One YEAR tomorrow! (LONG)

I've been doing a lot of thinking about my year re-birth coming tomorrow. This time last year I was getting ready to under go the most radical thing I had ever done to save my life and loose the weight I had on my body. I was nervous and scared....but excited at the thought of what was happening in my life. I had just gone through the one year anniversary of my father's passing and 6 months of my mothers passing and realized that I didn't want to be the next one to pass without a fight. The morning of surgery I was excited, ready to start my new life and the beginning of my opportunity of life. I don't remember much once I got into the operating room. I couldn't see (cause they took my glasses and I couldn't wear my contacts) so being in a strange place that I didn't know I just stayed quiet. I remember them checking my throat for the entibation (sp?) and then the nurse saying she was going to give me something to take the edge off......I remember NOTHING after that! I was told that once I was in recovery I became combative - but was easily comforted with my "happy" button. I don't remember even being taken to my room - but I do remember getting two phone calls....one from Kelle W - I was out of it but was doing okay so we only chatted for a few moments; and one from Ms Thang....who kind of freaked my out since her last name and my maiden name is the same.....in my "state" of mind I thought initially that my mother was calling from the grave. I remember later that afternoon my sister and her kids coming to the hospital to bring me my glasses and I was somewhat more coherant at that point but was still sore and happy that I finally realized that I made it through surgery. The worst part of the hospital stay was the gas pain. Once the biggest part of that passed I felt like a new person. Getting home I began walking daily. I loved that I finally had the chance to really do something that may have worked to my benefit. I kept getting stronger and stronger and exercise and eating correctly has become a way of life for me. A year later I'm happier than all I can possibly phathom. I've lost 160 lbs - putting me 40 lbs from goal. Physically I'm in the best shape of my life. I exercise regularly, I eat correctly - at least as correctly as I can because I still have issues with getting sick from certain foods. I have great family support with my sister and her kids, I have fantastic friends, and this wonderful board has become a part of my life because I have such love and respect for all of you. I also have a wonderful man that has been brought into my life who understands and accepts me as I am regardless of having had the surgery or not. I do hope to introduce him to all of you at the next gathering. I'm happy with life. Every day brings new challenges and adventures for me. I'm so thankful to GOD for having allowed me to have a good journey through this first year as a post op. I'm greatful for all the wonderful blessings he give to me. I've rambled on long enough.....I just wanted to say THANK YOU to God and to all of you for being there for me! Dee Dee 350/190/150 (someday)

Hey girlie! I'm not sure what to say so how about Happy re-birth and congratulations on your great success! Dee Dee you are such a great inspiration. I hope you know how much it means to have people like you on this board to us pre-ops. I've noticed alot of people stop coming here after they've had their surgery and having posties is soooo important while you are making this journey. I promise I am going to give back to someone the same way you have given to me. I think its time to celebrate! Do something real special for yourself tomorrow. Be proud Dee Dee! I am so very proud of you!!

WOW...you have no idea how wonderful it is to be thought of as someone's inspiration. I'm honored and touced by your wonderful comments and support. I hope that your surgery brings you much happiness and success. I'm happy and blessed to be able to share my expirence with someone. Thank you - PLEASE keep me posted on your progress. I love to be able to share everyone's happiness!!! Much Dee Dee

Hey Girl!! You are an inspiration to me.... I guess in a couple of months I will post MY one year post, and copy & paste yours and basically say DITTO!! I am SOOOOOOOOO proud of you my friend! I am soooooooooooo thrilled to be honored to CALL you my FRIEND!! Life is good, and God is good. You know, it is the most amazing thing to go into a place where people don't know you or your past and they would NEVER dream we had been these severely overweight people. Now, we just blend right in, and are not the ones stared at, made fun at, etc. We are healthier, happier, richer in our friendships, and richer with our family lives. Whoa!! Can you sappy! LOL! Ok...now that is all out of the way...... **CLEARS THROAT***Tinks knife on glass to get all's attention** steps up on chair and begins: Happy re-birthday to YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU Happy re-birthday TO youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Happy RE-BURTHDAY DEAR DEEEEEE DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAPPY Re-birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu LOVE YOU GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Celebrate like I know ONLY YOU know how! LOL! Tami 340/198/150 (someday)

Thank you Tami. I will say it is I who is greatful to be able to call you my firend. I'm very lucky to have the wonderful people here as my extended family. I can't wait to hear your one year success story!!!! I'll celebrate with you hunny!!!!

Congratulations Dee Dee, WOW a year has pasted by already and you are such a wonderful inspiration to me and many more on this board. You really have worked hard to get where you are today and I know you will meet your goal in no time at all. Again congrats and continued success. Shon

Thank you Shon. I'm actually amazed at the difference the "year" has made. Your just beginning your journey and I couldn't be more excited. I pray that you have such a wonderful journey! PLEASE keep us all posted of your journey. Much Dee Dee

CONGRATS DEE DEE DOESNT IT FEEL GREAT. BY THE WAY WHEN IS THE NEXTED MONTH GROUP AND WHERE IS IT GOING TO BE .

DeeDee, CONGRATULATIONS on a great year full of God's grace!!! It blesses me the way you always give Him the glory!!! It is my prayer that your second year is even better! I love you!!! Becky