It's been a LONG time....

Hello everyone... no... I did not drop off the face of the planet. First of all, I owe ya'll an apology for "disappearing" for a while from the boards. I really have no reason except for LOVING my new life and being on the go 24/7 with my new self. I am four months and five days post-op and have lost a total of 136 pounds since my heaviest weight in March 2006. My surgery was June 21, 2006... and that is the day my life changed forever. I have met a handful of new friends who have now been perminantly cemented into my heart, lost a few old ones who can't handle the "changes"... but I have dealt with that and moved on. The new people in my life love me for who I am and have embraced me... baggage and all. Life is good. Each day is a new adventure. I have had no major complications since my surgery. My only exception, if this is even a "complication" is that I take a daily injection of vitamin B1. My hair has thinned out quite a bit, but the majority of my close friends are bald and sorta think a balding chick is cool... so I am okay with that! I have advanced myself in my professional life and am now receiving the respect I have desired for a long time. Chicken is not my friend. Learning new eating habits has not been a problem. I know what my belly likes and does not like. I have issues with certain textures of foods, but know what to avoid. I have not dumped yet... but then again, I have not given myself a reason to want to try it! Easy in, easy out... Food was my comfort and I realize now what the source of my desire to comfort myself with food WAS... and have put a stop to it. The many people who told me that this surgery is only 10% physical was not lying... the big challenge is dealing with your head and all the weirdness that floats through your brain on a daily basis. It's all good though... I am certainly not complaining. Making the decision to have this surgery was the single most important and influential and WISEST decision I have and probably will ever make in my lifetime. You all have been in my thoughts... I hope everyone who began this journey around the same time I did has done well... and for all of you "veterans" who were there to cheer us on... you have my love as well. I promise... I will post more often! I have to force myself to sit still long enough to get online from time to time. Lots of love to all of you! Brandee Current Photo: http://www.gbspencer.com/photos/102606sm.jpg Before Photo: http://www.gbspencer.com/photos/Before_June2006.jpg PS - Lots has changed on this web site since I was last logged in... it will take me a bit to update everything. In the mean time, if anyone wants to contact me off the list, you can email me directly at SPENCER AT USOL DOT COM

WOW! Congratulations! Its lovely to hear you are doing so well!

Hi I had ask awhile ago if anyone had heard from you. You had your surgery very close to mine and was wondering how you were doing. It sounds like your doing great I am so happy for you. I also and doing well I have lost 89 pounds and have more energy like you talked about. I was the best thing I could do for myself. Your photos look great. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Hugs Debbie M