Well, one year ago on June 26th, I had plastic surgery for my tummy and "girls."  Dr. Richard Lee in Newport Beach was my surgeon and as many of you know, I think the world of him.  So what better to do on the "anniversary" of my transformation, than to have him do some more work on my eyes and lower face. 

I guess this has to be a true testament of the faith and trust I have in this gentleman.  A "botched" job on one's body can be hidden by clothes, but the face? (By the way, he did an excellent job on the body.)  Well, that takes having confidence in the ability and skill of this doctor to place myself in his hands.

It was by no means a walk in the park.  I was swollen and bruised around my eyes and neck, and of course my first reaction was "eep, what have I done?"  As the next few days passed, and after seeing him for my first post op visit, I can see a dramatic change.  The swelling is going down and the bruising is clearing up, and from the way things are looking right now, I am very pleased with the result.  Moreover, when I see him and his reaction, I feel better and better. 

As soon as I have all my before and after pictures done, I will post them.  I am so happy and grateful to have found this very wonderful surgeon who has helped me so much.

Yesterday, I participated in my first 5K, the Revlon Walk.  I have a "bad knee" as a result of a work injury and need a knee replacement.  I have always wondered if I could walk that distance as I have friends who are running 5, 10 K's, half marathons, etc.  So...I thought I would give it a try, and signed up.  I was fortunate to walk with some friends that I met here on the Cali board.

Well, it wasn't easy.  About half way through, I was sure I wasn't going to make it.  My knee though sore, was not the problem.  My right hip was aching.  I walk off balanced due to my left leg being bent (can't straighten it).  I entertained thoughts of stopping at the first aid tent and asking to be shuttled back.  My companions (Jean, Rhonda, Lori and Rhonda's son Mike) were supportive and encouraging.  They walked with me and offered to make sure I got a ride back if that was my decision.  Then I saw the 2 mile marker, and something inside me said I had to keep going.

We turned the corner for the home stretch back to the finish.  And I crossed the finish line with my fellow walkers (we crossed in a line with our arms linked together).  It was an awesome feeling to know I did it.  But more than that, I was in the company of an amazing, wonderful group of friends.  The people I have met on this site are awesome.  Thank you Jean, Rhonda and Lori for a day I'll never forget.

When I made the decision to have the RNY, little did I realize what a huge life change was in store for me.  Short term, I was thinking I need to lose the weight and improve my overall physical health.  I was on blood pressure medication, I had an injured knee that made walking such an ordeal and I knew that I had to do something soon or I could face many more serious health issues such as stroke, heart attack and diabetes. 

But even beyond the physical reasons for losing weight, I began to understand that on a mental or emotional level I needed to do this as well.  I hated the person I saw looking back at me in the mirror.  She was not happy and looked very little like the person I used to be.  I guess after several years of being fat, I tried to fool myself into thinking that was my lot in life now.

So now almost two years post RNY (well, two years this July) and almost one year post plastics (June 2008), I see a different person looking back at me in the mirror.  She is smiling more.  She feels good.  She likes to go shopping for clothes.  She likes going out with people.  She is a happier person.  No, life is not perfect.  The struggle continues to maintain the weight loss.  The problems of the real world still exist, but are no longer so oppressive that food becomes a refuge.  I know I need to be vigilant and stay focused, and so my journey continues on course.

Everyday I thank God, my family, friends and my trainer  for the support I have received to get where I am now.  And if that isn't a big Wow, I don't know what is.  To all of you traveling this same road, I send you all my love and support.

I guess it's been a little while since I last posted here, you think?  I pinch myself almost daily, because it's like a dream.  My weight has been holding very steady between 122 and 124, my clothes fit, I'm fit.  It's too good to be true, but it is.  The decision I made to start this journey was the right one, and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.  I have met so many wonderful supportive people on this website who I am proud and honored to call friends.  You all know who you are and to each and everyone of you, I say thank you for sharing your friendship with me. 

For anyone starting down this path, take one step at a time, and know this.  There are a lot of people who have walked that same road, who you will meet, who know the challenges you will face and will be there to hold out a helping hand.  Don't be afraid to reach out.

It's amazing how fast time flies.  I am down below my goal weight.  I weigh 122 now and am working on holding my weight there.  Been working out with the most fabulous trainer so that I can keep my tummy flat and tone up all over.  My plastic surgery scars are healing well and fading.  I am so pleased with the results.  My surgeon is the best.  I hope anyone considering plastics in the So Cal area will free to ask me about him.  I was back to work after 2 weeks (post-tummy tuck, augmentation and lift) and feeling great.  I had no complications, little pain and true peace of mind.  He was fabulous!