ONE YEAR AGO (LONG)

WOW! My heart is full with sadness and excitement today. One year ago today I topped the scales at a whopping 282 lbs on a 5'2" body. I was rounder then I was tall. Today I top the scales at a mere 128 lbs with a total loss of 140 + inches. A part of me is sad today because life as I knew it is no longer. It's hard to tell that old person and those old habits good bye. I am happy today because I look at far I have came in a measly 12 month's. I never imagined my life could be what it is as I sit and type this. There are so many things I can do now I can't even begin to put into words what I'm feeling. I simply thought if I can into a size 14 I would be happy. 14 came and went and I am now in a size 8 hoping to get into a size 6. I reached my surgeon's goal in 9 short months and am 8lbs away from my personal goal of 120 lbs. I know I will get there. Has this journey been easy? Physically yes, emotionally no. Everyday I deal with self image issues and still have to remind myself that I can fit in that booth or I can bend over and tie my shoe, I know eventually those thing will come. As they wheeled me into surgery a year ago, I can remember my Mother's sweet face and her saying bye my little fat girl. What I didn't realize at the time is she was telling the obese person good bye. If it weren't for my sister and her husband I would have never been able to have this life saving surgery, as I was self pay. I owe them a lot. I am so grateful to be a part of OH and have the support of each and every one of you. It has truly been a pleasure watching your journeys and watching you all emerge. Whenever I was in doubt, felt like I couldn't go through this journey, or felt lonely all I had to do was look up and all of my OH family was there encouraging me. You all inspire me. Some of you I have followed in your footsteps and some of you have followed in mine. Know that no matter where you are in your journey pre-op or post-op there is a huge crowd cheering you on. Thank you all for welcoming into your life and your journey, it has been a pleasure. I am grateful to my surgeon and his staff for giving me this wonderful tool. Above all, I am grateful to God for helping me get my life back. I used to sit and watch life go by and now I am out there enjoying it and not just existing. Today I will see my surgeon, almost to the hour of my surgery. I'm sentimental like that. I can't wait to see his face when I walk in. Then I think I will just have some quiet time to reflect back on me. Wherever you are in your journey never lose sight of your hopes and dreams they can come true as long as you believe in yourself. Thank you all for being a part of my journey and welcoming me into your life with open arms, it has meant more to me then you will ever know. Scroll towards the bottom of my profile for a new picture. Gina

WOW you have done a awesome job in 12 months. What is a Mom to say to her daughter? All I can say is I am so very proud of you and thank God everyday you had a successful surgery. You are so beautiful inside & out, and my love for you is unconditional. Keep up the great work.

wow Gina, you look awesome!!! what an inspiration! i hope i have the same success, i had my surgery 11/16/05, 293/205/130

You are an awesome person Gina! That is about all I can say! You have done so great.....and your beautiful too!!!! Christie 340/277/170

Wtg gina and you look great, absolutely beautiful. You are such an inspiration. Denise

Gina, I am soooooooo excited for you,, My mom said the same thing, Bye chubby one!!! Then the second I woke up from surgery the first question I asked the nurses and my mom was , Do I look smaller already? lol I'll never forget it!!! Well I don't know if you've ever thought about it but you should really consider going into some kind of writting field, your a awesome writter,, You look amazing, in fact more than amazing!! I love the new pic, and am still waiting to get to where you are!!!! Congrats Girl!!

Gina, hey girl!!!!! You look so good now. I was looking at all your pis on your pic site. I know you are feeling as good too. I will be 8 months out on Sunday. I love to read your profile and your posts on the board. You have helped me more than you will ever know. keep up the good work...... Take care, Chrssy

Wow, I have tears in my eyes. This is JUST what I needed after a few days of mindscrewing self doubt about my surgery in a few days. What an inspiration you are!!

Gina: You are so pretty. I can not wait until I can encounter wonderland. What part of Louisiana are you in? I am a self pay and I am going to South America for my RNY. I know you feel so much better. Way to go. Elizabeth