Bariatric Celebration.

Tonight I had the honor of spending my evening with all of my fellow bariatric peeps.  I was able to put some faces to names and honored to listen to and see everyone's journeys.  I have never felt so comfortable being around a group of mostly strangers.  I knew walking in that these people had all been through the same journey.  We all had walked through life hating who we were and made a change to become better healthier people.  I spoke to those who are part of the bariatric program team and a couple of them had no idea who I was!  I was able to say "it's me Autumn" and see the "ah ha" moment come across their faces. That is a feeling I could never describe.  Only those who have been through this process know how fantastic that feels.
I was introduced, said a few words and walked down the red carpet. Me, in front of a whole lot of people strutting my stuff.  I even did a victory dance to end my walk! I've lost 76.4 pounds since surgery day and 86.4 since I started my journey.

It felt so amazing showing off all of the hard work.  I felt confident and proud. Those are two words that haven't been in my vocabulary in a very long time if ever.

I would do this all over again in a heartbeat just to feel the way I did tonight.  It's been worth every vomit session, every stomachache, and every "no thank you" to food I use to love. It's been worth it.  I've realized that I'm worth it.

This lady here with me is Vada and she had surgery in February. I had never seen her without oxygen until tonight! She is now able to walk without dragging her oxygen tank around. She has literally gotten a piece of her life and independence back! So proud of you Vada!