OK...I know it's been forever and I really do regret not keeping up with this journal. I have been swamped with going back to school after almost 20 years. BUT the good news is that I got all A's this semester and now have a couple weeks off before summer session starts. Guess I still have "IT". Really had my doubts about going back to school, but it's coming back to me.

Now for the weight loss journey. It's been hard. Hard to keep all the balance that is involved in this. Really hard to get enough protein, water AND remember to take all those vitamins. I've lost 80 pounds in almost 5 months and I've got LOTS of loose hanging skin everywhere. Look great in clothes (just bought a new swimsuit in a size 16 and before surgery was wearing a TIGHT 28!!!), but try to avoid the mirror when naked....eeeeewwwww!!!! I have been able to cut out the pain killers completely and that was a HUGE thing. My arthritis and bursitus are much better without all the extra pounds and I have a lot more energy and drive now. Not near as much depression and I'm on the go all the time. Work out at the gym 6 days a week and do the aqua aerobics for people with joint issues (works out well for me and I LOVE the little old lady that teaches it. she must be at least 80 and we all struggle to keep up with her....HA!), and then try to get my time in on the bike when at home for my cardiac. Life is FULL and it is amazing how much I can do now! I must have really been a vegie before when I was heavy. I do know that I hurt so bad I didn't hardly go anywhere or do anything. I thank God that I had the surgery even though I do struggle with a lot of tummy issues. There are times when it feels like I've gone from a compulsive overeater to a bulimic, but don't even get to enjoy the binge part of that disorder... there is still a lot of trial and error that goes on with learning what will or will not set well with my tender tummy. Have a lot of phlegm issues and acid reflux that meds don't seem to handle completely. Oh well. They say that this too shall pass and I'm enjoying the benefits.

The little standstills are tough, but I've learned from all of you that chances are if the scale isn't moving the inches are probably still coming off so I rely on my tape measure to keep me feeling OK about all of this. Sometimes I almost feel resentful that I can't eat this or that, but I soon get over that when I look at where I was and where I am now.

Would I do it over again??? In a heartbeat! My life is SO much better now and I am relatively pain free (I will always have a certain amount of pain due to the severity of my arthritis and bursitus, but it's tolerable now and med free). God is good and so was my surgeon. (his follow-up sucks bad, but the surgery was fine!)

Once again I want to thank all of you that have been with me throughout my journey and I continue to pray for all of you.

Lainy