Well, I am down to 280. I need to be at 277 by the first week of June. I know I can, it's just keeping it off once I get it off. That is what my problem has always been. As far back as I can remember!

I really am glad I have had to go through all the "stuff" I have. At the time, it was very frustrating and I was letting it get me down. But a couple of people from this website had told me that having to wait and really work on the habits we have to have post op will be a good thing. And they were right. I drink my 78 ounces of water daily and eat my 60 ounces of protein along with 5-6 servings of fruits and veggies without even thinking about it anymore! And have let go of the mindset of eating whatever I want because after surgery I can't. It has been a very good thing to do away with that mentality before the surgery. And doing that has given me confidence that the surgery will be even more effective. I guess it's also shown me the importance of taking responsibility as well.

I had the blessed opportunity to go to Haviland Kansas, 10 miles outside of Greensburg, and help prepare food and serve the people there. When I left at 3:30am Saturday, I packed my cooler with protein bars, shakes, frozen water bottles and baggies full of tomatoes, blueberries, cauliflower, celery, raspberries and cheese sticks. Oh yea, I also took some soy chips. They are good! Anyway, I did it without even really thinking about it.

It is this type of life change that I know I need to have to be successful after WLS. To be able to lose the weight and to keep it off FOREVER!!!!!

I am part of a food preparation team that works with the Salvation Army and Red Cross during disasters. I had helped in Katrina, down in Biloxi and knew from that experience, that as far as food goes, you have to eat what has been brought in. Or donated. And most is canned or frozen things. Really what I am saying I guess, is, in a situation like that you do not have control of the food that is available. And I knew I needed to be in control of what I ate, so I prepared for that. That is something new to me!!! And again, something I have learned through this lengthy, I thought was too long, process.

I also have had time to really think about ALL the changes that I am going to have to be willing to make in order to be healthy for the rest of my life. Like what kind of activities I will need to make a "normal" part of my everyday, so that I will never become a couch potato again. Not that I liked laying around. I just got so big I had no energy. I hope I never forget what that feels like. And that it will help me to stay motivated to stay active.

When I went through the pre surgery class, the instructor taught us to call "excersising" P/A, for physical activity. I really liked that. I have always HATED exercise with a passion. It goes back to my childhood and a connection that was hurtful. Anyway, I am all about rethinking all this and making it a positive in my life now. And that really helped. I have been brainstorming and thinking of different and creative ways I can stay "active" I want to hit golf balls at the driving range on a regular basis. Maybe even move up to real golf, who knows. I want to dance, really dance. Ballroom dancing. Take classes! Here where I live we have a group of people who dance and perform at the CowTown Museum. I would love to do that! I think I would like to take up racquet ball again. My dad and I used to play. And ride my bike. Oh my gosh, some of my favorite memories where getting on my bike and just going…………………

Well, I am excited. 24 days from today my insurance will re-review my paper work and then we will see. It is so cool to know that in a few months I will be shopping in normal sizes again. Haven't done that for 21 years!!!