Ok, so I have no clue when my last posting was... think I kind of dropped off the map soon after my dad died in 2007... But I just celebrated my 3 year anniversary this week... Although, I never really had a numerical weight goal from my Dr (more about wiping out co-morbids), I am not quite at a weight that I would like to be... What I am celebrating is what I have accomplished in the 154lb weight loss that I have experienced.  This was the single best thing I have ever given to myself and it has been quite a "journey of self discovery".  I finally feel like I have a clue who the heck I am in this world!   The sweet spot is over and I am working for every lb these days, but life is lovely... I feel fabulous and have a new passion for LIVING  instead of merely existing, which I have done for so many years of my life! 

Looking back over my journey some of the Words of experience I would listen more closely too are...

SAVOR the sweet spot!  Develop habits pre-op that will serve you post op.  Follow every single thing your bariatric team tells you to do!  I am hard headed and stubborn... I have learned the hard way when the "sweet spot is over", 3 years later...

The basics to weight loss are the same, whether surgery or not!  You merely have a tool but its all the same... Calories in Calories out! And, that will help you...

Transfer of addictions are real!  We didn't become morbidly obese because we didn't have an addiction to food! Alcohol, Starbucks, shopping, sex, attention (doesn't it feel fabulous when someone says... you look great! or as a single woman...you have all this new attention from men!  it became a drug to me! ), bread - these are all things that I have danced with post op with addiction transfer.  Addictions can be healthy...channel them in a healthy way.... right now my current addictions are gum, Starbucks, living, and writing...

I started my journey in the RDU area and relocated after the death of my father to CLT.  I am really loving being close to my family and am here for a while...  I would love to connect with any of you locally.  Support groups, just plain fun!  I am game! 

Hope each of you are fabulous and enjoying this weekend! 

Candice

Glad you are back-your post is full of wisdom-Thanks

Thank you!  You are very kind with your words...  I simply have a big mouth (haha) and have an opinion about this subject matter!  Pre-op I was so wrapped up in the euphoria/whirlwind that I didn't apply anything I was told to... Because I didn't develop those disciplines, when my dad died a couple months after surgery, I completely checked out and frankly didn't give a damn.  Three years later, 156lbs lighter (thank God the surgery works), I am back on the road to holisitc health.  I have finally accepted the fact that this is a journey not a race and if one person resonates with what I say... or a light bulb goes off, then it is SOOOO worth it! Simply spreadin' the love, as we are all on this journey together!  Hope your day is FABULOUSO!!  -Candice :)

(((Candice,)))

I'm delighted to see you and hear that you are doing so well. I know that many of our newbies will appreciate your frankness and wisdom. 

I hope to 'see' and hear from you again soon.

Warmly,

Hey Lady Love!  I miss you too!  So excited that the boys are finally married and you have all those daughters in your life now!  I was just chatting with Sarah on FB a few days ago.  I told her then that I needed a good 'ole Cumbo family dinner and movie night just for old times sake.  It's been too long since I've seen you, Ben and the girlie ****orrection, now young woman...lol)!  I miss you very much. My blackberry that had your numbers - bit the dust!  So, I dont have any contact for ya except here and facebook.  PM me your phone number and let's catch up.  Would love to hear all about the family, the weddings and your life in general now.  

Rock Star you are on this journey!  So proud of all that you have accomplished and the fact that you work so hard at paying it forward and helping, supporting and loving others.  Makes my heart smile! You live this life daily...and, boy, is it a daily life... So much to tell you too! 

I am actually going to be in Raleigh this weekend for a baby shower and dinner with friends Saturday.  I would love to buy ya a cup of java before I head back Sunday morning.  Whatcha think?  Gonna be around??

Huge squeezes!  Love, love ya!

Candice

Hey Sweetie,

We're flying home on the red-eye tomorrow, so we'll be home this week-end. I'll pm you my contact info on FB since that's where you are most of the time ;-). 

If you check out my FB page you'll see photos of all of us from the wedding this past week-end. 

See you soon sweetheart. 

Hugs,

Candice!  Hello my dear! :)