Embracing change

Today is my 3 year surgeversary. Three years ago my life began changing in ways I could have never expected it would. 11/16/11 I had gastric bypass surgery. I have lost half of me and gained a whole new person. 

To me the now vs. then is very dramatic. I have heard that my confidence was evident in both pictures but I can honestly tell you I did not have confidence back then. Not like I have now, that's for sure. I took my femme side to a photo shoot ... It made me embrace all the changes and not be hidden. The results are so dramatic that I absolutely must share. 

It's not easy being a chef and losing 175lbs. Surgery didn't do this ... I did this. I am constantly around everything "bad" that could have prevented or undone my accomplishments but I am cautious. I stay alert. I pay attention. If my jeans feel tight I listen to my body and I stay the course. Being in my new position and having to create an entire menu has made the struggle more real I have to try, sample, taste ... But outside my professional life I opt for healthy vegetarian and vegan items to undo the negative that goes in while working. If you are a chef with weight problems and think there is no way you could opt for surgery because you love food far to much, let me just tell you that I love food more now. Now that I have to consciously choose because I know that I can only enjoy a small sampling and not gorge myself and not actually taste a bite. 

This was me only about 6 months out swimming in the size clothing I had worn before it all began ... I can't even imagine how this would look now.