10 Month's Post-Op

Hi April Baby's, When I started this journey 10 month's ago, I had no idea it would be like this. This has truly been remarkable! This tool has exceeded my expectations. I thought if I could just get into a size 16 and weigh under 200 lbs I would be happy. Well, I'm here to tell you that size 16 and weighing under 200 lbs came and went! Then I thought if I could just get into a size 12, I would be happy, that came and went too!!! I started in a size 24-26 pants and am now in a size 8! I did not studder, I said SIZE 8!!!!!!!!!! I have gone from a 28-30 shirt to a S,M,L shirt (depending on how it's made or the mood I'm in!) I started this journey weighing 282 lbs and now weigh 145lbs. Which brings my weight loss total too (drum roll please) 137 lbs. I reached my surgeon's goal in 9 short month's. My personal goal is 125-130 lbs so, I'm almost there. I wanted to have WLS to be a healthier person and to have a better quality of life so that I could be around for my nieces and my family. My purpose was and still is to make those two precious girls proud of me. It is priceless to have a 9 and 6 year old tell you how wonderful you look. I can't begin to say how much that means to me. There are so many things that have truly changed my life forever. The person I am now was always inside of me, I was just trapped in my own fat. I am so glad that I am able to be that person now. For the first time in my life, I actually feel complete. I could not ask for anything more (other then plastics... ) I want to thank Tracy (my boyfriend) for encouraging me through these last few pounds and giving me the extra push when I need it. You have been my driving force Tracy, thank you. I am so fortunate to be able to go to a dinner and dancing tonight with the Texas Message Board people and I know I will be surrounded by not only people that support me but, people that have inspired me, that is truly a blessing in itself. I know the room will be filled with A LOT of love between us OH members. We have a special bond between all of us, and I think it's pretty dern cool! I can't wait to see all of you tonight. I can't think of a better way to spend my 10 month anniversary. I thank God everyday for blessing me with this wonderful gift. The gift of LIFE!!! And I thank my sweet Mother for bringing me into this world and making me the person that I am today. I also thank my surgeon and his staff for cheering me on every step of the way! Wherever you are in your journey, never lose sight of your dreams they can and will come true. Be a find-a-way, make-a-way person and you will have all that your heart desires. Gina P.S. - There are updated pictures on my www. I was acting like a hoochie Mama!

gina- your gorgous girl!!!!! way to go! hugs, Danielle

Gina: Congratulations on your weight loss...That is just fantastic...You look great too...I am proud of you.WE are surgery sisters..I had mine ont he 11th as well...I am down 150 lbs...from 315...so I now weight 165...too much skin to fit into an 8..right now the smalles is a 10/12 depending on the cut and make...sometimes a 14 ...but i try to avoid them if possible....hate to look back..want to keep going in the other direction... Congrats again...you look MAAAAVVVVAAAALLLLLOOOOOUUUUUSSSS... RAE ANN COON

Dear Gina, what a lovely and inspirational girl you are. I really mean that. I have seen your smiling face every step of the way with me and am so thrilled for you , that you have had the most amazing success. I wont lose sight of my dreams, I am still plugging away at all the things that life has thrown me this past year, but as Ive been alone a lot lately I have discovered many things about myself and am slowly developing a plan for my future. I will keep my wonderful april brothers and sisters up to date when I know more. All I want now is to get to onderland and that is 10 lbs away. It may take a few more months but Im going to do it. You are such a blessing to us all but especially us lucky April babies. hugs and love from down under Helen