Happy Thanksgiving to all

Valerie had a good idea. Lets all tell what we are thankful for today ; 1st-needless to say, my darling family that has grown in the last 10 years from 5 of us to 13 and very soon to be 15. The DH who has always treated me like a queen. Almost 37 years with the same ole buzzard .He helped me so much and I love him so much. 2nd-The wonderful doctor who litterly saved my life.Dr Curry and his staff for all the support they gave me duing the 1st six months when I had a million questions . Teaching me so much that I felt pretty good about helping everyone I could on this site. 3rd-Finally,going into every store ( victorias secret) and knowing I can buy anything in a normal size. I also have had alot of fun at J.Jills and Chicos. Thanking God everyday for blessing me everyday and always watching over me and my family. I could never and I mean never get through all of this without this site. You all have been so much help through this whole journey. It certainly wasn't easy the first year. So many ups and downs but now 16 months into it, I have finally learned exactally what I can eat. Its such a learning process. I allways have said it's like a baby starting to eat. The only difference is,they can just spit up anywhere. I will also say I am so happy now. I still suffer from depression but thats all coming together now. I hope you all will write what you are thankful for today. I love you all, Love,Cindy

My Dearest Cindy, Thank you for the great suggestion... I have a million things to be thankful for.. But I will try and condence them down as much as possible.. So peoples eyes dont go crossed reading for hours. I keep a gratitude journal and on a daily basis I write about people/things that I feel so fortunate to have in my life. So I do think about this topic a lot..LOL So here goes 1) First and foremost in my life is God. Without him I am nothing and all the blessings that happen in my life would never happen. Just when I am at the end of my ropes God sends an angel into my path and keeps me safe or helps a problem have a good resolution. Even when things seemed hopeless. God always reminds me that all we have to do is ask for our blessings. 2) My Children... What can I say I love them with all my entire being. My heart and my soul. My girls are teenagers and I still Enjoy spending time with them. They keep me laughing and keep me young. My Son Phillip is the light of my life. Gods gift to me to help keep me centered and he being the all around sportsman that he is he is my personal trainer, cheering me on every step of the way with my exercise program. 3) My Grandson Christian.. What a suprise he was to me.. I freaked out when my unmarried daughter told me she was expecting and I hoped for the best, but felt a sense of doom. I felt she was giving up so much to be a single mom at 18. But the young lady has accomplished so much since having the little guy. She has managed to finish school, work, get her own place and is now working on a degree to be a paralegal. She is the best mommy in the world and I am sooooo soooo very proud. They live on the 3rd floor in their apt building and before I had the surgery I couldnt make it up the steps without using my oxygen and nearly needing a jump start to my heart. Now I can carry his little hiney up the steps and make it taking 2 steps at a time.. How much difference 6 months can make... 4) My Friends.. I have met some of the most beautiful genuine people in this group. Several litterally saved my life as I went through an almost suicidal depression in my early weeks post op.. Richard W came to see me in the hospital when I had no support from my biological family. Elizabeth was right down the hall from me when I had my surgery in her own first days post op. Cindy, Jaime, Suzie, Sharyn, Julie, Paula and Julie and so many others that have crossed my path will be in my heart forever. I have to thank all of you for always responding to my silly questions and temper tantrums at times. You are always there to listen and give me advice that has made this journey so much easier... I Love you all!!! 5) The Hearing Officer.. The third time was a charm and I finally had a judge who didnt only look at the medical facts. He took into consideration the feelings of my young son who wanted to have his mom around a long time and be able to ride roller coasters and hike with him.... He got his wish..And now I am living my dream of a healthier Wonderful Life. I am sure I will come up with more later, But I have to check my turkey. Happy Thanksgiving to all.. Dory aka Laura aka Loraine aka Lori.. Just call me your lifelong OH friend..

I am Thankful for my family. They are all healthy and doing wonderful. I am thankful for my health. I feel better than I have in 10 years. I feel my heart is getting better. I can get on the ellipical for 20 minutes at a time. I use to not be able to walk 6 feet without being out of breath. I am thankful for losing 52 pounds. I am so thankful for all my beautiful grandbabies. That bring make me laugh everyday. God I love those little guys. I am thankful to be alive. I am thankful for my dad. I just wish my mom was still here god I miss her. Love to all Barb