I believe my surgery date is posted in my profile but my name doesn't appear on the Anniversary page. Oh well, -I- know it's today.
So much has happened since that day. The diet changes, the mental changes, body image changes, a new outlook, and better health. The best change though is my renewed faith in the Lord. I know this happened because of Him and no other. He worked his miracles through the hands of my surgeon. Once I gave it all to Him, the miracles in my life have been flowing freely. His great voice speaks to me daily through faith and devotion. You just have to be open to Him. He has taken away all sorrow, pain, and worry about how long I will live. I have never felt so redeemed in my entire life.
My journey began at 287 lbs. in May of 2006. By the time I met Dr. Irgau in July, I was at 300.9 and gaining fast. I was out of control. I could barely move for the arthritis pain, chest pain, chronic fatigue, and stress on the knees and feet. I lived in constant fear of dying at any moment from the heart disease that pre-existed. I was scared to death most of the time and really felt like it was my legacy and was on the road to actually accepting that fact. I even had thoughts of pre-planning my own funeral. I bought a small life insurance policy just to cover final expenses. I was resolved to just lay down and let it happen. I finally gave up the struggle and decided that after trying everything else and resisting the Lord's intervention for all those years, it was time to turn it over to the higher power. It was the easiest thing I have ever done. The relief was almost instant. And I cried, out loud. Often.
I knew His healing would come through the hands of Dr. Irgau, but I was concerned about my mental healing. That had to come to me directly and the only way to receive and achieve healing was to surrender the pain and sadness to Him. He took it willingly. I came to realize that my trials only came to make me stronger, and each time I was discouraged or depressed, sad or lonely, scared or sick, as the song says "I received Blessed consolation."
I talked with my Pastor friend Linda, and she assured me that a miracle was indeed taking place and that I should allow God to work in my heart and life. I really thought I had fallen from His will and begged Him to hear me. He did, and He does, every day. I just had to surrender all of myself.
Sorry to bible thump here but I just can't explain this any other way because nothing, absolutely nothing happened until I allowed God to take this thing as His own.
Today, I am at 181 pounds and although I have struggled over the past few weeks, I feel pretty comfortable now. I met my personal goal for the first year so I am happy with that. I have another 30 pounds to lose to reach my medical goal of 150 pounds. I can do this through Him.
KathyG
You have a wonderful outlook, I have no doubt you'll obtain your goal. Good Luck. Lisa
