Syree lost 135 pounds

Syree recently celebrated the 5 year anniversary of her weight loss surgery and lifestyle change. She lost 135 pounds and went from a 26W to a size 12. Check out her reflections on how her life has changed.

Today is my Surgiversary! 5 years ago today, I took the final step in changing my life forever. On October 27, 2016, I had gastric bypass surgery. After 2.5 years of research, counseling and preparation I did the final step. Having struggled with my weight my entire adult life and my weight climbing to an astounding 328 lbs, I was at my last resort. After fasting and praying, I felt at peace with my decision and released to go through with it.

That woman on the left was excited, scared and hopeful all at the same time. I remember thinking, “This is it. If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what to do.”

I wish I could have showed her what was on the other side of that curtain! I wish I could have told her that her diligence, determination and hard work would pay off. I wish I could have told her that in 11 months you are going to be 135 lbs lighter and that a burden of heaviness that you didn’t even know you were carrying, would finally be removed. I wish I could have told her not to worry about what others think or say, because this was the right decision for you. I wish I could have told her that your story and journey will be unlike any other story you’ve seen.

I wish I could have told her to be encouraged when you want to give up, because you are paving the way for others behind you. I wish I could have told her that every resource that you need to be successful, God will make available to you. I wish I could have told her that you are going to have to keep going even when you are in physical pain; even when you’re unmotivated; and sometimes you’ll have to do it alone! I wish I could have told her that Christ alone will be your only constant in this journey, so stick close to him because things will change fast. I wish I could tell her that you won’t have to work this hard forever.

I wish I could tell her that even with fibromyalgia, bursitis in your knees and hips, carpel tunnel, shin splints and chronic lower back pain, you’re going to do things that you couldn’t do at 19 years old in the Army. I wish I could tell her that you are not defined by your deficiencies because Christ that lives inside you makes up for every lack. I wish I could tell her about the life change that is going to happen in her husband and children. I wish I could tell her about the lives that her decision to not quit would impact.

So, though I couldn’t tell her (she probably would have been overwhelmed anyway), I’m telling you! You can do the insurmountable through Christ who gives you strength. Today, I weighed in at 195 pounds. I went from a 26W to a size 12. I went from a 3X to a size Med. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life! I have energy and confidence! Above all I’m healthy and happy. ?

Side Note: Probably the coolest part of this whole journey, is that I no longer get hungry. For real! I have not felt the sensation of hunger since October 27, 2011. I couldn’t even explain to you what it feels like, because it NEVER happens and I can’t remember. The normal bariatric surgery patient’s hunger returns in 2 wks to 6 months after surgery.