Four Score...

And one year ago, I was just getting ready to go into Surgery. I remember thinking "I FINALLY get to be happy" I thought this surgery would solve all my problems. So, Am I happy? Today, I can say yes, (who knows what tommorrow will bring) but it is not because of the weight loss. I will not go into how many inches or pounds I have lost - you all were with me from the beginning and you got to watch my progress. What I HAVE gained is a better knowlege about myself. THis process has been the most physical, mental and emotional demanding rollercoaster ride I have ever been on. Instead of drowing my problems with food - I have had to learn other ways to cope. And that meant looking deep down inside to see what I was made off. And I did not always like what I saw! However, throughout the process I have come to know myself better than I ever thought was possible. I have also gained a better understanding of those around me and found out who my true friends really were. I also made new friends that have been there to support and encourage me, no matter what life brought. I know this ride is far from being over.There are some days I just want to get off and say Screw it! But I know that when it is over - I can look back and honestly say that all the DOWN'S made the UP'S worthwhile. So thank you for sharing this ride with me. I do not know what I would have done if it was not for the friends I made on this board. I look foward to seeing what another year will bring, but I know whatever happens all I need to do is reach out and there will be someone to share the ride with! Peppermint

I'm glad you are happy. and congrats on your anniversary. now grab debi, & lets get together. lori needs to come too. (not that she'll read this ) congrats again!!

Peppermint.... I have watched you through this whole process and you have been an amazing woman through the denials, new job, acceptance, finding out more about you, etc. Besides the fact that you look truly amazing. I am incredibly happy and proud of you and know the next 80 years will be better..... Congrats my friend, Annie

Happy Surgiversary Sin'sationally Kewl Peppermint Patti we have all been thru alot.. the journey isn't easy. I'm learning that WLS is not THE JOURNEY.. but life itself is THE JOURNEY. The road is not easy with or without WLS.. and the road is different for each of us.. WLS took ME on different paths that I would not have traveled on (or as deep into) pre-wls.. but I know that the road I'm on RIGHT NOW.. is the road I'm suppose to be on. I may come to a fork in the road tomorrow... and face another adventure. But I think I have the lifes tools to know that I will be alright.. and it sounds like YOU do too I went to an AA yesterday.. and read about the non-believer or the agnostic. I have always believed.. I can't explain and answer the questions about science and the whys.. like which came first the chicken or the egg... but I just know I believe.. and if that gives ME more happiness... and inner peace.. than why should I or anyone else question it.. I think I'll just be happy that I believe. It has already given me so much in doing so.. I'm blessed! Glad I got to walk on the road with YOU a couple times so far.. and I can't wait to see ya again.. love ya bunches Peppermint.. enjoy your special day!!

OK Ok OK, I know, I shouldnt hijack this post....because your words were so deep and beautiful HONESTLY. Congrats Patty ....... But I saw this T-shirt with an Chicken and an Egg in bed....the chicken was smoking a cigarette saying "it was me" !!!!!! is that not the best???? Yep, Ive gone back to church myself and I totally understand the inner peace thing..to be part of something greater than yourself is an undescribable feeling!

i love the t-shirt I've not even gotten back to church.. but back to AA which also is a look within myself and of my higher power love ya darlin'.. glad you are doing soo well also sometime.. after poppa's 90 days.. he and I need to *** visit with YOU.. and it will be nice if Peppermint can join us also. He and I keep saying that..so I hate just saying it again..but soon.. it may actually be possible. Dan started working this Monday.. with a company called AirGroup Express.. as a courier/driver. He really wasn't sure but they keep telling him to come back..*just like AA does*. So I think that means he's hired they actually asked him to drive to Des Moines after the first day (Monday) of just going to take a drug test and to test drive the truck.. but he ended up not having to go. And yesterday.. he actually stayed and worked 8 hours and did do a courier route by himself. He passed the drug test and they gave him a t-shirt with a logo on it..and told him to come back today so it looks like the PROMISES are starting to be fulfilled for him, since he's actually working the 12 steps. anywho.. with work in his future.. and after getting 90 in 90 in.. we may beable to make plans of visiting a not so far away friend(s) oh yeah.. and I got a raise yesterday at work too.. so I think I'll keep going back too.. it works, if ya work it..

Happy Surgervisary Patty!!! You have come a long way!! Hugs, Dianne

You have come so far and your out come has been amazing!!! You are so right this does not fix our problems it just improves our health so we can stick around longer to figure out the rest. I'm so proud of you, you look beautiful inside and out Hugs. Barb

btw... I thought of you last nite as I was crawling into bed.. I saw my hootchie-pink collar with Bi-atch on it..