I've been updating some picture. I have now posted my one year pictures and pictures of my very first formal. I never went to Prom or Homecoming so, getting dressed up was really fun. Updated pictures are in the last two albums. http://www.picturetrail.com/weightbegone

Gina a 6 WOW~ I had a dentist appoinment this week and was talking to a gal about my surgery(new dentist) anyways she's like how much have you lost i said 96 # and she almost fell out of her chair... ! It was a riot, then she said so your in what a size 10-8 now i told her i wish that i was in a 12 and she said well if i lose my 40# thats what i hope to be in i told her i still had another 25 to go and she told me i would like a size 4 prolly.... wow i thought look like a size 4 isnt that what children wear??? and i also took some new pics of me yesturday, and for the first time i am seeing the new "skinny" me .. it took a year for my brain to catch up with my body i posted the new pics on my profile toward the bottom. Hugs, Danielle

www.geocities.com/thedawnofanewdayna April 28, 2006 Been a week since my last update. Since then, I traveled to New Orleans for French Quarter Fest, and saw a lot of old friends that I hadn't seen in years. It was great seeing them again, and yes, they were surprised with the change in my figure! I also traveled to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to visit Ship Island. I had traveled to Ship Island about half dozen times prior over the years, and had always loved it - although I didn't look forward to the long trek over the 1/3 mile boardwalk to the other side of the island. This time, it was a BREEZE!! Only bad thing was, due to Hurricane Katrina, everything on the island was gone, except for Fort Massachusetts. They had a really nice concession stand, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, ranger station and lighthouse on the island. It's all gone now. http://www.msshipisland.com/ I enjoyed my time on the island, and also meeting with my friend Vernon who took me to the Humane Society of Southern Mississippi where he volunteers. He also took me on a short tour up the coast road. The devastation along the Gulf Coast is incredible. So many historical buildings were lost. Everyone always hears about the flooding in New Orleans, but the MS coast has seemed to have been overlooked. A favorite saying there is "Sure glad the hurricane missed us". I had a double whammy hit me yesterday. First I opened a letter from my medical group, saying my request for Reconstructive Brachioplasty was denied. I have 30 days to file an appeal. I had my coworker take photos of the rashes on my upper arms and will send them in with a letter, and hopefully a letter from my doctor saying the surgery is not cosmetic, but is medically necessary. The other "whammy" was that my job was eliminated yesterday. After 16-1/2 years with my company, it was quite a shock. I can't say that I didn't see it coming though. Anyone that is close to me knows I had that fear. Particularly since I was cut from two recent trips that I had scheduled for work. The good news is, I did receive a nice compensation package, so I will be okay for awhile, while I regroup, gather my thoughts and begin a new job search. For some reason, this song came to mind...... To everything - turn, turn, turn There is a season - turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under Heaven A time to build up, a time to break down A time to dance, a time to mourn A time to cast away stones A time to gather stones together To everything - turn, turn, turn There is a season - turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under Heaven ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One thing I think I will do during my down time is volunteer at a local animal shelter. I think that will really help me with adjusting to this change. I will also spend a lot of time at my fitness center as well. And yes, will be on a job search.

Congratulations, Fran!!! Stay healthy, L*

Well here it is...this time one year ago I was waking up from what to this date had been the scariest day of my life. I underwent surgery that I knew would change my life forever. I went to sleep crying because I was so nervous about this surgery. It really wasnt the fact of the surgery itself, I was more worried about my family, and what would happen to them if I didnt wake up from the surgery. Well I made it thru, and for the most part, this has been a pretty smooth journey. I have had my ups and downs like most others. To this date I have lost a total of 182 lbs. Its hard to beleive, at least for me. I never imagined a point in my life where I would actually lose that much weight. I am much happier, and extremely healthier. I can eat almost anything, but I do know my limits. I still have trouble eating enough food, which is something that I NEVER would have said in the past. I have an active life with my children, work, and my dh. This past year has had its tragedies too, with the loss of my grandmother on christmas eve. That was pretty rough for me because she has always been one of my major fans and supporters. She was pretty much the last link that I had to my biological father who died when I was 4 yrs old. So it came as quite a blow. But we keep on living. I still struggle daily with my self image as I look in the mirror, and I still think of myself as fat. I want to lose at least another 40 lbs and get into the 100's for the first time in like 18 years. I have been bad about seeing the dr. I have only seen my surgeon like 1 time since surgery due to my insurance and employment changing. I have seen my regular dr though and had my bloodwork and stuff done, and everything came back great. So for me, this surgery I concider a great success. I may not be where I want to be yet, but im getting there, one day at a time. If I dont get to my own goal, I will still be happy with how far I have come. I just wish that this fat girl brain would stop, and I could view myself as others see me. Thanks for all the support I have gotten from OH this past year and a half since I found you. ALso congrats to all the other April babies and I wish you continued weight loss and happiness. Anita B 420/238/220 soon