About 6 months ago, I had gastric bypass surgery, which was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. In the past 6 months, I’ve lost a little more than the ideal weight of a 25 year old, 6 foot man. There are many good things that have come out of this, most obvious, an improvement in my health.
Before my surgery, I was very nervous about the changes that would occur in my body, because I loved the person I was. I spent all of high school dealing with being different, and throughout college had learned to embrace it. It wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to let that person go. And now I realize it’s the biggest gift I have ever recieved: weight. By having the opportunity of being obese, and also a “normal” weight, or at least on my way to it, I have been able to hone the qualities that I found most endearing in a person. I also was able to learn at a very young age that it doesn’t matter what a person looks like and not to judge by appearances, the way that most people did with me.
The most important lesson I learned is that you have to love yourself, before anyone else can love you. Happiness lies completely within the individual. No one else can make, or break it for you, without your permission. Throughout high school, I cursed the body that I was “given” and now I realize that it has made me a stronger, better person. By embracing this, and myself, I have learned to love the person I am, no matter what my present weight is.
That’s so beautiful. So much wisdom you have. What a powerful message.
you’ve been there for me. ill still be here for you friend.
Remember, once upon a time we told you it didn’t matter to us how you looked. It was true then…… as it is now. I can’t tell you how proud we are of the person you have become. To mom and I it never has mattered, but we always wanted you to have the chance to live a long and happy life. That was my only fear is that you would short change yourself in that aspect. I have to be honest with you it scared me to death.
I understand you embraced the way you were but it makes our heart smile that you are embracing the new you as well. …. We loved the old you, but we love the new one as much……….
Leslie,
look at you all blogging.
You’ve always been beautiful to me. BABE
Being there with you, mentally, while you go through this important and scary and courageous time is like watching Ghandi sniff flowers… I swear. Did I just compare you to Ghandi? Whateva! I mean, I love you. Every time I think I can grasp what a strong, amazing person you are you go and write some meaningful blog that opens up all these new doors… I guess you’ve only done that once, really. But let’s just say I am never short on proof of your greatness.
I hope you know how incredibly proud I have always been to be your friend. I know this has been very hard for you and I wish I could some how make it easier. You are such an incredibly strong, wonderful, and beautiful person. You never stop amazing and inspiring me. I love you sooooo much!
Very wise words from a very wise young woman. You have always been a beautiful person inside and out. Too many people see just with their eyes and not their mind and heart.
I think learning to love ones self is difficult for alot of us. I’m so glad you’ve found that special love. I am so proud of you. We all love you very much!!
you have great friends…..
Very powerful words. Keep up the great work!!!
Jessica my love, when we were at Letchworth, Carrie came up to me and said, “When we were hiking up the trail, do you know what Jess just said to me? She said: ‘You know, a few months ago I wouldn’t have been able to do this.’” We glowed for a while about how impressed we were with your perseverance and about how this would add healthy years onto your life. But the true testament to how worthwhile it was is how much happier you are and how much better you feel. How are you on banjo? I’m thinking of starting up a 4-piece banjo band. Either that or a 5-piece banjo band.
[...] body. My friend Jessica, after having gastric bypass surgery and loosing nearly 200 lbs wrote in her blog: And now I realize it’s the biggest gift that I have ever received: weight. By having the [...]