I'm at goal

went for my 11th month check up today which they call one year and my surgeon was amazed at how well I have done...I AM AT HIS GOAL! He said with tummy skin removed he doesn't want me to lose anymore weight. I asked about the BMI and he said that is toooo stringent and is for insurance not for real people. So I asked if I should try to get to 145 and he said NO... you are so tiny now. I weigh 148 today and he said with skin removal of tummy I will lose weight too. Also, he said he can tell by my bloodwork that I am using the tool the way it was designed and that is why I am successful ....I obey the rules. And all the labs were excellent! He could tell I was eating healthy. We all know I am a rule follower and it paid off. So I guess I am on maintenance...they took pics of my tummy and he is writing letter to insurance for pannilectomy for me and he will do it! So please pray that I get approval from insurance and then I will check into slight breast reconstruction...just lift which he can do also. So now comes the hard part..not being afraid to eat and gain weight. Thanks for all your support these past 11 months!! In His love, Joan M

Congratulations!!!!! That is awesome. You look so good. That is such an encouragement to me. Keep up the good work. Hugs, trish

Congratulations Joan.

Thanks Ladies for your prayers, love and support these past months. Pat your humility in admiting when you blow it has left me humble many times. Your desire to be a more effective and faithful Christian has urged me on also..thanks. And Ruthanne, you were one of the first profiles I read and saved in bookmarks and your love for the Lord has inspired me, your desire to be all the Lord wants you to has inspired me, your courage to continue your education has inspired me and I am willing now to take more chances and realize all the Lord has for me sincethis life changing surgery. Thanks so much, In His neverending love, Joan M

Congratulations Joan, that is great news! I think I met my surgeon's goal, but not my own...I am within 10 pounds, but I still feel great! I hope that your surgery gets approved. You have done so well! Valena

Joni - I'm so happy for you!!! Can you tell me again how tall you are? I battle with "GOAL" and what that should be. I'm wearing small or medium shirts and size 6 pants and feel like I should be at goal - but then I get caught up in the BMI thing, and know that I'm 7 lbs above a "normal" BMI. Congrats sweetie! You've done so well! God bless you! ~Carolyn

Carolyn..I was so caught up in the number thing too. Because everyone focuses on a "normal" BMI....well, my surgeon said that those tables are insurance tables and they are too stringent and that at 5'1" and weighing 132 (for normal BMI) I would be tooooo thin. He said right now I am at goal. I weighed 150 with my clothes and at home in undies I weigh 148. He said with panni removed I could lose 5-8lbs. So that would make me around 140!! That works for me...I wear mainly smalls and 4/6 unless they have zipper and button and then I need 8's but the legs and bottom are so baggy. But after tummy skin is removed I will be able to wear all 4/6 unless the 8's are cut small. Girlfriend...how can I complain about that? I was 3X...I amhappy the way I look and like Dr. Strickland said...I am healthy! Let go of the BMI deciding who is normal or what is normal and go with what size you feel good in and be set free...like I was! You are a precious child of the King and that shouls count for something...Amen? Amen! Love ya, Joni

Thanks Joni! I didn't lose any weight this month, so I've pretty much let go of trying to be at a normal BMI by my surgi-versary (4/26/07). My skin is still shrinking a bit, which is why in the last month I went from an 8 to a 6 w/o losing weight. I'm content, but I'd love to have a doc say - you're there! Maybe at my one year check up my surgeon will say that, although she already told me that I passed her goal. Thanks for the reminder that we are all precious children of the KING! Amen! Love ya too! - Carolyn

Congrats!!!Good for you!!Hugs Amy

Dear Sister, First of all congrats on the hard work and effort you have put into this journey. Now for the 2nd part. I heard once that the Bible is filled with a phrase over and over again - someday I might just count them - that phrase is "Fear not." Everytime God sent an angel to tell someone something the words "Fear not" appear. I am not an angel, but here is my message from God to you. "Fear not. For I am with you always." Living for Him - Sally