Happy Surgery Birthday to Jacqueline, Koukla and ME!

...and the others out there that have their special re-birth day today! What a ride this has been. And still is. Everyday is a blessing to me and I can never forget the wonderful opportunity I have to make my life better through this wonderful surgery. Has it been easy -- no, not in the least. Would I do it again - in a New York minute!! I never have doubted this decision, and as I've said my only regret is I couldn't do it sooner. Today I weight 159-160 (159 if I hold onto the wall and let one leg get on the scale at a time -- does that count!!), I wear a 10 pants, and probably could do a medium top but am too chicken so stick to a large. Which, ladies and gents, in my book of success, this is wonderful!! Am I proud of myself -- oh yeah! Big time. It's funny, before surgery there was no way I would tell anyone what I weighed - no way. I remember when I had my hysterectomy some years ago and as I was being wheeled in, the doctor (I guess the anesthelogist) asked me what I weighed, well my husband was with me and he of course didn't know and I didn't want him to know so I made the numbers with my fingers -- 2, 4, 5. Did my husband see - yeah, probably, but he is such a gentleman he never mentioned it. Anyway, I used to not tell anyone, now, it''s almost part of my introduction, 'Hi, I'm donna, and I used to weigh 289 before I had wls!!' That's funny, are you all like that! Today is such a reflective day for me. I don't know if anyone else, other than you guys of course, realize just how important the day is. I've told my husband several times, my daughters, my mom, but I don't think they really know what it means to me. That's okay, it's my special day, and I am basking in the glory of thus far, being successful. I know I still have lots of work ahead of me, I need to be more diligent on exercise, I need to stop grazing, I need to ... oh so many things. But on the other hand I am good on protein, I am good on vitamins, I am good on water, I do try on exercise, I am not eating after 8:00 (thank you for helpiing me with that), oh, and here's the biggie, I feel like I do deserve this!! I've worked hard. Yes, it was a gift, but not without work on my part. I apologize for rambling - I know I am. But I just have a lot of feelings right now and no one really to share them with but you all. Congratualtions Jacqueline and Koukla, you go girlfriends!! Love you and the support you give me!! (Here comes the Oscar speech!!) Thank you to all of you on this wonderful board. We are successful because we have each other. Love you all!! love donna

Love ya too!! And what a day huh? Hope you got my reply under your elf gift post. Gotta kinda teary, but WE ARE ENTITLED!! It is now 800pm where I live and the KITCHEN IS CLOSED> Hope you and Koukla both have the wonderful day I had: Went shopping for a new pair of size 8 jeans and a medium top to go with them and had a pedicure!! Lovely day( Although cold and wet) Thanks for everything. Couldn't have done it without you. hugs, jacqueline

Woo hoo - now there's a girl that knows how to celebrate!! Good for you little girl! Live it up in your size 8 jeans!! love donna

Happy rebirthday to you all....i am still glowing from my rebirthday..so hope that feeling last even longer and longer...i think it will because when i see myself sometimes i cant believe its me..i am no longer afraid of the camera. I finally get to be in the pic and not tear it up later..Hope you girls had a great day for your anniversary...anything is better than where we all were a year ago... lots of love and thinking we are all sucessfull thus far...lets support each other and make it through another wonderful year of our new healthier lives... hugs. jen

Hi Jen - yes, I think I can speak for all three of us - we've had an awesome day!! You're so cute Jen, I know it's not easy with your husband deployed, but you are doing it, and yes honey, you are successful, and beautiful, and don't you dare tear up pictures any more. love donna