It's That Time Again! 10 Month Surgy -- w/Pix (I Hope)!!!

Thank you -- I really do enjoy writing about this journey. One thing big has changed and that's my willingness to have my pic taken.  I used to be the photographer all the time -- now I'm turning into a real ham!  Hahahaha  Still a long way to go, but getting there is half the fun, right? 

And look at YOU -- more than half way to goal already ---  GREAT JOB!!!  Be proud of yourself -- you're doing awesome!

great update, Ree...I am scheduled for surgery May 6 and have had a cruise booked for October for several months now...I will be only 5 months out at cruise time...do you think I will be able to enjoy like you did, or do you think I should wait until I am almost a year out like you did?  congrats on your success!

 

Thank you :-) 

I'm excited for you to have your surgery!  It's such a great tool and so worth the effort you will put into succeeding.  I love Myrtle and know she's the best thing I've ever done for myself.

Now, about the cruise.  Don't fret at all.  I took 3 trips since my surgery -- one trip to Las Vegas and two cruises.  I was just under 6 months out for the first cruise,just over 6 months out for the Las Vegas trip, and just over 9 months out for this latest cruise.

Please read above on this post for my response to Tarheel Girl -- she is taking a cruise in a few months and I tried to give her my best ideas for when she goes.   Much, if not all, will apply to you.

Here's the thing about vacations/business trips/trips of any kind:  take them when you can/must/need to.  You will find that food plays a much smaller part in your life once you have your surgery.  You will not have hunger (at least most people don't).  At 10 months out, I've had maybe 2-3 times that I felt any hunger.  I DO get an empty feeling now and then, but very rarely true hunger.  I usually eat because I'm supposed to, and I make every attempt to "under eat my sleeve" as is suggested by Frisco.  He is a WISE man and one to listen to -- the man knows his sleeve stuff! 

Enjoy the ambiance, the ritual, the entire experience of dining -- the food is really secondary.  I found my table mates engaging and interesting -- conversation helps -- if you talk a lot, you won't be shoveling food in your mouth LOL 

There is no reason why you won't enjoy your cruise at 5 months out any less than you'd enjoy it further out.  You will be healed, active, slimmer, and finding fun ways to use the time you used to devote to eating!  Truly, it seems like I'm a whack-a-doodle saying this, but it's true.........food just isn't that important any longer!  Trust me on this!

Best of luck with your surgery -- I wish you a successful surgery and an easy recovery.  Your cruise will be great fun and you'll enjoy yourself -- Bon Voyage!

Ree

thanks for the encouragement and great advice, ree

What a wonderful post- and great pictures, especially of that happy woman who appears so very colorfully in them. Way to go on number 10! Smiles your way.

Thank you so much, Miss150 :-)  We need to find contentment and happiness -- it makes the process a lot easier -- and smiling uses fewer muscles than frowning -- ergo, fewer wrinkles!  Hahahaha!!!

You're doing an amazing job!  WOW -- goal is in sight for you and I can only imagine how excited you must be!  Hoping to get there eventually, but for now, I'll enjoy vicariously as I see others reach goal!

Be proud of yourself!

Ree, you have done an amazing job! I love these pics!

Thank you so much, Tina :-)  It's been a privilege to share this journey with you.  You've inspired me often and I applaud your efforts and dedication to this process.  More importantly, we've become friends and that's worth more than a mountain of gold.

I've kept currently with your blog.  I do take exception to one thing...........you say "it's like me, only better...." -- NO WAY, my dear.  Your blog is wonderful, but YOU are the real deal and nothing is better than YOU!

Hope the little guy is doing well now.............I didn't get to read much about his surgery...........I do know it threw you for a loop and I'm sorry for that.  If it helps him, then it's worth it all. 

Hugs :-)

Ree

Awww Ree, You look wonderful! Congrats! Looks like you had alot of fun on your vacation Way to go! Sooo happy for you.

Great post!  You are the cutest thing little thing ever!!!!