Tomorrow!

Yup, tomorrow is September 1st and someone, or two or three, are having a surgery anniversary!! So whoever you are - happy re-birthday!! What a year, right!! I haven't done it yet but I am going to go back and read my profile of what my thoughts were about this time last year. I do remember that as I got closer to my surgery date I was surprisingly calm and serene. I wasn't that nervous. Very excited. A feeling I will never forget. Just a feeling of this is too good to be true, that I might finally get some lbs off, regain my health and my life. What a ride to say the least! I have been trying to update my profile at least every month on my annniversary date, and I am definitely looking forward to giving a 'year in review' type update. Things I've encountered, things I didn't expect, things I expected that didn't happen, just how my life has changed. I feel so lucky and blessed that I was able to have this surgery. As you all know I was older than the norm having had surgery at 62. I worried that might be a problem, but I can guarantee you that it has not been. Also, for all you sweet young beautiful women out there, let me give you something to look forward to -- even at this age of mine, I feel very healthy, very active, and oh yeah, I have been getting lots of flirts!!! I went in Starbucks the other day after my pilates, and then again that night. The young man behind the counter said, hey two times in one day, what a treat. I said I can't believe you'd remember me, I think you have a crush on me!! (Of course joking him - he was young enough to be my grandson but see I woiuldn't have said that 120 lbs ago). And he said, I think I do too!! And then he said my name is John, what's yours!! Ha ha!! That is so funny. But life doesn't end for getting attention when you're 60 something!! That was a very nice and pleasant surprise with this surgery! Now, isn't that something nice to think about!! Also it points out what I have always said and believed, and that is when people say losing weight won't change them, they'll stay the same person, well, yeah, sort of, but I did change, I got so much more confident and comfortable with myself. I like it. And it's like Pam said and that I will never forget, I do like myself now! I appreciate all of you, I am thankful for you all that you are in my life as my support group, and more importantly as my friends. I feel I can come to this forum and spill my guts, and not get yelled at!! I feel I can get the tough love that I need, I can get the compassion that I want, and that I have a friend that understands where I'm coming from. I hope that I can be that to you as well! Hang on, here we go into our second year!! Some of us are at goal, some are close to goal, and some not so close to goal. But no matter where you are in this journey, let's stick together okay? I need you. much love to you all! donna

Donna, You have pulled me threw so much. I loove you to. Your emails helping me threw all I have been threw. Without you here this board would not be the same. We all love you Hugs Love Barb

the feelings are mutual dear friend! I miss you when you're not around, but know that you will be back. I sure wish we lived closer. love donna

Dear Donna, You must be the sweetest person. Your post is so good and true. I did hate myself before and I am more comfortable with myself now, before I never was comfortable and because of that I did very little living. This board is my support too. Your age number MAY be 62 but I don't think you really are. You look and post like a much younger person. Really. Thank you for the beautiful post and happy re-birthday when ours come around. I can't believe it's been a year already!!!!!! Koukla

Hi Birthday twin! That was such a nice post, Koukla. Thank you. Oh, and I have to correct you, I am now 63!!! I can't believe that. I think we all have to be good to ourselves, and even though we may not be where we ultimately want to be, or not where we thought we should be, look at how far we've come - all the things we can now do!! Just unbelieveable!! I'm so proud of all of us. love you Koukla! donna

Donna.. even though I dont know u personally u have been an inspiration to all of us here..u are always starting posts of encouragement and wisdom and for one I appreciate it!!! I am back to program and starting to lose weight again ..I went to an OH conference in my state and refueled my mind and body on why I made this decision almost a year ago and why I need to complete what I started and I just wanted to thank u for being one of our best "cheerleaders" on the boards!!! you're the best Jean K

Hi Jean, what a nice post! Thank you very much for your very thoughtful words. It really means alot to me I did read your post earlier this week about your going to the conference and what a positive experience it was for you. That is awesome. I am going to try to go to one when there is one nearby. Yes, you're right, we do need to finish what we started. And it is so hard right now cause we are all looking hot hot hot and can get satisfied or complacent with our progress. But this journey isn't over, we still have (well some of us) some lbs to lose, and probably more important at least for me, and that is to figure out this maintenance business. I'm not there yet, but I can see old devils raising their ugly heads in my life (emotional eating, trigger foods, etc) and I need to be ever so aware;. And I will be, because I like this new life. I like not being the biggest one in the room, and worrying about breaking a plastic chair when I sit in one, and I like ... well I just like life right now!! Thanks again Jean, and please post as much as you can. We all get so much from each other. love you! donna