Hello Joyce and how are you. My name is Wanda and I live in Cedar Hill, Texas, a subdivision of Dallas County. I think you should precede with the surgery. I had surgery on 12/13/01 and I weighed 333 pounds the morning of surgery. I quit smoking and had test done with a cardiologist and a Lung Spealist to prepare myself for the surgery. I have been heavy all my life as a child, adolesence and an adult. I have lost 135 pounds since surgery and I have 48 pounds to my goal of 150 pounds. I have began and made an appt. with an excellent plastic surgeon. My appt. is for 2/14/03 because he is so booked up and he is worth the wait. I saw photos of his work when he came to one of our support group meetings. When I go to see him I should be at my goal. I eat 3 small meals a day and two snacks, I take a vitamin, iron pill and liquid protein every day and that is a small price to pay for the way I look and feel. I wear size 16-18baggy from a size 28-30w. My goal is a 14. Joyce you are a nurse and I consider that to be like a true soldier and I know in my heart that you can get through this and look and feel wonderful. Don't go into surgery under stress or fear, just think positive that you are going to be fine and surgery will be uncomplicated with tolerable pain and you will be on the other side of your journey to be come healthy and active. I exercise 2 times a day, 7 days a week and I feel funny if I don't do it because it kind of gives me a rush. My husband and I got married in March of 2000 and I am paying on a cruise for our 4th.anniversary in 2004 to surprise him for all the taking care of me when I had my surgery and I want my body to be restructured and looking wonderful, so when I put on a swimsuit, he will be shocked. Joyce just don't give up because I have always dreamed of being small, not model skinny but small to look nice in my clothes and lingerie and I have gained such self esteem since this surgery and people have always told me that I had a beautiful face and hair and you know, I can now really see and feel my beauty. Joyce just be strong and don't give up on your dream. By the way, I will be 51 on 11/15 and I could pass for 35 and I have children 31 and 21. Check out my profile on this site and if you need to vent or just chat, my email address is there. I will be praying for you and God Bless you.
Wanda Johnson-Townsend
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