9 Month Anniversary Reflection (sorry so long)

Wow, what can I say time is flying by and I'm enjoying life, yes I am not merely existing but enjoying life, lovin life and oh so thankful for my surgeon and God giving me my LIFE back. As I reflect back to January 14, 2005, my first consult with Dr. W., I was depressed and a total wreck. When I stepped on the scale and saw 260.5 lbs. I just cried. Oh I knew I had gained even more weight but I didn't think I weighed that much, how disgusting I felt. I wouldn't let myself believe I had gotten so out of control, pictures heck no, I was always behind the camera not in front. I was in total denial. I started my pre-op diet the next day and on February 21, 2005 at 7:30 a.m. my new life began. And oh what a ride it's been. No complications, very little pain and I'm on my way to a new ME. Morning of surgery I weighed in at 239 lbs, yes I actually lost 21 lbs pre-op, you eat lean meats and green leafy vegetables 3 times a day, you'll lose weight too. Losing weight for me wasn't the hard part, keeping it off was. Now 9 months later where am I at? As of this morning I'm weighing in at 127 lbs. below goal and wearing a size 4-6 pant and small, medium shirt. NEVER, EVER did I think this possible. I still remember Dr. W. telling me that I'd probably be at goal before the end of the year and I'm thinking Yea Right, dream on. I'm there my friends, and before 2005 ends. This has been a wonderful, exciting year of reflection and anticipation. A year of wonder and surprises both good (my WLS journey) and bad (Hurricane Rita devastating my home town). To all of you that have supported and encouraged me this year, THANK YOU, I could not have done it without you..Tooter, Val, Gina A., Pam, Kathy & Rich, Molly, Faith, Steph, Mary Jo, Vickie, Sassy Cathy, Ramon, Cheryl, Erika, Donna, Jen, Christina, Princess Splenda (Candy), Kiki. I know I'm forgetting some of you, please forgive me, but I want everyone to know I love you all..thanks a million for the wonderful welcome and support you've given me, I couldn't have done it without you. THIS SITE IS AWESOME, YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!!!! To all those just beginning your research, preparing for insurance approval, surgery dates, and new post-ops..A key factor in my journey has been a POSITIVE ATTITUDE..Dream big and stay faithful to your program. All things are possible with the will and faith you have within you. To all of the older post-ops, thanks for your experience and help. You've been my rock, you've been there, done that, I value your knowledge and experience. I hope to one-day give to the newbies all that you've given me. It's been a wonderful 9 months, thank God, Dr. Wongsa and Yourselves, I couldn't have done this alone. Paying if forward in 2006 Hugs, Dana Lap RNY 2-21-05 260/239/127/130

Dana, You are such a wonderful person and I love that you care enough to always reply to everyone of my posts. You have done a great job and you are looking so good. you have a great outlook on life. Just wanted to drop by and say that you did and are doing a great job. keep it up. faith 389/239/180

Thanks Faith, you ladies have helped me too. I've gained some wonderful friendships through all this. Hugs, Dana

Wow thanks for reminding me - it's my 9 month anniversary too! Gotta get the kid over to take my picture! I'm at 209.5 - down 88 lbs since Feb. 21. Right now it is going SO slowly, but at least it's going. Lynne

Hi Lynne, it was great meeting you this weekend, my surgery twin. Can you believe it's been 9 months already, wow time sure is flying. My congrats go out to you too. Yes the weight loss is slower now days but continue to work your tool, it's all worth it. Dana

Hey there miss skinny dana!! that was an awesome post to read. you're so wonderful...i always know i can count on you as well!! you're a true inspiration to us all!! i'm glad this year has been so terrific for you and you've done SO well with your weight loss...congrats girl, you deserve it!1 Steph 350/161/150

((((Steph)))) here's your hug girlfriend, you have been the best. Thanks for everything. You've done so amazing yourself...you keep me inspired as we all know we need others that understand where we've been and how we've come so far in just a short time. Just to know others deal with the same things we do is great. Take care! Dana

Yes the time has really flown by it is great. I started a new job a job I really loved doing before but no longer could partly becasue of the weight and now I CAN DO IT. It is working in a CBRF it is just so wonderful. I also want to thank everyone for answering my questions and helping me through the hard times and still the times to come. This site has been wonderful and I also want to thank Dana for all her inspiration and help you are a GREAT person and you have come so very far you are looking GREAT. Take Care Cheryl 295/195/?

Dana, What a wonderful update! You are certainly an inspiration to us on the board!! You look wonderful and Im sure that you feel wonderful!! Lisa 371/341/201/140

Dana, You have done such an awesome job. I have followed your profile all along, I just am not much of a poster. You look amazing and I know you feel amazing as well. Sherry 2-22-2005 345/230/142