This is hardly the easy way out. But congrats on the rebirth. What a wonderful feeling I know. It's been the year of our lives I believe. Wish you many many more!!! NAT

Hello you all. First let me say thanks again Dedee for the post wishing me a happy B-day. Thank you all for posting to it and the wishes are well recieved. Oh my God where do I begin. I was 29 and 304 lbs wearing a 28 womans of course. I was depressed and just a angry unhappy person. I went to work and home and the only outings my kids and I had was to the grocery store. I even hated the malls!!! I didn't date much and was really rather self distructive. Life was heading only 1 way for me and that was down. When I originally went for this surgery I had United Healthcare and they didnt cover it after I was told they did. So I had to wait a whole year to start my process. I did research that whole time and that is when I joined this board in early 2003. I was not going to let nothing stop me from being whole agian. My children were probably becoming as depressed as I was when we couldn't even make it to church. I always felt like people were staring and talking about me. I couldn't eat in public. I hated me. I had high blood pressure, PCOS, diabetic, you name it.... I was only 29 Well 1 yr later look at me now. I am 30 and loving life. MY kids are happy and love the new mommy. My daughter hugged me on mothers day and for the first time really noticed the new me cuz she said in surprise, "Mommy did you see that" I said, "No baby what, still laughing from her hug" and she replied, "My arms are all the way around you and I am holding my hands" I guess I never really really explained exactly what this surgery was doing to mommy. It's only been a year but that is funny how well our kids adjust. I vowed to let go and let God and be happy. To allow myself to trust again. To allow myself to be happy, and not sabatoge everything in my life that was good like I did b4. Hence the new fiance in my life. God has blessed me this year. I am now 160 lbs thats a loss of 144 lbs. I am stuck at 160 for the past few months but I am really happy at this point. My braces are off, that is also something I did for the new me. I was always a outcast at school. Didnt have many friends. I didn't talk to people. I barely said hello. But someone at work pointed out that I talk more. Hmmm of course, I have something to talk about these days. I want to also point out the some folks whom I have created special bonds with. You are all wonderful. But Kerstin and Dedee, what can I say. Kerstin you were a wonderful friend and thanks for being there. Dedee what a sista you came all the way from Bama to see me in the hospital. Cookie you inspire me to do better everyday, Carlyce my sista thanks for all your kind words and keep holding it down with the Bishop, saw him a few weeks ago. Vanessa Nixon, girl you were right there at that hospital the night I went in for my complication and what love that showed me. Only our support group could show love like that. We come together when it really counts. Jappi thanks for all the great converation, you are a real gentleman and a tru friend. Angee special love to you for inviting me to this group. Where would I be without you. There are so many more but I love you ALL and know that... Sorry so long I just wanted to share me with you all and say What a difference a year makes. I remember when I was waiting on approval and I thought my surgery would never come. I remember all the complications and how I regreted ever doing this. But when all was done and God got me thru, I remember thinking and now knowing this is the best things I could have ever done for me. I am an example of things not all good. I had a hell of a time getting this done. I had a hell of a time in recovery and my complication could have killed me. My recovery was the worst and I cried everyday. I didn't post on the board I was so miserable. So to those whom ready my story with doupt know there is a silver lining if you feel or have felt like me. We all need a story to tell good or bad. Mine was the best of both worlds Much Love to you ALL!!!! NAT 160 05/10/04

Congrats!!!! You've lost alot of weight, and did such a great job! Congrats on your new baby! How exciting! Sounds like you're pregnancy is going well! Keep us all posted as the pregnancy gets further alongG!!! Tricia

You look fantastic!!!! Congratulations on your baby!! Teri

Congratulations on your loss. I am now 1 year from my surgery (136 pounds less) and for the past three weeks I have been lightheaded and dizzy. I have been to my regular doc and have had my bloodpressure checked and it is not to low but not high either. They have suggested that I come in when I have some time and have them take my blood pressure laying down, sitting up, and then standing to see if there is something there. I would definately call your surgeon and check with him also. When was the last time your seen him? Also did they check your sugar level. It will cause headaches and lightheadedness, if it gets to low. Evelyn