Happy Belated Birthday to Me

I turned 56 on Sunday, June 20th (Father's Day).  My birthday is bittersweet because I was a daddy's girl, born on Father's Day, which was also my father's birthday.  Our birthdays were never officially over 'til we had celebrated together and my mother made sure every birthday was special, despite spending the last several years of her life in congestive heart failure.  Daddy died at 65, a little over 17 years ago.  I'll always miss his dry sense of humor, quick mind, code of honor and many other traits.  My mother died at 68, seven months prior to Daddy.  I'm certain his heart was broken by her loss.

Anyway, this was the best birthday I've had since losing my parents.  I believe that I've turned loose of a lot of the pain of their deaths, plus other events that occured around the same time.  My husband, step children, sister, nieces, aunts, cousins, and friends had tried to fill the void, but it was more about me getting over it than it was any other external influences.  It was like the weight was me punishing myself for living.  

Anyway, here are some pictures presurgery and on my birthday.

Fall of 2008 on vacation.  This makes me want to cry.  I fell on this trip because of my weight (240#).


2 days before surgery, on vacation 211#.  I was better, but couldn't even walk halfway up the Statue of Liberty.



June 18, 2010; going to dinner with my DH on vacation in Eureka Springs AR, weighing about 145#.  I'm happy to report the vacation didn't interfere with losing.
 

 wow, Beautiful darling..your smile and that little black dress . My Birthday was the 19th and I kept hoping it was my last birthday fat as my surgery is in 2 weeks. 

Thank you so much.  Yes, by next June you will look and feel like a new person.  Happy belated birthday and best wishes on your WLS.

Happy Birthday & you look fabulous!

Thank you so much.  You're looking fine yourself.  I just noticed the change in your transfer addiction ).  It made me laugh out loud.  For a moment I thought you had abandoned java, but then I noticed the cup.  Thanks for the compliment and the laugh.

LOL...giving up Coffee would be like giving up air.. Just can't do it!

What a nice inspiring story!  Thanks for sharing!
BTW...You look wonderful!

Thanks, Kim.  I look forward to getting to know you.

Lois

What an amazing transformation!!!  Congratulations!

Thanks, Amy. I had forgotten how much I used to love wearing my hair short. I cut it because it was falling out anyway, but I do think the new cut goes well with the weight loss. I've reached the point when I see the heavy pictures, that it is hard to remember that was ever me. However, I'm still adjusting to the smaller me. How was your bike tour?