How to turn back 10 years

Hey all! I decided to take a break from posting here for a while, and I still don't think I'm ready to come back just yet. However, I do read every day, and I really enjoy hearing about everyone's successes. I even enjoy hearing people's questions and problems, because I learn from everything, and I appreciate everyone who's confident and/or vulnerable enough to post those things.

I do want to post this, however, and hope that it can inspire someone somehow. I hit my three month surgiversary on the 18th of March, and I couldn't be happier with how things are going so far. While I fully realize that this is the "honeymoon" period, I'm enjoying the chance to revamp my relationship with food and improve my health. I now weigh less than I have in 22 years, fit in clothes that are three sizes smaller than when I started this process, and feel SO much better physically and mentally! It's been very surprising to me to learn that I can actually be disciplined and stick with a program, thanks to my newly rerouted guts.  It's going to get harder, but I'm taking the time to develop the habits and mindset that I'll need to keep fighting and get to goal and maintain. Only time will tell, but for the first time in my life I feel confident and optimistic about the future. Yay!

So currently, I'm keeping calories at 700 or under, carbs at 30 or under (most days less than 20), and protein at 80 or above. Water is coming in between 80 and 100 ounces a day, I have a solid vitamin regimen and am weighing and measuring religiously. I'm not doing much in the way of exercise yet, since dealing with a stricture took more effort than I'd anticipated and I wanted to make sure my food/liquids and supplementation routines were solid. I'm currently walking 30 minutes a day and looking into which gym or exercise program will be a good fit for me (translation: something I can stick with!)

The title of the post refers to my feelings today as I looked in the mirror and the attached picture of me pre-op and now. Due to the wonderful hair loss which started this week with a bang (Ever seen a husky blowing coat? Yeah, that bad), I got a new style to try to minimize the appearance of the thinning hair. Even my husband, who begged me not to cut my hair, says I look ten years younger in the picture. Eh, it may not be a whole ten years, but I definitely look younger! And happy. I was happy to take a picture of myself, amazingly enough! Me, who always used to dodge cameras.

So, thank you again to all who post here, and keep on keeping on!

Looking great!  Keep up the good work and positive attitude!

Thank you so much for posting!  You've definitely lost several years along with the weight...and the haircut suits you.  Stories like yours are what reassure me that I've made the right choice for myself....I wish you much continued success!

Love the new do!  You're looking great.  Keep up the good work.  You'll be amazed by the changes you see.  I know I have been.

Thanks for sharing!  Congratulations on your success so far. You do look younger and happier!

Pam-we had surgery within two days of each other and are having similar experiences! I am also problem-free and loving this new food relationship I am forming. So glad to hear from a happy camper and you definitely took 10 years off!!!! You look great! I hope you decide to come back to OH soon!

You can really tell you have lost a lot of weight! Keep up the good work!! :)

Awesome job!  Those pictures really show off the change in your life that you have made.  I had surgery the day before you and yeah, the hair loss is really kicking in!

You look fantastic !! And I definitely agree, your thinner face along with the new hairstyle makes you look years younger !!!

Congratulations! I think your new haircut is very flattering!