ValleyHo 310

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October 24, 2023 was my 18 year Anniversary!!!! I seriously can't believe it....or that I actually remembered this password to this site!!! I haven't posted in a long time but here it goes.....

After 18 years, I am still THANKFUL for having had this surgery.

I had maintained my 125lb loss for about 10 yrs but in 2013 I found out that I had "Degenerative Disk Disease" and ended up having to have a back fusion, with plates n pins. I had some issues, and had no use of my right leg for 3 months....had to learn to walk again. Then in early 2020, I had a Cervical Disk replacement. The spine issues (constant pain) and lack of gym took its toll.... I gained some weight and was utterly miserable.

I ended up going VEGAN in 2020 and lost all the additional weight I had gained ..... 65lbs!!!! I am BACK..... I got back into my size 27" waist jeans, typically size 4-6 and thrilled with the results. 

It amazes me that in all the years I had gone to doctors for weight related issues, not one ever suggested going vegan as an option.....NOT ONE!!!  To be fair, at the time, I wouldn't have been in the right frame of mind to have truly seen that for the "healthy cure" it would have been but it was never even brought up. 

As a society, I think we need to get back to our "roots" and begin utilizing the natural healing options Mother Nature has provided for us. Obviously, there is a time n place for medical intervention but if we were living a more "natural" lifestyle (less stress, processed foods, plastics, chemicals, additives, sugars, etc) then we wouldn't need as much "medical intervention" as we do now. But sick people are much, much more lucrative than healthy people, so that will never change unless we take our own health into our own hands. Anyway, just my 2cents. 

Best of luck on your journey! You can totally do this!!!!

I have to share the details of my FABULOUS weekend….(sorry a little long)

On Thursday, I had noticed that the registration was closed for the event – NO!! I had planned on just paying at the door. Well, I got on the phone and was told to email Sherri Carver. I did and she set me up!! She even called my on Thursday night to let me know I was all set. WOW – I was so impressed that she took the time to do that – Thank you, Sherri!!!

On Friday, we left for Austin and the OH Conference. I decided I wanted to be “comfortable” and after encouragement from my hubby I decided to wear…SHORTS!!! OMG – I haven’t worn short in 10 yrs (except for the beach and even then I would have a panic attack) I ended up wearing shorts ALL day Friday!!! That was a BIG WOW for me.

On the way there, my GI Doctor’s office called and said the Abdominal Cat Scan I had was NEGATIVE – I almost started crying. I know that should have been good news, but I am in PAIN and wanted them to find a “reason”!! Well, now it looks like I will have to have an EGD and a Colonoscopy – NOOOOOO – I can’t believe this!!! At this point, if that will help make the pain STOP – I guess I am going to do it. I’m a BIG Baby – I don’t like pain!!!

ANWAY…..on with the FAB parts…..

After we checked into our hotel, my hubby took me to the MALL!!!! It was great – I found some FAB shoes and bought 4 pairs (they were on sale!!) Bought a couple of other things too!!! WOO HOO – I also did something I have wanted to do for some time – I got my ears pierced!! It’s a second hole, so I can wear my diamond studs my hubby bought me with my other earrings!!! Then we went to dinner at Pappadeaux – BOY was that GOOD!!! I ate………..ALIGATOR!!! OMG – I can’t believe I did that – but it was really Good!!  Then we went back to the hotel and had a couple of other WOW moments, but won’t mention those here!!! LOL

We got up Saturday and left for the show. I was so nervous and excited!! I was going to meet Yvonne, Ramon, & Jackie – all I could think was how COOL was that!! I had my OH Magazine that I came out in and wanted to get it “autographed” by Jackie & Yvonne (they were in that issue too). As I walked up the aisle towards Jackie (so nervous) she turns, points, and says “I know who that is” so I turn around wondering who she was talking about – turns out it was ME!!!! WOW – she recognized me – I thought that was just awesome. She is just so nice & what a HOTTIE!!! LOL - The event got going and I was just blown away when Jackie walks in – she literally LIGHTS up a room. Here energy and spunk is just refreshing. She is so funny – she had me & my hubby in “stitches”. Dr. LoMonaco was next – what a great guy. I think I will make a trip to Houston soon – I want him to do my “reconstruction”!!! Then Yvonne took the stage – what can I say – she is just awesome. Loved her yoga demonstration – my hubby “loved” her poses, too!!!! Next…….the “Dawg” was in da HOUSE!!!! Ramon is such an inspiration – totally honest about his struggles and so down to earth. It was such a pleasure meeting him. Jeremy Gentles – what a cutie!! It was cool to see Dr. Davis and Mary Jo Rapini from Big Medicine. We all LOVED the “Rabbit” session!!! When the show was over we moved things outside in the lobby. I got to take pics with Jackie & Ramon – COOL. I even got a door prize – a print from Yvonne – “Dreaming of Shoes” – OMG it is just beautiful and how IRONIC – the shoes I was wearing were hot pink just like in the print!! It was meant for ME!!! LOL – After that everyone left to get some rest before the dinner.

I wasn’t sure if we were going to make it to the dinner. My hubby had to fly out early the next morning and we were driving (5 hr. drive) but we decided to go. I am so glad we did. I got to sit next to my Buddy, Yvonne & got a pic!!! The food was great too. When we left the conference I was telling my hubby how impressed I was with Jackie – she has such a great personality and such a great speaker & motivator. Not to mention a total Fire Cracker!! But when she walked into the restaurant later that evening, I was so surprised. She was there to just “hang out” with US – she was talking to everyone, laughing, taking pictures and just being JACKIE!!! That was AWESOME. She is a real “STAR” not because of her movie but because she shines so bright for all of us!!!

Well, that was it. After we ate, we said good-bye and got on the road. I think I talked about the event for an hour!!! I can’t wait to go to another event. Look out OH here I come!!!!!

Traci