Two Year Surgiversary Today!
Aloha and good very early morning Off family!
Even though I have to go to work this morning at 5:30, I'm up at 4:00 and sitting here in the dark just NEEDING to come into my OFF cozy room and share my feelings on this two-year anniversary of my WLS.
Two years ago at just about this time....4:00 a.m. my son and I were getting ready to fly over to Honolulu for my surgery. He had surprised me and come from the mainland to go with me the day before.....what a darling son!! I was not afraid, but so ready to get it over with. My son took a couple of pictures of me before we left, and when I look at those today, I don't recognize that woman......sour face, stooped shoulders, heavy body that looked like moving was an effort (it was!). At the airport I looked for the seats without arms, and I dreaded the flight because I knew it would be a challenge to get the seatbelt around me. I weighed 319 lbs!!
This morning I weighed 155 lbs...........that is less than HALF the woman I was two years ago!! I look down at the desk chair I'm sitting in, and I can see a space on each side...my buh-tocks don't hang over....way over....on each side!! A miracle? You bet!! These days I never worry about chairs anywhere, or whether I might have to go up stairs, or if I will be able to buckle any seatbelt. I am FREE in my body, healthy and living a life that has so many fewer restrictions. I am thankful!!
For those of you just having joined the OFF and have either not had your surgery yet, or have just recently had it.....you have such an amazing adventure ahead of you, and the most wonderful little family right here to share each and every step of your journey. I joined OFF BEFORE my surgery, and for weeks just lurked and absorbed and felt comforted and hopeful with the stories I read, and the happy banter that seemed to connect the people in here. Then, when I was close to surgery, I jumped in with both feet and hung onto every word for dear life. OFF has been a gift.....right along with WLS.
On this morning of my two year surgiversary, I HAD to come in and thank the people who have kept me afloat during the tough times, given me hope when I thought I had been the only failure at this, made me laugh when I felt like crying, extended many hands in friendship, and freely gave love, prayers, and atta girls when I desperately needed them. I HOPE I can be that help to someone else because I don't think I could have done it without all of you.
Soon I will get dressed and go to the hospital to test my babies.....a job I love. No one there has ever known me fat.......to them I am just this tall, skinny newborn baby screener. I like that!
Sending a big, warm Aloha HUG and
to all of you!!
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
Even though I have to go to work this morning at 5:30, I'm up at 4:00 and sitting here in the dark just NEEDING to come into my OFF cozy room and share my feelings on this two-year anniversary of my WLS.
Two years ago at just about this time....4:00 a.m. my son and I were getting ready to fly over to Honolulu for my surgery. He had surprised me and come from the mainland to go with me the day before.....what a darling son!! I was not afraid, but so ready to get it over with. My son took a couple of pictures of me before we left, and when I look at those today, I don't recognize that woman......sour face, stooped shoulders, heavy body that looked like moving was an effort (it was!). At the airport I looked for the seats without arms, and I dreaded the flight because I knew it would be a challenge to get the seatbelt around me. I weighed 319 lbs!!
This morning I weighed 155 lbs...........that is less than HALF the woman I was two years ago!! I look down at the desk chair I'm sitting in, and I can see a space on each side...my buh-tocks don't hang over....way over....on each side!! A miracle? You bet!! These days I never worry about chairs anywhere, or whether I might have to go up stairs, or if I will be able to buckle any seatbelt. I am FREE in my body, healthy and living a life that has so many fewer restrictions. I am thankful!!
For those of you just having joined the OFF and have either not had your surgery yet, or have just recently had it.....you have such an amazing adventure ahead of you, and the most wonderful little family right here to share each and every step of your journey. I joined OFF BEFORE my surgery, and for weeks just lurked and absorbed and felt comforted and hopeful with the stories I read, and the happy banter that seemed to connect the people in here. Then, when I was close to surgery, I jumped in with both feet and hung onto every word for dear life. OFF has been a gift.....right along with WLS.
On this morning of my two year surgiversary, I HAD to come in and thank the people who have kept me afloat during the tough times, given me hope when I thought I had been the only failure at this, made me laugh when I felt like crying, extended many hands in friendship, and freely gave love, prayers, and atta girls when I desperately needed them. I HOPE I can be that help to someone else because I don't think I could have done it without all of you.
Soon I will get dressed and go to the hospital to test my babies.....a job I love. No one there has ever known me fat.......to them I am just this tall, skinny newborn baby screener. I like that!
Sending a big, warm Aloha HUG and
to all of you!! Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
sending warm aloha hugs back at ya and so pleased to be able to celebrate this anniversary with you, my sista! karen; in these two years you have offered so very much to each of us as well and so deserve the applause that you receive today and always! your frinedship and atta girls and caring ways only come back to you at least ten fold!
i know that i am so enriched by your journey and your aloha!
mahalo and aloha nui loa.......not just pretty words...love in the truest form.....
i know that i am so enriched by your journey and your aloha!
mahalo and aloha nui loa.......not just pretty words...love in the truest form.....
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White
Aloha beautiful Margo.....I'm finally able to sit down and respond to everyone this morning. YOUR words filled me with warmth and a feeling of gratitude because YOU have always been right here "walking the walk" and "talking the talk" so that ALL of us can see the wheels going round and round of how life goes on, and still has its challenges, but we CAN meet them and overcome them so much better now with our bodies not being such an anchor.
Thank you for being my sister and my friend.........I wish nothing but the very best for you in life always.
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
Thank you for being my sister and my friend.........I wish nothing but the very best for you in life always.
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
Wow Karen, 2 Years. It seems like just yesterday......As I sit here and read your post I was wondering where the time had flown. I do remember the iffy times you told us about. I also remember this sweet, loving , sharing , helpful , glowing woman we all can't wait to hear from.
Thank You for stopping in that day.... for becoming a sister we treasure, for telling us your stories, for guiding us around your Island, showing us The Whales, O'my word. You have sparked my desire to travel farther. Blessings coming to you on Your Day, Peg in: So Cal Red
Thank You for stopping in that day.... for becoming a sister we treasure, for telling us your stories, for guiding us around your Island, showing us The Whales, O'my word. You have sparked my desire to travel farther. Blessings coming to you on Your Day, Peg in: So Cal Red
GOD BLESS AMERICA
AND ALL OUR HERO'S
AND ALL OUR HERO'S
Aloha my flashy sister in red!!
You are always a shining star for me in here.......and sometimes I just shout out laughter when you tell of your adventures because I KNOW how far you have come, and how amazing some of the things you do are......unthinkable as a LARGE WOMAN.....now adventures and challenges to be met headon.
Thank you for your beautiful words........I feel loved.
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
You are always a shining star for me in here.......and sometimes I just shout out laughter when you tell of your adventures because I KNOW how far you have come, and how amazing some of the things you do are......unthinkable as a LARGE WOMAN.....now adventures and challenges to be met headon.
Thank you for your beautiful words........I feel loved.
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
Wow Karen, Congratulations!!! TERRIFIC!!! You look absolutely gorgeous!!! (Is that how you spell that?) To think you had your surgery around the time I started my application process. It's hard to believe that 2 years has passed already. ...And Yes, we have been there for you, just like you've always, always been there for us. Thank you, Take care, Karen and have a wonderful day.
Hugs, Peggy
Aloha my sister........Thank you so much for helping me celebrate two years! They do go quickly, and that to me can be very encouraging to all who are close to surgery on either side. In some ways the two years seems like a month (I can so vividly remember the hospital trip), and in some ways it seems like a lifetime because so much has changed. My joy comes from being a part of ALL of us taking on the challenge, and then working their program so that we can all participate in each success, no matter how long it takes.
You are doing great!! You will be a shining star in here for a long time I hope!
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
You are doing great!! You will be a shining star in here for a long time I hope!
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
congrats to you on your 2nd anniversary!!! 
Aloha my sister/friend........thank you for the happy hands of congrats. You have been such a stedfast sister in here, and have made so many enormous changes in your life during my stay in the OFF, so I ADMIRE you for your courage, your determination, your constant support of this little family.
I wish a future of nothing but happiness for you!!
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
I wish a future of nothing but happiness for you!!
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
Dear Karen,thank you so much for sharing your special day with me. When I read your posts,that's how I mostly feel, that we a sharing a cup of tea and you are speaking to me directly.
I am struggling to lose the last of my weight,when I get there,I will have lost over 300 pounds. Without you and the rest of the ladies here,I would have not made it this far.
I have finally got to the point where I feel I do not have to share my wls with everyone,I do not tell them how fat I was. I think I felt I had to advise them that they are not looking at the "real me".
Thank you for helping me to remember how far I have come.
I think you are a lovely,loving,warm spirit.
I am struggling to lose the last of my weight,when I get there,I will have lost over 300 pounds. Without you and the rest of the ladies here,I would have not made it this far.
I have finally got to the point where I feel I do not have to share my wls with everyone,I do not tell them how fat I was. I think I felt I had to advise them that they are not looking at the "real me".
Thank you for helping me to remember how far I have come.
I think you are a lovely,loving,warm spirit.
WHAT WE FEAR,WE CREATE.
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