So.... 2 years ago today....

I was sitting in the waiting room at Barix getting ready for what has now become the pivitol day of my life. I was the calmest that I had ever been, waiting for Dr Brader to go in and alter my life. As of today I am down 135 pounds from my highest weight of 327 pounds down to 192 this morning. I have gone from a tight size 28 jeans to a loose 14. My tops are from a 26/28 or 3XL to and XL or L! I eat small portions but am always satisfied. I haven't found much that I can't make so that I can eat it - there is always a way around sugar or fat!

I have found a renewed passion for cooking and wish that I was doing it all the time! Our newly started support group / cooking class has become my passion and I look forward to it every month!

Most importantly on this journey I have met some of the most caring, inspirational wonderful people a girl could ever hope for! The friends that I have made in the last 2 years are people that I am proud to call my friends! You have seen me through the darkest of times, and through the best. You were there to hold my "virtual" hand through my issues with my gall bladder and ulcers and there to celebrate with me when I FINALLY put the 200 pound mark behind me.

Before my surgery I had terrible PCOS and was told that I would never have children. At my yearly visit last year I confronted the Dr about this again and was told it was no longer true! Chris and I are hoping to start our family this year. Again, without Dr Brader and Barix none of this would have been possible. I have gained so much more then I have lost! The weight is gone and there is the Liz that I had always wanted to show standing here today! I am more confident, outspoken and eager.

My WLS has never been something that I have hidden and am happy to share my story - in all it's intimate details (lol) with anyone who wants to know!

So crossing over this 2 year mark - I want to thank everyone that has supported me through all of this! You guys are the best and I love you all!

Liz

God Liz, bring a girl to tears at 9am in the morning why don't you?  That was an absolutely beautfiully worded post, and so true to so many on so many levels.

Cheers to you, sista and here's to many many more years of successing!  Have fun with the baby making processes - hopefully Brian and I will be right behind you.

Pam

Liz,
Happy Surgiversary to you!
It has been so great to get to know you.
Thank you for sharing your home and and your wonderful cooking with us.
I am so glad to be one of your friends.
Tammy

Welll of course you would float your boat  right after I posted on Dennis' that you hadn't done it. LOL!!! Still thanking you for the inspiration you are to me!!! Many more successes to come and good luck in the baby department.  Kids give you a whole new view of  life.

Liz,

Congratulations and what a beautiful, inspirational post!  From the first time I met you, there was a warmth and exhuberance about you that makes me know you are a really special person.  I hope this year finds you closer to achieving whatever goals you plan on pursuing, because you certainly have a winning attitude!  So believe and make it happen, because you can!

Hugs, Laureen

Wow. congradulations Liz.....my anniversary will be april 5,2007...two years the time has gone by so  quickly.......I am also so grateful for being able to have had this surgery...my quality of life has changed so much.......my head  that is a different story...lo....lool....still go to size 3x when shopping and end up at l4 or l6 whateer.....but size is not the payoff for me, but the way my body feels...........(even with all the extra skin)  I am also very happy for all the great people I have met thru wls.............that includes you.............you have been so gracious to open up your home to us and I have only been there once, but felt so welcomed....your so sweet.....
again HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.....TO YOU.............HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU.........

lOIS

Congratulations on all of your amazing accomplishments and your wonderful journey these past two years. You thank us for supporting you, but I know you have supported all of us through so many difficult times  - WLS or personally - and I want to thank you for all of the support and knowledge you have passed my way.

Maybe you have a future on the Food Network - they could use a specialty show on cooking for people like us, since last stats showed that more than 100,000 people will have some form of WLS in the coming year - we're not in the minority anymore - and we're not hiding it anymore. I've tried several of your recipes and love them, and thank you for the time and effort you put into making them WLS friendly.

I wish you and Chris all the best on starting a family - this has to be so exciting for you both!! And congratulations again on your many, many successes and for sharing so much of  your life with us.

Kathy

Happy 2 year Surgiversary Liz! Congrats! You are an amazing person! {{hugs}}

Liz you are an amazing woman and I am proud to have met you and call you friend along this journey. Your post was so heart touching and I can hear you speaking the words standing in the circle in your kitchen.

You have opened your heart and home to us and so many look forward to being there each month to share good times and learning new tasty treats...

Best of luck to you and your continuing journey and the starting of a family with our adorable husband you are going to make GREAT parents.

Hijack!!!

Whoa baby! I love, love, love your avie!! I haven't seen you in a while so I had to do a double take for a second.....I hope you feel as wonderful as you look!! Keep up the great work!!

Hugs!!!!