And I'm really excited!

But--it's been a long road. Some of you have heard my story--started looking into WLS last February, got the process started, and found out I was pregnant! :) Had our baby daughter in February and have been pursuing WLS again.

I went through everything to get things done in Park Rapids (consultation, dietician, blood draws, the whole thing). Got denied by insurance on my origional request.

Went through and did an appeal and got denied again. My husband had surgery about 5 years ago and we have decided that we would just pay for this. So--I did the application and got the approval for a Home Equity Loan today and called Park Rapids to make my appointment!

I'm scheduled for surgery on September 17th! I am excited, but am now thinking.....is it worth the $25,000 it's going to cost me??? I think in my head, I know that my health is worth it, it's just really hard to wrap my mind around it......any encouragement you all have or stories about how this has changed your life would be appreciated!

I'll see some of you on Monday at the support group meeting, but just felt the need to share ASAP!

Thanks for your support!

Amanda

Year ago today, I weighted in at a mere 252 pounds. Yes, you read that right. Today is my Re-Birthday. I weighted in at a Whopping 134.5 pounds! Grand total of 117.5 pounds lost, If found do NOT send it back to me!!

What a difference a year can make. I have enjoyed most of the past year, give/take a couple speed bumps in the road.

In the past year I have learned to trust in the tool, trust in the medical team,trust in your family and friends- even when they don't understand everything about my new ways of life. They have learned along the way. Am I a good educator? Maybe, I think they are just smart! LOL
I trust that I can believe in myself and do what it is I set out to do and reach a goal more then once.

There are many other things I trust in and believe in. There are many people to thank along the way and someone will always be forgotten to be mentioned in type, but never in my mind/thoughts. I am so grateful to you all.

My quality of life has improved so much I can't even begin to count. All the things I am grateful to be able to do once again or for the first time. Going from walking with a cane,sitting around in pain,smiling on the outside as if life was alright, to totally  being able to do  5K at 9 months out of surgery! riding a bike for miles,walking miles at a time, sitting in trees,climbing rocks,walking on stilts and the list goes on and on. Would I do it all over again? Yes.

The first year was a blast, the next one I am sure will be slower and the real work will be a chore. I shall over come whatever is tossed into my path along the way. I will strive for the perfection I know the medical team will advise me to work towards.

A few of my observations: 

I know why they are called hip bones.

 I have bones.  The tailbone is the one I am reminded of constantly and the collar bone make me smile almost every day.

Skinny doesn't take away your problems.

 I will always be "the fat girl" in my head.

I am not "big boned"   

Protein, water, supplements and exercise will keep you healthy and happy.

Listen to your body. You body will tell you what is right or wrong, but first you have to listen. 

You hold your future in your hands. 

I am off enjoying life as it was meant to be, waving to others as I pass by and slide into home base with a smile and a whoopee!! yelling what a ride!

Many hugs to everyone who has touched my life many times! Thanks to everyone on OH and WWW for all the support,tears and laughter, Sometimes you really don't know how much that helps in the healing.
Thanks A/all
Kelly/tink

thanks I appreciate it, wish I could finnd some one. but I will continue on my journey.
hope all is going well with you.
I have my four in a half year grandson staying with us for a few weeks from minnesota, so we have our hands full.
You take  care!
Loretta

Congratulations to you and to him!  What a wonderful story, and yes you are indeed blessed.

I usually have a smoothie, eggs, peanut butter toast or yogurt with granola for breakfast. I gotta have variety. I get tired of the same thing every day.

My smoothies are whatever I have on hand. Usually Isopure (vanilla or chocolate, sometimes pineapple/orange, which I can't stand, but have to use up) So milk, choc Isopure, peanut butter, sugar free hershey syrup and lots of ice. Or whatever fruit I have on hand, milk, yogurt, Isopure and lots of ice. This week I had overripe melon so I used that, a little yogurt and milk, isopure, splenda, cinnamon and lots of ice.

I still have problems with dry chicken.

I eat cheese and peanuts for my protein snacks.

Becky