Musings on my Anniversary Date
I call it Living Normal. Living with food daily so that it enhances my life rather than destroys it. Learning to enjoy it without undermining all the good and hard work I've accomplished these past two years. For the past 6 months -- maybe longer -- I've struggled with this issue; having food in my life as an augment to my health and wellbeing and learning to recognize it for what it is...just food. It is not that all powerful demon spawn of the devil that exists just to make my life miserable, make my body so abundantly fat that I can't live. Food has a purpose -- it does not have a personal agenda. This concept has evolved for me so that today, I am Living Normal -- with food. I take care of myself with food. I listen to my body and stop eating when I feel full. I pay attention when I'm feeling tired and low on energy and I provide what I think my body needs -- the right food. For the first time in my life -- ever in my life -- I feel as if I have moved on from that place of food having total control over my every thought and action. I am Living Normal. Two years ago -- well, you all know the drill. Couldn't walk, couldn't breath, many medications for diabetes and hypertension kept me alive, I slept with a mask over my face at night so that I could breath, I moved through society with a mask over my heart and soul so that I could function in the world. I lived a lie. Today, I move my body through space with the joy of a toddler who's world has opened wide because she has discovered how to pull herself up and walk and how to pull herself up again when she falls. And I do the work, every day, for the most part -- the vitamins, the hydration, the physical exercise, the right choices, healthy choices. And when I need something that tastes really good, I have it -- a fistful of M&M's, a donut, a couple of graham crackers -- I just have it. And move on with Living Normal. So today -- I celebrate that day two years ago when my body was sliced open and my stomache was redesigned and my head was given the chance of a lifetime to do the hard work, break a sweat and make the behavioral changes necessary to be successful in this journey. And you all know I celebrate the day I found you. I had my 2-year anniversary checkup with my surgeon yesterday. My bloodwork is terrific -- except for something funky going on with my liver which he says is totally unrelated to the WLS and that I should see my doctor posthaste -- which I will; he said my weight loss is terrific and, by the way, he doesn't want me to lose another pound; he said more importantly, my thinking and behavior is exactly where it needs to be to maintain my success. He said he is very proud of me. And he asked if I would testify next week in front of the Connecticut legislature in order to help pass a bill that will mandate insurance companies cover this surgery. You bet I will be there. I love you guys. Have a wonderful day. Reenie P.S. I had the great pleasure of meeting our Pammy for the first time last night. Pam, you are beautiful and exactly as I pictured you to be! What a lovely, lovely lady.
Wow, Reenie that would be so cool to be able to go into a room full of
Government officials & tell that this does work & that yes, they have to
cover it. You Go Girl!! Tell me how you change your mind set to work with
your food deamons. (you can tell me off-line if you want) That is my BIG
problem of late. Have a Great B-Day, I no you will.
Marilyn, the Bearlady 
Well my dear friend, as the Greatful Dead put it....."What a long, strange trip it's been"!! 2 years ago today, we were dragging our newly-modifed carcasses complete with I.V. trees around the halls of the fourth floor!! It seems like yesterday and yet it seems like a lifetime ago. Look at you now....Dr. A's star pupil and heading off to give the Politicians hell!!! God, I'm proud of you kiddo!!! You are an inspiration to all of us. Congratulations, and Happy Anniversary Maureen.
Mike
Maureenie,
There's nothing normal about you. You are extraordinary and I'm so glad you're part of my world.
I'm sure you're going to be much more refined and dignified with the politicians than I was with my doctor's medical students yesterday. The doctor and I were talking about my upcoming tummy and arm surgery and how excited I am to get this over with. He explains to the students that I had bypass surgery two years ago and have done very well. Dr. Barlow turns to me and says, "Connie, would you mind showing the students...." Before he could finish the sentence, I had pulled up my shirt and dropped my drawers (all my drawers) to show them my hanging belly. The good doctor cracks up and says, "Ummmm... I was just thinking maybe you could show them your lab results" and he passes me my chart. Oh.... well.... OK... I pulled up my pants, pulled down my shirt and then cracked up myself.
Keep us poted on the liver issue and know that I love you huge.
Connie
First off congratulations on your anniversary date!
Reenie!!!!!!
It was fantastically wonderful to finally meeting you LIVE!!!! When I got to the meeting I kept looking around the room saying to my friend Shellie, I know she's going to come here I know I'll get to meet her! I checked each persons face. No one matched the person I expected you to be. I thought maybe you were there but I jsut didnt' recognize you. Pictures sometimes on line are very different than the real person. Each time the door would open I'd sit alittle straighter to see over the person in front of me. Shellie would turn to me and whisper "is that her". I'd look down shake my head and say no I don't think so.
Then all of a sudden there was just the corner of a tiny face peaking into the itsy bitsy window of the door. I saw just a glimpse of some reddish bangs. I got a tingle! I whispered Shellie I think that might be her! Carefully the door slowly opened. You could tell this person was trying very hard not to interupt. As soon as the head came in the door I knew I just knew that it was REENIE!!!!! I sat up nudged my friend shellie and say ITS HER!!!!! After that the rest of the meeting I was just like a ltitle kid wiggling in my seat.
Once that meeting was over I jumped up, sucked my stomach in, and walked across that room to meet the most amazing lady!
Reenie your pictures do not do you justice. You are awesome! Such a tiny little person you are!
Everyone needs to know that the words that we all read from each of Reenies postings aren't fake. They all come from the heart. You can see it in her eyes.
Good luck and god bless on continued success. Thank you for giving all of us the encouragement to help with ours.
pammy
There you go again, Pam, you have me crying like a baby! I was just as anxious to meet you. In fact, just to let everyone know, I had my 2-year appointment with Dr. Aranow at 4:30 -- thought I would safely make the meeting, which started at 6:30 -- in plenty of time. Well, I didn't leave Dr. A's office until 6:55!! I almost didn't go to the meeting because I was so late and then I thought, 'I promised Pam I would be there.' So glad there wasn't a cop checking for speeders on the road cuz I would have been busted! Was so hoping Mike would have been there as well -- next time, ok buddy? And, by the way Pam, if I am "tiny" than you are one long drink of water! You are so beautiful, inside and out. Have a great day, sweetie. Reenie
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