FOUR years ago this morning. . .

Julia, People are still shocked when I share that I weighed 377 lbs on a 5'3" frame. Their comment often is "But you just don't eat that much!" If they could have seen the amount of calories I would consume during an average night! It was like it shouldn't count if no one could see me. I still really should lose at least another 40 lbs. That's going to take sweat and perserverance.

Karen,

Happy Surgiversary! In your usual eloquent manner, you have once again given me inspiration.

A big warm hug to you
Annette

Annette, I am just so thankful for this lifesaving surgery. I know beyond a shadow of my former self that I either would have been dead or even heavier than the 377 lbs and housebound. I was so depressed and yes even at times without a will to live. I would have never  (never say never!) have taken my own life because I love my family too much, but I was doing the next closest thing with food. I also can understand those who decide that life is just too hard and do decide to cut it short. We've been truly given a second chance haven't we? And we need to take care of these "classic vehicles" the best that we can so that they become even more valuable and beautiful, inside and out, as time goes by. Hugs right back at you!

Karen,
keep up the great work. You are a dear friend.
Carla

Carla, I am so glad to "hear" through the cyber lines that you are feeling better. I'm hoping that each day finds you stronger, healthier, and with that exuberance that we've all come to love.

Karen, my goodness has it been four years already!  I remember when you were a newbie waiting for surgery.  It seems like yesterday, then again, it seems I've known you forever.  Congratulations on your surgiversary and all you've accomplished in four years.  I am proud to say I'm one of the ones you visited on your 3-week road trip!  You've had a touch of Spring this morning, and we had a Fall-like morning, low 40s, definitely jacket weather again.

Much love and continued success,
Debbie

Ah Debbie, Remember that little McDonalds in NOLA where we met up for the first time? We chattered  like we were childhood friends! And Dallas. . . . what memories of one of my roomies that weekend. We will spend time together in person again I'm sure! Because of this surgery I not only am healthier but I have new friends from all over this great land and up north! (Hi Nancy B!!)

Karen..what an awesome story! And what an awesome lady you are too!  I was privileged to room with you and Janet in San Diego..what a memorable trip for me.  My first ever time on the west coast..my first ever flight alone...all the way across the continent from Niagara, Ontario, Canada to San Diego in California!  And the next year from Niagara to Dallas, Texas...what fun that was!  I'd never have been able to do all of that before WLS.

We (you, Janet and I) met in the airport like we had known eachother forever and we never stopped talking..even thru the night. DON"T THEY KNOW WE"RE TRYING TO SLEEP?? The nerve of those construction workers!

It was the first trip I ever took without my cane too and we sure did alot of walking.  My first time in a hot tub too. The adventures we had!  So many changes in our lives....but we just keep getting BETTER!  Thank you for being YOU! *hugs*

NancyB

And don't forget the offer in sunny Tijuana on a Sunday morning of an "almost free massage with a happy ending! Which of course sweet Nancy declined. . . . Oh what fun we had. A tiny little group in numbers but we made up for it in adventures. I'd still like to go back when I hit the lotto. We'll stay at the Del and do room service, and stroll on that beautiful beach and eat out on the veranda poolside!! I'm glad my post was a good reminder for you my friend, as to how far you have come also. Hugs.

oh yes yes yes!  and of course I declined..Im a  SAINT, you know *coughs*!

Okay, it's a deal, girlfriend...whoever wins the lottery brings us together at the Del...and we can order our seafood at the little fish market  and we can swim in the Pacific and watch again for the green glow at sunset..and this time, we will bring our dinner one evening there and share with the tourists too...lol.

And we will chat all the the night...off and on..with Janet sitting up now and then to comment then falling back to sleep.

Remember how stunned and amazed the hotel manager was about us?  She gave us lots of perks..and what was HIS name? the gorgeous hunk who took care of us? Raymondo?Ramirez?  Janet will remember I sure...omg..and Janet dancing with that stranger at the Mexican restaurant and his wife and friends applauding! And I'd need a map this time...I was ALWAYS getting lost at the hotel.

And champagne for breakfast with beans and eggs!  LOL.you got me going now...striped burros ...and Burger King..dividing one burger among the three of us with leftovers! And we stood up for ourselves with the silver jewellry guy..so gorgeous but a crook!

And let's not forget our Dirty Angel!   Memories are made of this!!!

NancyB