Trip to Florida was Great, Lost 12 pounds

I had a great trip to Florida, I was gone for 6 days.The seat belt was huge on me. Last time we had to struggle to get the dang thing buckled. I rode all the rides, and didn't have to sit in the fat seats. I felt like I ate like a pig even though I stayed within my meal sizes, but ate four meals a day instead of 3 and had some calorie drinks. Was sure that I had probably gained, those old insecurities about weight. I weighed the morning after I got back, then weighed again, and then again, then I woke my husband and weighed again just for a wittness to what the scale was reading. It said 167 pounds, thats a 12 pound weight loss in 6 days, I was 179 two days before I left.First vacation I've ever lost weight on. I was so excited. I'm only 7 pounds from goal. I then had a great Christmas. Got everything I wanted, and then some. In addition to the shocked looks from my family, my improved health, and a multitude of questions about my surgery, my research and my recommendations. I got everything I wanted including a SIZE SMALL leather bomber jacket that FITS and ZIPS UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A satin bathrobe, an espresso machine, a massager, lots of bath stuff, a fleece jacket (was too big took back for a Med), a coke sweatshirt (too big, had to take back) and a variety of odds and ends. Two things I need to take back and get smaller sizes on, but thats so much better then in past years of taking it back to get larger sizes. Had a Great Day of Fellowship with family. Celebrating the day my savior was born. Had the parents and the in laws all in one room, I love my mother in law, my stepfather in law didn't recognize me when I walked up and hugged him. My mom's sister and family, our kids at home and the two stepkids out of the house and their families, 16 of us in all. New Years resolutions 1) Be a light for God. 2) Be a bridge to help heal rifts in branches of the family. Life is too short to be at odds with those you love. 3) Enjoy Life to the fullest. Hawaii in June for 10 days. 4) Don't get impatient for the tummy tuck, hang on to the goal to have it next December so I can have the whole month of. 5)Tackle the mounds of pictures that need scrapbooked. 6) Survive my Son's (my oldest) Graduation from highschool and moving into the Dorms. And most of all learn to take care of the new me. Ginger Hearty Open RNY 5/26/04 310/167/160???????? 7 pounds from GOAL and Counting

Ginger - that is just fantastic news! I am so happy for you - your loss is just tremendous girlfriend!!!! And your goals for the new year couldn't be better either! Dina

Oh Ginger...that is just so incredible...what a wonderful year you've had and such a great ending. I Live in Florida now and plan to end up in Oregon--probably Eugene by Spring if all our ducks get in a row! Sounds like you had great fun and lots of healing with the family. Hugs, Gail

We have a support group that meets once a month in Eugene. It's through Dr Flanagan, but my understanding is all are welcome.

Ginger, What a Happy New Year you have to look forward to! We all do...lighter, healthier and, I believe, happier. Glad to hear you had such a wonderful trip. Aren't the new things just too cool when you experience them...fitting in an airlplane seat w/out the extender, riding the rides. I was lying on my side in bed last night and put my arm along my side....when 'lo and behold, I felt my hip bone! I pounded on it a couple of times to make sure. I can't remember the last time I felt that! Your resolutions are wonderful and full of thought. Reminds me I need to get to work on mine....the clock's ticking! Take care, Michele

Ginger, Thank you for such a nice post! It is wonderful to share in your success! It really doesn't get better than riding the rides with your kids, not worrying about fitting in the seats. So many of the sweet moments are ones that are most related to by those of us that are, or have been in the same boat. At this point in my journey, I can honestly say I have gotten the MOST joy out of those small private victories, even more than the looking better part. Fitting in clothes is totally cool, but being free of the burden of obesity is the best. Great goals for your new year. Isn't it amazing that going on a diet isn't the first one? Being able to focus on other important areas of life is FABULOUS! Patty

Thank you all! I honestly believe this surgery has given me a LIFE. Before I merely exsisted, now I LIVE. I never in my life remember not having diet be the top of my resolution list, but now that it's been pointed out, I am amazed that it wasn't even on the list. My life is so different just 7 months later that I have trouble believing it's true.