Back from vacation...

Hi family! I've been to not so sunny Tampa for the past week on vacation. Yes, I stayed through the hurricane and all was well. The hotel lost power and ended up having to turn off the water as we were leaving. But it was all good. Now, before you think this is entirely OT, I gotta share. We were at a convention.... never mind what kind, that's not important. For the first time in a long time, I wasn't the largest woman there! It was amazing. I was somewhere in the upper mid range, but still I felt very comfortable in my skin. I didn't feel like a freak. I could attend meetings and not take up too much space, I was able to participate in a fun workshop/demonstration and felt free to do whatever I decided to do. This surgery has been a miracle for me. I'm getting my life back. I feel good and I'm starting to look good. I'm no longer morbidly obese, as of this morning. I was able to carry my luggage on the stairs without feeling out of breath when the elevators weren't working. I'm thankful for this new lease on life. I hope you're all having a wonderful morning! Cheryl 316/245/150 or so

You go girl!!!!!!!!! I know exactly how you feel. I have been looking for you lately, now I know why you have not been around. I was starting to worry. I live in Palm Beach county so I know about the hurricanes. I am glad you made it through without any complications. I am so excited I just bought scrubs in an x-large. Can you believe that? Have a great morning and keep up the good work!!!!!!! Christine 307/237/140ish

x-large scrubs??!! You go girl! That's fabulous. I'm beginning to wonder if my butt will ever be small enough for that size. LOL Hope you didn't have any weather related problems. C

x-large scrubs??!! You go girl! That's fabulous. I'm beginning to wonder if my butt will ever be small enough for that size. LOL Hope you didn't have any weather related problems. C

Welcome back, gorgeous!! I'm so tickled to hear how well things are going for you! You deserve every happiness. Hugs, Susan

Thanks Susan. You are just getting thinner and thinner. Before you know it, you'll be at goal! I love your new pic!

Hey Cheryl, Welcome Back!! I'm so glad you made it through the hurricane!! I lived in Ft. Lauderdale during Hurricane Andrew and my heart just aches for everyone in Florida as they go through these storms!! Anyway... congrats on how your convention went and your feelings through it!! It is amazing how we are changing... Not only our bodies, but our minds now too... the world is a whole new exciting place. I went to a concert last night, first one in a long time, and I was a bit aprehensive about going as I was sure my butt wouldn't fit in the seats again and I'd have to pry myself in and out... but, by some miracle of God, I slipped right into the seat, was able to cross my legs, and get up and down and dance without having to squeeze things in and out!! It was amazing!! So, I totally understand your feelings!! Friday night I go to a play at a local theater here, and I always dread going there, because those are some of the smallest seats I've ever experienced (smaller than airplane seats)... I usually end up totally bruised after being there... so that will be the true test!! Keep up the great work and all the great losing!! I think that you are doing a great job... Glad you are back!! Hugs, Loree 391/301/175

Loree, darlin' it sounds like you're having fabulous success! I know how it is to fear sitting in those small seats. Congratulations on your loss so far and I truly hope that Fri nite, you won't end up with bruises.