What the...... 6 years?!
Well! It seems that I completely forgot about my 6 year surgiversary yesterday, March 21st!! haha Not quite sure how that happened, as it is a rather momumental date for me, even now. I'm blaming age and a blonde moment. 
A little history (though I'm sure most of you know it anyway lol) - I started this journey at 290 pounds (I'm 5'4"). I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, was borderline diabetic and had a BMI o**** My back ached, my knees ached... everything hurt. I tried every diet imaginable - you name it, I did it.
My heart literally ached to have my outsides reflect my insides.
I am forever grateful for the opportunity I was given back in 2006 to have weight loss surgery with Dr. John Hagen at Humber River Regional Hospital. And I will REMAIN forever grateful - I will not waste this powerful tool and lease on life that I have been given. I have lost 160 pounds.
I am often asked about my "keys to success" with this whole thing. To be honest, I have very few but although they are few, they are powerful.
1. Follow the rules. Plain and simple. I have not eaten refined sugar in 6 years. Don't miss it a bit. Neither would you.
2. Plan your menu. "Winging it" doesn't work for me - I need structure and a routine.
3. Track and journal what you're eating. I still do this everyday on the "what are you eating" thread. It helps me to stay organized and most of all, HONEST.
4. Ask for and give support. The support on this forum is second to none and the face-to-face support groups are invaluable as well.
And now for the fun part - the before and after! LOL The before photo was taken about a month before my surgery. The after photo was taken at a cawfee night in September. I'm the blonde in the leather jacket. lol
BEFORE:
AFTER:
So, to end my rambling, I want to wish each and every one of you the same success and happiness and HEALTH that I have received. I love you all - you all have a very special place in my heart.
Karen xoxoxo
A little history (though I'm sure most of you know it anyway lol) - I started this journey at 290 pounds (I'm 5'4"). I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, was borderline diabetic and had a BMI o**** My back ached, my knees ached... everything hurt. I tried every diet imaginable - you name it, I did it.
My heart literally ached to have my outsides reflect my insides.
I am forever grateful for the opportunity I was given back in 2006 to have weight loss surgery with Dr. John Hagen at Humber River Regional Hospital. And I will REMAIN forever grateful - I will not waste this powerful tool and lease on life that I have been given. I have lost 160 pounds.
I am often asked about my "keys to success" with this whole thing. To be honest, I have very few but although they are few, they are powerful.
1. Follow the rules. Plain and simple. I have not eaten refined sugar in 6 years. Don't miss it a bit. Neither would you.
2. Plan your menu. "Winging it" doesn't work for me - I need structure and a routine.
3. Track and journal what you're eating. I still do this everyday on the "what are you eating" thread. It helps me to stay organized and most of all, HONEST.
4. Ask for and give support. The support on this forum is second to none and the face-to-face support groups are invaluable as well.
And now for the fun part - the before and after! LOL The before photo was taken about a month before my surgery. The after photo was taken at a cawfee night in September. I'm the blonde in the leather jacket. lol
BEFORE:
AFTER:
So, to end my rambling, I want to wish each and every one of you the same success and happiness and HEALTH that I have received. I love you all - you all have a very special place in my heart.
Karen xoxoxo
Karen
Ontario Recipes Forum - http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/ontario_recipes/ 
Karen, to put it simply, you are my inspiration! Since I started on this board about a year and a half ago, it has been your posts that I have sought out as they were always thoughtful, honest and understanding. Thank you for still being such an active member for all of us, especially those of us who are newly benched! Congratulations!
Kathy StevesGal (Beth) is my wonderful angel 
SURGERY January 27, 2012
HW: 297 Weight at referral: 285 Weight 1st appt: 276 Start of Optifast: 262
SURGERY January 27, 2012HW: 297 Weight at referral: 285 Weight 1st appt: 276 Start of Optifast: 262
You're an inspiration to all of us here, Karen. We can always count on your kindness and your honest, genuine support, even when it comes with a little tough love. I, for one, am very grateful, and wish you the biggest congratulations on being, and staying, successful.
Had RNY surgery July 22/11, St. Joe's Hamilton, with the awesome Dr. Scott Gmora. Had abdominoplasty August 2/13, Scarborough, with equally awesome Dr. Michael Kreidstein.
Karen you look hot. You have done amazing. You know how I feel about you. I just hope after 6 years that I am still thin. I finally have a new computer and it works friend is coming over to download my pictures and when he does I will be able to send you the one that you have been waiting for. Sorry for taking so long but the old computer was acting up real bad. Keep up the great work. Hope to see you soon
What a transformation! You rock!!
What I have noticed from reading your posts is that you are caring, informative, committed and helpful.
I have also noticed that you don't take any bulli**** and are frequently the voice of reason!!
Thank you for continuing to post and help others, and for taking the time to arrange get togethers. I am grateful to have met you as you are a truly lovely person.
You are an inspiration! Congratulations on 6 years!
Kristen
What I have noticed from reading your posts is that you are caring, informative, committed and helpful.
I have also noticed that you don't take any bulli**** and are frequently the voice of reason!!
Thank you for continuing to post and help others, and for taking the time to arrange get togethers. I am grateful to have met you as you are a truly lovely person.
You are an inspiration! Congratulations on 6 years!
Kristen
Most Active
Recent Topics
