Yesterday marked one full year since my surgery on 8-17-09.  The stats are awesome but it's so much more than that. 

As of yesterday:
I have lost 131 lbs.  I went from a size 24 or 3X to a 12 and often a medium on some things.  I stopped taking arthritis meds.  My blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose numbers are perfect.  My depression is much improved. I no longer have to use a CPAP machine for apnea.

Other changes are less obvious physically but still so powerful....
I can sit in any chair without worrying if it will break....I can go shopping or to any type of function without worrying I won;t be able to handle so much walking or too many stairs....I can fly on an airplane comfortably....I rode rides at an amusement park with my kids....I feel younger, calmer, more energetic, and so very thankful.

I still have goals to reach and know it's not over...this is me now...a way of life...I know it has to be to be successful.  I would like to lose another 15 - 20 lbs if I can and I would like to tone more of my muscles.  I want to set a positive example for my kids and others who might be going throught this journey. 

I am very blessed indeed!

Yesterday I was under 200 lbs for the first time in 18 years.  I almost cried.  All day I kept thinking about it and couldn't really believe it.  It has been 7.5 months since my RNY and I am down 111 lbs.  The ways in which my life have changed are innumerable.  I just feel good...no other way to say it. 

I can't wait to see what the future holds!!!!

well, it's about 11.5 weeks now and I am feeling pretty darn good.  down 60 lbs, more energy, more focus.

Still learning what and how to eat.  Throw up very often.  sometimes because I eat too much or too fast.  Sometimes for no good reason it seems.  Hard to get viamins in everyday but i am getting better.

I can finally say I am glad I did this:)

I can't believe it has been 9 weeks since my surgery already.  Had it August 17 and have faced so many complications but I am finally feeling better.  Started with an abcess in my main incision.  Then had pyelonephritis and was back in the hospital for 5 days.  I had constant nausea and vomiting for the first 7 weeks ...now I still throw up daily but the nausea is not persistent and the vomiting is less and less.  I am able to keep down some solids now.....and I am able to start really concentrating on my vitamins. Still tire easily....and by the time I get home from work, I am exhausted.

There are still some challenges but let's focus on the good:
I have lost almost 52 lbs in 9 weeks!
I have not had to take anything for joint pain except Tylenol ONCE!!  And I had been on Celebrex for 3 years!
I am sleeping very well!  (this never happened before)
I have gone down 2 sizes and 3 in some things!
I have successfully given up soda (my vice) for 12 weeks now (I started 3 weeks pre op)
I wore heels twice in the last week and I have only worn them one other time in the last 3-4 years!
I notice that I cross my legs all the time. It's nice to be able to!

Well, things certainly have a way of changing quickly and they have for me.  I have just been approved and have my suregery scheduled for August 17 at St. Clare's Hospital. 

I go back and forth a dozen times each day between total excitement and complete dismay.  I can't wait to be thinner, healthier, more energetic.........BUT, I am so nervous about "life after surgery".  What if I am not successful? What will it really be like?  The closer I get to the surgery date, the more overwhelming it all seems. 

I am in prayer that God will have his hand over me during the surgery and afterwards.  I know that with Him, I can do all things!