So, I had skin removal surgery about six months ago after losing half of my body weight over the last dozen or so years. I had struggled with body dysmorphia, which is a very real thing when you’re 150 pounds but have tons of loose skin hanging off of you. So after years of struggling with it both physically and mentally, I had bilateral brachioplasty and a tummy tuck.

First, yes, I would absolutely do it all over again, even after having some complications post-op. After spending years literally working my ass off, I can finally see results. I can fit into size 8 jeans (at my biggest, I was size 26/28 and swore I’d never get to size 30). My “fat pants” are size 10. I can fit into medium sized leggings and workout shorts. I still wear size XL tops because, uh, hello, boobs still exist! But I’ve deleted two other X’s from the size.

I work out at the gym a couple days a week. I walk every day, both outside with my dog and inside on my walking pad. My body may not look strong (muscles just don’t show up on me) but it IS strong. I’ve noticed it in my regular life, as well as at work (I work as a nurse, and I swear, the older I get, the bigger my patients get!)

Am I going to get any more plastic surgery? No. I have nothing against it, or against people getting it. But considering it’s not covered by insurance, it’s too damn expensive! Besides, I got done what I wanted done. I don’t have enough vanity to fork over more money for more stuff. Well, I don’t have the vanity OR the money, let’s say that!

I appreciate my body now more than I ever have. It’s served me well for almost 60 years, and continues to do so! I don’t get out of breath hiking up hills anymore, and can lift and squat more pounds than I ever though I could (partially thanks to my trainer Alex!) I am not taking my good health now for granted, having previously been diabetic (no longer after losing about 160 pounds) and having previously been hypertensive (ditto).

Cherish your body and cherish yourself! You’re the only YOU you get! Be the weirdest, smartest, most special you you can be!

(Including before and after pictures….it’s still hard for me to believe!)