85 more pounds to go...

Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I have lost 215 lbs. I started my journey 10-19-00 weighing in at 475 lbs. I want to lose a total of 300 lbs. I know I can do it, but boy, it's sure tough, the last 85! Alot has happened since my surgery. Like life, for example. I truly have learned to deal with stress without turning to food. My mother passed away this past April 19th. She was my rock and I miss her terribly. I started smoking because the stress of her illness, cancer in her spinal cord in her neck, was at times, almost unbearable. I kept thinking about my mother, and the things I needed to do for her, and just the fact that she was helpless, gave me the strength to go on. She made me her durable power of attorney and executrix of her will the day before her surgery on Jan 23rd of this year. Being the youngest of seven children, the other siblings were split down the middle in their reaction. Needless to say, I have 3 brothers who backed me 100% and one brother and my only sister, not speaking to me. That's ok, because the decisions that were made were done democratically, majority rules. On to other things. I had a panniculectomy on May 1st 2002. I did have complications because I had to go in for a second procedure on June 6th to have a drain put in. Needless to say, my recovery time took 2 months solid. I feel great. My back doesn't hurt me like it use to. I sit at a computer everyday at work, so that doesn't help lower back pain, but not having a 16 pound (that's how much skin was removed) child on my lap, 24x7 helps tremendously. I would like to add my pictures to obesityhelp. I just need to contact the right people. If there's anyone out there that can steer me in the right direction, that would be of great service. Take care of yourselves. Hope to hear from someone really soon. Continuing the journey, one day at a time! Kathleen Barker Open RUY, October 19, 2000

Hi Kathleen, I am so sorry to hear you mother passed away. I hope someday you will find comfort. I am dealing with my mother who is ill with ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) and like you I don't have food to turn to anymore as a comfort. It is hard. My husband and I have moved in with my parents to help my Dad care for her. Wow I can't believe they removed 16 pounds of skin! I had ten pounds removed last August. You must feel great! You have lost so much weight and you are an inspiration!! I know you will loose the last 85. I wish you continued success on your journey. Take care, Colleen

Hi Kathleen, So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. My mom has been gone 10 years this past mother's day (yeah, she passed away on mother's day). I still miss her so much it hurts.There is no one like your mother. Also sorry to hear you picked up smoking. I hope you can ditch that habit in the future when things get a little better. If you can lose all that weight then I know you can do the smoking bit, too. I wish you all the luck in the world. Let us all know how you do!!!!! Cathy