it helps to redirect my energy and focus toward Marathon training and career transition in the meantime.  I am prayerfully considering pursuing another IUI or embryo adoption plan next summer - staying tuned in and awaiting God's direction.  Either way, I am grateful to prepare my body and spirit for whatever motherhood might look like in His timing!

Reflections:  This health journey is gradually reshaping the way I see myself, which is a huge blessing and the only way my progress will last.  Amy took professional photos for our CCU Roomies group yesterday, and it was such perfect timing to celebrate this six-month milestone and our 2.5 years in graduate school coming to a close!  I feel healthier, more vibrant, and ready to step into a new season as a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in 2025.  I'm glad I chose to be vulnerable and share this publicly, and I'm deeply grateful for all the support, encouragement, and accountability I’ve received from family and friends!  Progress has slowed down, but the surgery was a solid choice and has been very successful for me... and it's now up to me to make the most of this jump start and reignited hope as I move forward with building a meaningful life. ❤

*THANK YOU again to Chet Lee for sparking this life-changing journey and for being an exceptional friend and support along the way!

We are valuable, loved by God, and worthy of love at every size, period.
Taking better care of ourselves enhances the life God created us to live!

Hopeful Reminder: A lot can change in a year.  Especially when we embrace outside help/support, shift our perspective, and choose to believe in ourselves!

With deep gratitude and fierce determination,

❤ Lindsey Claire