Its My Surgiversary

Its my surgiversary!!! I can't believe it has been an entire year since I had my laproscopic RNY surgery. But it has been...on January 31, 2007 I was blessed with the opportunity to have gastric by pass surgery and God has truly watched over me during this year. I know it was HIM and not me that got up at least 4 days a week (mostly 6 days a week) to work out, when I used to not work out at all. I know it was HIM and not me that turned down breads, rice, pasta and potatoes and junk foods for almost an entire year when I that is all I used to eat..all day everyday. I know it was HIM who keep me from grazing and only eating my three meals a day with no snacking in between for almost 12 months.....this last month was a challenge but I remembered that whatever a man thinks, so he is...and I know I am more than a conquering thru Christ and am back on track! God is so good and I am so thankful for this wonderful journey I am on. So what has changed in the last year???? Well most noticeably would be my Highest Weight of 327 pounds is now..drumroll please...........164! I weigh just a few moments ago and also this morning at my doctors office I was 163 with my clothes on! That makes me half the person I was a year ago!! Aint God all right? Or stealing from Cookie's page...EXCUSE ME WHILE I GET MY PRAISE ON!!! Using my highest weight of 327, I have now lost 163 pounds since Dec 14, 2007. Also, I used to wear a size 26/28 even though I should have been wearing the next size up....and today I bought a size 8 pair of slacks and a size 8 skirt and they both are kind of big. Who would of thunk it? I mean, my hope chest pants were a size 14 sweat pants which are way too big. I am going to take a picture in my old jeans when my daughter gets up in the morning to post on line. Next I would have to say my life style.....my goal has been to work out 4 days a week but I have consistently worked out all year about six days a week. And I enjoy doing it! I was blessed to get three months free at the YMCA with my surgery and the two trainers I worked with were awesome! Dave and DJ ROCK! And then I was blessed with a job in 2005 that paid for my WLS and we have fitness center on site. So I have no excuse not to work out. EXCUSE ME WHILE I GET MY PRAISE ON! Of course there is the complete change in my eating habits! I cant believe how I went from eating all day everything and eating it til it was gone to being able to control my portions and make healthier food choices...I know it was God and not me! EXCUSE ME WHILE I GET MY PRAISE ON! While everyday is not the best eating day for me, I have way more good days than not so good so I will not complain.

Stephanie congrats on an amazing year! You look fantastic girl! Woooohoooo!!!

Thank you!! You are looking great too!!

Step - I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am to you. You are the ring leader of our Jan 07 group and really have been an important part of me and I'm sure many others being accountable and checking in on our weekly weigh ins. I am so proud of you, and wow, those pics of your challenge, you have done great, look great and like I said if you never lost another lb, you are a for sure a success and will inspire many people. Praise God!!!! He is the reason that I've kept going too, I know that without Him I couldn't have gotten as far as I did either. He's given me strength & control, something I've never practiced in the past. I know that my tool is a huge part of our success, but we have to use it and for me being able to conquer that, well that all Him!! Thanks for holding us accountable. AND GIRL CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Go on that cruise and strut your stuff!!

Hey Janie!! You got me all misty eyed over here!! Thank you so much and I could not do with out this board either. Having you guys to check in with on a regular basis has made a big difference for me and my journey. I am so blessed to have found you guys and I know nothing happens by accident. When I have my down days I know I can come here to pout and get lifted back up and start back on the right path! God is good and so awesome and He knows exactly what we need when we need it...and he pointed me in this direction shortly before I had my surgery and I will be here through out my journey because this is a lifetime journey for us..not just until we make it to goal. Oh and I had a ball on the cruise!! I posted a few pictures from there today. I did not want to come back to the winter time weather but I was ready to get home to my family.

Steph, You go get your praise on girl!!! I'm gettin mine on too!!! Congratulations for reaching your one year anniversary and getting the victory over food and it's impact on your life. You've got something to truely thank God for. Never forget from whom your blessings flow! Love ya bunches! Lori

Thanks Lori!! I will not forget and happy belated surgiversary to you too!! I was running late the morning of the cruise so did a hasty post and just got back yesterday. Talk to you soon!! Steph

Steph, you have been an amazing inspiration to us all. Thank you so much for leading us all and keeping us going. You look amazing girl!!! We all have so much to be thankful for we should all get our praise on!!! It has been an amazing journey to be sure. You have done fantastic!!! Happy Surgiversary!! Anna

Thanks Anna! You guys are making me blush and cry....I am such a cry baby and you are too sweet!! I feel so fortunate to have share my surgery time with you all.

Stephanie, You keep GETTIN' THAT PRAISE ON! I think we all need to stick an old photo of ourselves as a bookmark in the book of Philippians right next to "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Thank you for being a source of inspiration! I am so thrilled that you are half yourself today! That is so awesome. We still have a ways to go but you are on rocket speed to get there! Thank you for all you do and how encouraging you have been to me. Enjoy that cruise and know that you deserve it! Hugs, Katy