Aloha Everybody!

I got back from our family trip to Hawaii. My daughter was in a gymnamstics meet - so we decided to all go and cheer her on. I'd never been before. Everything I had ever heard about it was true! It really is paradise! We were having such a great time we didn't even miss the dogs (for my kids that is saying alot!!). From the minute we got there until the last hours before going to the airport we were in the water. I included a picture of the beautiful bay where we went snorkeling because it not only shows the beauty of the day, but also because it was taken up where we parked. There is a paved path that you walk down to the beach. After walking down it, swimming way out over the reefs with fins for two 30 minute sessions, lots of playing in the water and the walk back up to the car....I turned to my husband and said "there is no way I could have done this before surgery". I continue to have the WOW moments almost two years out. This trip had so many. We body surfed, rode a catamaran boat while laying on nets over the water getting splashed (me lined up with bunch of babes all in our bathing suits!), walking in the markets. If I would have even agreed to go on a trip like this at 330 pounds, it would have been so difficult starting with fitting in the plane seat. I went with the mind set that the only rule about eating/drinking was to not push myself into not feeling good. I really didn't give a hoot about carbs, calories, protein. It was five days in paradise - forgettabadit! With the exception of the tropical umbrella drinks with names like monkey goon, typhoon itch, blue lagoon, etc. of which I had one each night, as always when I step back and think about it I didn't really eat more than normal. With all of the excercise I really expected to even lose something, but I didn't. I think of all of you - at your various stages of WLS. The early months will someday seem so short compared to this rest of your life stuff! Patty http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a376/djsizors/hawaii/DSC05729.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a376/djsizors/hawaii/DSC05727.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a376/djsizors/hawaii/DSC05726.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a376/djsizors/hawaii/DSC05596.jpg

The pictures are amazing!! I have never been to Hawaii either. Been to the Carribean several times, though, so I understand the feeling and beauty of paradise. That warm ocean water is just heavenly! Thanks for sharing! I am on the final countdown - my date is 2-1. I can't wait to walk up anything without being winded! Sue

I will share in your victory when you can walk up that hill! I am so very happy for you and look forward to hearing about your journey. Patty

Man, you look 15 in that picture of you! And radiant! What a thrill to read that you had such a good time. Just another babe on the cat. xoxoxo tee

Patty! Wow! Great pics and you look marvelous! You know, Lost is fimed in Hawaii! The last time I was there, I took my "before" picture. I can't wait to return and actually wear a bathing suit. We are thinking of getting together. Maybe you could bring along your pictures? Joy

My hubby and I have been to the Islands several times, starting when I was a size 16, up to a size 3-4X. I can't wait to go again when I am down to a size 8 or so. The last couple of times weren't very fun because of all my health problems. My surgery was on November 21, 2005 and I have lost about 42 pounds. I have gone down to a size 18! But I am being lazy and not getting my exercise done regularly. I have snorkled in that bay, and saw a sea turtle. Lots of fun.

I can relate - I had several vacations where my physical discomfort was a shadow on the trip. You are making great progress already. Sounds like your husband can be talked into another trip sometime in the near future?!? Patty

Update: I went to Hawaii in the late 70's and have not been inspired to go back. At the time, I was living in Southern California so I guess it didn't seem that different to me. Anyhow my husband has never been but wants to go very much. After reading your post we have made the reservations and will be going in March for 15 days. Because of his military staus, we will be staying at the Navy Lodge at Ford Island for two weeks. I haven't seen him this excited for a long time about a trip. He has been very busy with the remodeling and home improvement "retirement" business and this will be a good time for a "spring" break. It's all your fault, Patty. Thanks. tee

That is so very COOL!! It will be a great getaway. That's so good to decide "O.K. I'll say yes" and then see that he really wants to go and is so excited. Compared to Sourther California I can see it may not be so amazing, but after however many days of rain we have endured up here in Oregon this extra rainy year, the sun will be a welcome change. It rains there too, but it's only for an hour or so and it's warm with the promise of sun soon. Enjoy yourselves! Patty

I'm glad you had a great trip. Hawaii Is home to me. I lived there six years and wished I never moved back. We try to make it over there once a year now. Katrina