Happy Thanksgiving

It's been quite a while since I've posted, but all seems to be going well. I wish each of you a happy thanksgiving. It's been 19 months since I had my surgery and I've lost more than 150 pounds. I'm still about 20 pounds away from my maximum goal and 35 from my actual goal. Admittedly, I've been slack on my exercising, but I'm resolving that issue as we speak. Between my Richard Simmons tapes and my Leslie Sansone CDs, I'm bound to find a balance and room in my schedule. I've been absolutely amazed at the changes. I gave up hope of ever being at a "normal" weight again, yet here I am. I'm wearing a size "medium" (10-12-14). I have a few 16's and 18's I put on from time to time, but they're too big. Someone at church asked me if I was a size 8 and I assured them I was not. I still have a ways to go. I am seeing a plastic surgeon on December 10 about a minor issue and to start discussions about "Phase 2" of the WLS surgery. Since my last posting MONTHS ago, I have been to Trinidad for a 10-day ministry trip. I can't imagine handling the heat 150 pounds ago. We were going day and night . . . no way. I've done a lot of stateside traveling and performing . . . and it's been all the same. I don't think I could keep up with my schedule with excess baggage. And what a thrill, a privilege it is to sit in airplane seats without overflowing. God is so good. My husband and I were chatting Monday night about the changes. I would have had the surgery two years earlier had I pressed on when I was first convicted to do the surgery. But I believe in God's timing in all things. My biggest fear/concern is overcoming temptation to revert to old habits. While I'm making better food choices, pounds can sneak back in there if I don't pay attention. I've been holding at my current weight for about four months now. It's time to shake loose and reach my goals. My biggest obstacle is that I'm not totally dissatisfied with where I am. . . I am grateful for the surgery and the resources that opened up so I could have it. I am thankful for no complications as a result of the surgery. I am committed to recapturing the discipline of those earlier months that propelled me to this place. I rejoice in good health, good friends, and a life's mission that will carry me well into my 90s and 100s. And for me, all I can say is to God be the glory, the praise and my eternal thanks. Happy Thanksgiving. May the joy of times with family, friends, and loved ones fill your heart and your tummies tomorrow and for all the days beyond. Safe passage to you all. Diane Cook Dover

Hi Diane, It sure is good to hear from you. I am proud of you for your weightloss. You have done real well. I think that is why I stall in my weightloss, too because I am comfortable where I am at. I still have a ways to go, but I love how far I have come. Take care, Have a great Thanksgiving!!! Dana

Congratulations on your accomplishments, and Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Christie

Diane, Congrats on those wonderful accomplishments! Its nice to see others feeling the same way. I have stalled too! I am happy with me but I course want more you know a typical human being wanting more of a good thing! But I am not unhappy by no means. Will I be unhappy if I don't get more? I hope not but right now I don't think I will be unhappy. I have not looked into PS yet...I was told as soon as weight stabilzed for about six months then to go seek out a surgeon. Well I think I have a few more months so I guess I better start investigating the Dr's in the area and get recommendations. I am more scared about doing PS then I was about RNY is that weird? Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Debbie

Great news Diane. You have done fabulous. It truely is in God's hands and He is smiling down on us. God Bless and continued success. Elissa