1 Year Post Op With Pics

I feel like this body has been mine all of my life. I have seen incredible growth throughout the past year-- physically, emotionally, personally, professionally, spiritually, socially, etc.-- thought not attributable to my surgery, most certainly a positive offshoot of improved confidence, power, and strength.

I was fully cleared for all activity without any restrictions at 4 weeks post op, but I didn't jump into Crossfit workouts until month 2 1/2 or so. I'm still wearing Spanx at night because I found that if I don't, I have some minor swelling in the morning! Other than that, I feel great!

I have finally made it to the “worth it” side, and let me tell you—ladies, it is so good to be here! I had my 4 week post op visit with Dr. Bean on Wednesday, and throughout my visit I was nitpicking this little bit and that little bit. He assured me all of my concerns were completely ridiculous (and they were), and he drilled into my head that I cannot fully evaluate my results until I am three months post op. By the end of my appointment—after listening to all of my woes—he finally opened my folder and said “let’s put this in perspective” as he handed me the pre-op photos. After he left the room, I stood naked in front of a full-length mirror, staring once at my pre-op pictures, then once at my form in the mirror, then again at the photos, and again at the mirror. I could not believe the person in those photos was me. I had lived with that body for so long and it has only taken three weeks for it to have become a far distant memory. This new body that I’m in has so quickly become my own.

I love my body. I sincerely, honestly, love my body. I have flaws, and I still see them—sometimes they glare at me in the mirror. But, I can honestly say that I am kinder to myself now. Through this process of coming to like myself physically, I feel unrestricted—like I can finally exist in this world the way that I am meant to! What beauty there is to be found in a quick interaction with a stranger, eye contact, a simple smile, a brief exchange. I walk with my head held high and what a difference it has made! I have never felt more "me" in my whole life. I feel at peace. I feel at home. I feel like my exterior finally matches what's in my heart, and with that I am free to live my life as wholly myself.

This was completely and totally 100% worth it all. I cannot thank my husband enough for this beautiful gift nor can I put into words how thankful I am to Dr. Bean!