Today...

Four years ago today was my surgery. So much has changed in my life that it would take a million words for me to tell the story. To sum it up: I had my 4 year check up with my surgeon. Four years out, I am down 75% of my body weight. According to him I am considered a WLS success story. According to me...well that's yet another story. Life, essentially, is good. I'm healthy. I'm not overweight. My kids are healthy and happy. I have family and friends who love me. I live with the most amazing man in the entire world. Is life perfect? No. But it's a hell of a lot better than it was four years ago. Every day is a struggle. Staying in shape is hard work. I've learned to push myself away from the table when I am full. Four years ago, I didn't know what full felt like. I've learned the importance of moving my body to stay healthy. Most people celebrate Thanksgiving in November. My personal Thanksgiving is March 2nd. I would not change a thing..... Best Wishes to all the Marchers! Joanie

you have done an awesome job! congratulations and happy anniversary!!!!!! i was at hoodwill last week cruising the clothing aisles and saw a few things that made me think of you and how cute they would be on you! i guess i wanna be you when i grow up!!! i could take lessons from you maybe to get self to my goal weight!!! hugs!

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW THANKS!!

Margo, Jim just called to tell me your package arrived - thank you so, so much! I'm really going to give myself fully to listening to the CDs and I'll keep you posted - thanks for being such a wonderful friend. Love, Reenie

you are very welcome- i do hope that they help i was reading today that when we crave chocolate it very often is masking that we are actually craving carbs.....dunno...hugs!

You've got your finger on the pulse of what this must be all about, Joanie. Health. Not fad diets, no 'I gotta lose weight' or 'I gotta stop gaining weight' stinking thinking - and believe me, I lead the pack in that...this journey has always been and must remain being about HEALTH, being health, eating healthy, living healthy. You sound so at peace with it all - and I know you have your ups and downs and thank God you continue to come to this board to share them with us; sharing is how we all learn from each other, and ultimately how we all keep going. I am so very proud to call you friend. Love, Reenie

Congratulations, Joanie! It is wonderful for us to pause and be grateful--and look ahead with joy and hope. We have all been blessed! Joy