Karen G

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I'm taking a short vacation.  Leaving Tuesday and spending a couple of weeks fishing and partying in Saskatoon with my brother and sister-in-law.   I'm really hyped about this vacation.  It's been a tough winter.  Working extra hard at the office and spending weekends living at Sick Kids hospital with my little grandson.  It will be a well-deserved vacation.  My grandson is home for 13 days between his bone marrow transplants.  He has his next transplant procedure of June 30th.  Of course, I would love to see him through this whole journey, but I work five days a week and I truly need a vacation.  Sitting on the quiet shores, fishing, seems like a good way to clear the mind and de-stress.

I'm still holding about 30 pounds above my goal weight, but, thankfully, I feel normal now.  Size 12 is fine with me.  It's not size 26.  :)   I still work out with my trainer twice per week and do some cardio on my own, in-between.  When I come back from my vacation, I'm gonna step it up, again.   I've built some good muscles over the past 6 months.  I can plank and a do push-ups.  All the things I only dreamed of... when I weighed over 300 pounds.

Life is good.   Sure, there are challenges and "bumps" along the way, but look for those rays of sunshine in between, to keep you sane and smiling.

Today is the first day of summer.   May it be a good one.

Cheers,
Karen

Hi Friends,

Life is good.  Even with the challenges of my grandson's cancer, I am not letting it get me down.  Carson's surgery is on Easter Monday, to remove the last tumor, the one that the 5 chemo treatments did not disolve.  The tumor is lodged against his spine, so the surgery will be difficult.  Luckily, he is being treated at the best children's hospital here is Toronto.  I have faith that Carson will beat this cancer and go on to lead a spectacular life.  I think God has something special planned for this little guy.  He's an amazing personality.  So full of life.   I can't wait to update my site with news of his cure.

My weight is still fine.  Even after almost 5 years.  I have no complaints.  Anyone reading this, still considering their options, you have my recommendation for WLS.  Whether it is RNY (like me) or some other option (band, DS), it is worth the effort and YOU are worth the effort. 

Many blessings,
Karen

Hi folks,

I'm trying to visit and update more frequently.  It's nice to be able to let new folks know that the pain is worth the pleasure... for the long haul.  I have some challenges, in that I have never reached my preferred "goal" weight, but I am healthy, happy and active.  All those things keep me sane.   I'll be 5 years out in December and, still, this I can tell you that having weight loss surgery and plastic surgery has changed my life for the better.  My grandkids just love that I can play with them and we are anxiously waiting for Mother-Nature to allow us to return to the "Big Park" by their house.  Five years ago, I couldn't play with anyone and I was facing an early demise.  It's all worth it.  I'm gonna stay on this green Earth for a long time and be the best I can be.

I love OH and I highly recommend WLS as a cure for morbid obesity.  Don't go it alone.  We are all here for each other.

Karen

Hello my friends. 

I know, I know... it's been way too long since I updated my site.   Life has thrown me some challenges that have kept me very busy.   In early November, I had grandchild number 5.  A little girl they named Kailey Summer.  She is beautiful, healthy and growing like a weed.  Unfortunately, in late November, my 18 month old grandson, Carson, was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer.  Carson is battling neuroblastoma.  It takes effort on the part of every member of my extended family, assisted by neighbours and friends, to keep life happening normal for the other four grandchildren while Carson is being treated.  Carson requires full-time dedicated care and must be accompanied by an adult for his hospital stays.   He has completed 4 chemo sessions, so far.  It's a long road ahead before the cure will be in sight.  If you read this, please keep my little grandson, Carson, in your thoughts and prayers.

Throughout this ordeal, I've been trying to keep myself healthy.  I am working out with a trainer, a minimum of twice per week.  I'm trying to increase my endurance and my muscles, in the hopes of finally obtaining my goal weight through increased activity and an improved metabolism.  I was hoping to do more than twice per week, but life's little curve ball has limited my "me" time for now. 

Of course, if I never lost another pound, I am quite happy with the new me.  I have no complaints.   My life stressors no longer focus on my weight. 

Sincerely,
Karen

Well, I've been enjoying the new me.  Keeping active with the garden and my grandkids.  I'm having grandchild number 5 this November.  My plastic surgery incisions are all healed now and I am able to wear nice fitting clothes.  I'm working on my upper arms, to try and reduce the slack skin there.  Using the rowing machine and weights.  Today is our company golf tournament, and I tee-off at 1:37 pm.   It sure is nice to be able to be active again.  

At the end of June, we are travelling to Prince Edward Island, to visit relatives and do some more golfing.  

If Life is a Grand Piano... then, I must be hitting all the right keys.

Karen

It's been 3 weeks since my tummy tuck and breast reduction.  I was expecting a much more difficult recovery, but was pleasantly surprised to find it was really only uncomfortable for a few days.  Their is no pain and the incisions are healing perfectly.  I am so pleased with the results that I have been showing off my "girls" in the ladies room at my favourite pub.  LOL  :)

I highly recommend the surgeon who did my plastics, to anyone who is searching for a skilled surgeon.  Dr. Michael Weinberg is board certified in plastic surgery and he has been featured on the television series Skin Deep.  Prior to selecting him as my surgeon, I was able to actually meet one of his formerly obese patients at an information forum provided by Dr. Weinberg for a group of local WLS patients.

I hope to get some new "after" pictures added to the profile, as soon as I am able to stop wearing my binder.  

Karen

I am home recovering from my tummy tuck and breast reduction surgery.  The procedures were done on Wednesday, January 30th and everything went perfectly.  I got one drain out yesterday and the final one is being removed tomorrow. (Thursday, Feb 7th)   The incision is healing well, already and it looks so neat.  The surgeon did a spectacular job.

Even the recovery has been easier than I anticipated.  I am returning to work on Monday, February 11th.  

It sure feels good to have come this far in the weight loss journey.

Karen G

Hi Friends, I've been alittle depressed yesterday and today, but I am now coming to grips with the fact that lots of worse things happen to people everyday, so I need to just chill out and give myself a pinch. What am I talking about? Well, today, I was to be recovering from my scheduled plastic surgery, unfortunately it was cancelled at the last moment and I have some issues with my health that I must deal with, before I can be rescheduled. It is alittle scary, but my PCP tells me that he is sure it is nothing and he has me on some extra iron to improve my hemoglobin counts. I really need this tummy tuck, as the skin on my abdomen looks like a shar-pei dog. I sure hope I can get my bloodwork fixed and get my surgery fairly soon into the new year. Happy Holidays everyone. Many blessings, Karen G

Hello my friends.   I know I'm not as active on the boards these days.  Between work and renovations in my home, I hardly ever seem to find time for the computer.  I find myself doing more reading of posts than responding these days.  However, please remember that you all hold a very special place in my heart and even when I am away for long stretches, I miss you all very much. 

So, I booked my plastic surgery.  I'm having a tummy tuck and breast reduction for Christmas.   My surgery date is December 19th.  I am getting close to the end of my journey.  After I heal from these procedures, I'll have to decide about whether or not I really need to do my arms.  Surgery on the arms is the only procedure I seem to worry about.  I might just keep the ugly arms to remind me of where I came from.

I hope everyone is active and feeling great.  Best Wishes ! 
Karen G

Well folks.   All my best laid plans seemed to have crumbled miserably over the summer.  I am still struggling to get some more weight off before my plastics.  I have bit the bullet and booked my consultation.  I see the plastic surgeon on September 27th about an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and a breast reduction.  I'm hoping for surgery in December.   I joined weight watchers to help me refocus my goals and I'm really enjoying the support.  Ideally, if I can even get to 165 before surgery, I'll be satisfied.  That's only a few pounds, but I've been floating up and down for several months now.  I have never broken into the 160's since surgery.  Wish me luck.  Cheers, Karen