One Year...

Wow, what a difference a year makes...It was just about a year ago that I was asking all of you for prayers for me during my gastric bypass surgery. A whole year ago!!! I can't believe it either. This past year has seen many changes in my life and I just want to say thanks too all of you for your support and prayers. In the past year I have dropped 121.5 lbs. My Body Mass Index (BMI) has dropped from 51.1 to 30.7...I am only .7 away from just being overweight, I am not near the morbidly obese category anymore. My blood pressure has dropped to the lower side of normal and my cholesterol is normal too. I guess I have said all that to say this is why I chose to have surgery, to be medically normal. Notice I didn't say NORMAL!!! Nothing can fix that, ha ha ha. This past summer during our family vacation I was able to go hiking with my children and experience some of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. Something I would not have been able to do a year ago. Also, I went horseback riding...I haven't done that since elementary school!!! Can't say I was very good at horseback riding but I did it!!! This year hasn't been with out its ups and downs too. I know it is that way for everyone. Thank you for keeping my family and me in your prayers. We continue to covet your prayers on a daily basis. About the only complication I have and continue to suffer from my surgery is hair loss. Now, you know I had a lot of thick hair to start with, let's just say it's a good thing! My hair is thin to me now. Everyone keeps telling me it is fine, and looks good still but I can tell a huge difference. If hair loss is the only problem I have then I will take it. My doctor says I am doing really good and has told me I do not need to come back to see him until Sept 07. I am grateful that is his so knowledgeable and skillful. God has blessed him and in turn blessed me. I have said all this to say, thank you for being my friend. --Kelly

What an inspiration you are !!! Great job !!

Awwww...how sweet of you to say that. Thanks!!! --Kelly

And she looks as awesome as her transformation has been! You really are an inspiration, Kelly. Lisa

Awwww, Lisa, don't make me cry. I would have never made it through this year with out my support system and you are a HUGE (not as huge as you used to be, lol) part of that system. Thanks for everything!!! --Kelly

Girlfriend!!! When I saw you at the last support meeting I swear you dropped 10yrs....you look so wonderful and I appreciate the love and support you have shown me since I was back from OR and your pretty face came to see me. I will never forget that or your friendship. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family as you continue this awesome journey to the more normal (did I say that?) you. Your friend, Joan M

THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING AS THEY SAY ... LIVING A HEALTHIER LIFE IS THE GREATEST BLESSING THAT THIS JOURNEY AFFORDS US & WE'RE SO PLEASED TO READ YOUR REPORT & KNOW THAT THIS HAS BEEN SUCH A BENEFICIAL JOURNEY FOR YOU! MORE FOR US ... IT'S ALWAYS A BLESSING TO BE ABLE TO SHARE IN OTHERS' LIVES, BLESSINGS & CHALLENGES, & WE HAVE ENJOYED SHARING YOURS & WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY LIFE'S EXPERIENCES TO COME, MS KELLY. AMAZING HOW GOD BLESSES US IN SOOOOOOO MANY WAYS THROUGH SO MANY PEOPLE & SO MANY EXPERIENCES! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU ... DAWN & NICk

That is GREAT!!! It's soooo much fun to be "normal" and not obese anymore!!! It only gets better from here!! ISN'T GOD GREAT??? HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!! Deb