Yep, it's been four years and the weight is still off.  I've maintained and only allowed myself to fluxuate 3 -4 pounds.  I still weight daily. Yes, I know we are not supposed to but it's worked for me.  Life is GREAT!  I'm enjoying having horses again and being able to do what I want.   Thank you Dr. Jawad and staff, you are terrific!!

A lesson to take nothing for granted! 

A year out and I've made goal and BOOM!  A bleeding ulcer!  Friday night I was awakened by a feeling like I was going to throw up and sure enough I spit up a little in the toilet and it was pure blood.  Called my husband cause I was a little freaked out and while he was coming I vomited pure blood and clots into the sink. Couldn't make the toilet.  It seemed like an enormous amount.  Boy was that un-nerving. 

Well, as it so happened,I had been scheduled for an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy last Thursday to see what was causing me pain in my side, not stomach.  But because of TD Fay it was postponed.  Then Friday nite I end up in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer. It was fixed by putting clamps on the blood vessel through an endoscope.  The clamps are supposed to fall off within a couple of months.  Neat!  It's a bummer to be on liquids again but it shouldn't be too long.  I hope.  

My red blood cell count is being monitored to see if I will need a transfusion.  If it falls below 9 I will. This evening it hit 9 again, for the third time.  But hopefully it will go up again. 

I am still thrilled I had the surgery and this will not change my mind.  I just need to get a handle on what is causing the ulcers and how to prevent them.  Very important to not have this happen again.

I'm a grandmother!!  Yeah!  Hailey was born on May 1st.  She is wonderful.  So exciting.  And I have no fear about being able to keep up with her now that I'm smaller.  I still can't believe my reflection in the mirror.  I find myself looking twice to see if it's really me.  My only problem is that that woman is so old and wrinkled.  When did that happen?  I now relate to the book, "I feel bad about my neck!"  I think that it the name of it.  

And the wings under my arms.  Oh, I must have them fixed or give them a name cause they definately have a life of their own. LOL  

I am riding horses again, and loving it.  Never felt like I could put a horse through my weight before. And now, I'm enjoying riding and somewhat surprised that I remember what to do.  Life is good.

My poor husband isn't used to all this energy and is having trouble even thinking about keeping up.  I do get lonely because of it but it doesn't slow me down though.

Well, there is the update to my blog/diary for now.  Life is good.

I feel like my old self!  Thank you Dr. Jawad and staff!  Everyday some one at work will comment on how good I look and that every day I seem smaller.  What a self-esteem builder.  I no longer feel invisable.  Yes, I have 40 pounds to go, but this feeling is wonderful.  My own children are so proud of me.  

Now, I have to say I still mourn food at times. (crunch in particular)  But, the results are so worth it.  I love having my energy back and being able to sit in a chair and have room to put my legs up.  Oh, heck, just to be able to bend my legs is something to celebrate.  And crossing my legs without them falling off my knees or sticking straight out!  Wow!!  I also love being able to tie my shoes without holding my breath.

The excess skin is also okay.  I mean, it's there for a very good reason.  Yes, I can't wait to get rid of it and complete my weight loss journey.  Then on to the life long battle of keeping it off.  

I'm one happy camper right now. I just pray everything goes well in the future.