Reflections of the Past Year

Joy's post made me think about the accomplishments that have happened in my life this past year. I thought it would be a good idea for us to list some. Please list a couple so others can add some too. WHAT ARE SOME BIG ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU HAVE HAD THIS PAST YEAR SINCE SURGERY? 1 I came out of hiding in the closet and dating again. (Sometimes good, sometimes bad) 2) I have taken that first plane trip without the seltbelt extension and room for my purse in the seat beside me.

Hiya Sugar Plum, Life is a ride and I am truly enjoying it. I am much more outgoing now being over 100 pounds lighter, imagine that, me more outgoing?? I run and play with my little grandkiddies with ease and energy left over, we have a wonderful time now that grandma can move. Betty

I'm also out of the fat closet. I just realized yesterday that I don't do the elevator ritual anymore. One time when I got off an elevator, the elevator car sprung up an inch or so as soon as I stepped off. One woman behind me gasped. From that time on, I've stepped off gingerly. I plant my foot so that it is half on and half off the elevator floor - spanning that gap in the doorway. I don't know if I've explained that well. I gingerly step forward, hoping to distribute my weight slowly and not disrupt the car behind me. Yesterday, for the first time I realized that I just spring off the elevator these days and there's no aftershock. Connie

I can go out with my wife and not feel that I'm an embarassment to be seen with. (she says that she never felt that way which, if true, proves for sure that love is blind!). Here's a weird one: It takes so many more articles of my clothing to make up a laundry load!! My jeans and sweatshirts no longer need to be perfectly balanced to keep the washer from dancing during the spin cycle!! Mike

I've come out from behind my mask !!! For all my life I tried to blend in with the crowd and not call attention to myself. Now , I like the attention I'm getting. My husband loves it when other people tell me I'm looking good . He sayes he was always proud of me but I can tell he likes me better slimmer !! Another thing that just blows my mine is crossing my legs . I haven't been about to that in 30 years !!! So my two things are: #1 Not hiding #2 Crossing my legs. Y'all have a good day. Judy

Oh, Martha - where to start? Guess I'll do the stream-of-consciousness response so here goes ... 1. I LOVE to walk. Used to dread just getting up on my feet. Now I can't stop this booty from movin... 2. Rolling over in bed takes me about 5 seconds now; used to be such a laborious chore. 3. I can hug my kids closer to me. 4. Crossing my legs. 5. No longer need 'instruments' to assist me with my daily hygeine - I hope I never forget the devestating humilation of those days. To forget is to invite them to return. 6. Canoeing with my son, Devin. 7. This month I will realize my greatest dream. I never, ever really believed this would happen. I will get on my horse, Hillie, and ride side-by-side next to my daughter, Jillian. I rode as a girl and have not ridden in nearly 40 years. That horse has been my inspiration, my guiding light, urging me on. I hope I don't kill her! 8. I have been asked to perform in a gala benefit performance in June. I will stand in front of 100s of people and sing again, for the first time in many years. I will be wearing an elegant evening gown resplendent in intricate beading and sequins. It is a size 8. Hmmmmm, maybe I should wear the dress when riding Hillie.... There's lots more, I call them my "moments" -- I've had to stop many a conversation to wipe tears away and declare, "Wait, bear with me, I'm having a moment." And just think, my friends, this is the beginning. The whole world has opened up for us. I can't tell you what you all have meant to me this last year. Thank you so, so much. Maureen

There have been so many... My First accomplishment was being able to cross my legs without having to lift my leg over the other. Another is being able to get up off the floor without having to roll over first. I can now just hop right up. Being able to hug my husband and children so closly is another. Hearing my daughter tell me that I'm skinny is a huge one, one that brings me to tears everytime. Getting out of the car with ease, running, somersaults, cartwheels.... There are just so many and I'm proud of each and every one of them, big or small! Congratulations Marchers, We have all done so well! Happy Anniversary to each and every one of us! Kelley 265/132 Belt Lipectomy 3/24/05

HI Sugar Plum where to start??? First- "you look wonderful" and I am blessed to know you in person" So much has changed for the better in my life, my anniversary wont be till March 22nd 2005, But I wanted to say Hi to everyone and say "Congrats to a job well done" were all healthier, and enjoying life not just going through the motions" Being free from Diabetis, is my reward for sticking to the plan, no more needles everyday 3x a day helps me with the everyday struggle to stay away from the sugar I enjoy going shopping now, dont think twice about how far away I am from the store entrance... and even run from the car to the store with my lil' one in tow, (cold in N.Y.) lol I walk when I can, and look forward to the warmer weather again, I will be returning to Florida with my family very soon. God Bless you all and keep you safe ! I hope all your dreams are comming true for you! Hugz Mary