Before and After

Good morning my wonderful OFF friends......

My contributions here have been few and far between lately, and I am sorry for that. But out of sight is definitely not out of mind. I read every day, and feel the highs and lows of your posts, and am comforted by the love and kindness that exists right here.

This morning I did not have to go to the hospital to test babies, so I'm luxuriating in doing exactly what I want to do. I took a walk down the street and felt the sun on my face and breathed deeply of the oxygen rich trees, plants, and flowers all around me. The ocean is very smooth this morning, so IF a whale breaches we WILL see it for sure.


Also this morning I was playing with my iPhoto program since I got a new (reconditioned) Mac, I have to learn a whole lot of new things. I came across "before" pictures of me at 320 and OMIGOD......it seemed like I was looking at a stranger. Then I had some "after" pictures wearing size 8 jeans my kids had bought me for my birthday last year, and thought how grateful I am for not having to carry around the HUGE person (150+lbs.) that used to slow me down so much.

Gratitude is my word for the day. If we think about our lives before WLS and then about them now, it seems like we are totally different people. I barely remember being 320 lbs....except when I get on an airplane, or face some chairs with arms....those used to terrify me. Now any chair is sitable....even the other day I sat on little children's chair when I had my review for work...Ha. I sat in the middle of my living room floor and wrapped presents for my grandkids which I mailed yesterday. (WOULD YOU BELIEVE $49.00 FOR SHIPPING!!) Anyway, I am thankful to be able to do so many little things and BIG things in my life today....much of it thanks to all of you who gave me courage years ago and got me through some really rough spots.

Thanks to all of you on OFF for being a big part of my story. I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a year of nothing but happiness and success in whatever you try.

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

Gratitude

Great to hear from you! Yes I have one picture of me on the wall at near my highest. It was taken with grandkids & DH, otherwise it would be put away. It's hard to believe I survived that. I thank God every day for my new life.

I hope you too have a great Christmas!
Nan

Aloha Nan...I carry a "before and after" picture in my wallet. You'd be surprised how many times the opportunity has arisen to pull that out and show people the difference. In fact a couple of people have gone on to have WLS themselves. My only disappointment is that my triple chin turned into a turkey neck.....Ha!

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

Karen, Dear Girl, So very nice to see your face.  You are sorely missed when a bit of time goes bye with out a post from our sistah Out West.

I think of you each time my traveling bug hit's. The honey man has said we will go see the USS Arizona on our next big vacation. Today being 69 year's since Dec. 7, 1941 brought home the need to give thanks to all those young people that gave thier lives on that Day of Infamy.  

Contribute when you can. We love hearing your story's.

Your Cali. Sister, Peg 

Aloha darling Peggy.....Oh how I love to see that flash of red when I log on and see your shining face!

You would love Hawaii I'm sure. Winter is my favorite time.......the whales are here, the weather is usually gorgeous with cool nights (numm for sleeping) and it is always so strange to see the bell ringers outside stores in their short and slippers!!

Thanks for responding.

With much aloha,

Maui Karen

aloha!!!!!!!!!!!!
it IS great to see you posting! please don't let it be so long again!

i looked at some of my before pics the other nite- it is humbling!

Aloha Margo......Oh, I follow your adventures and misadventures....LOL.....daily. Oh, yes...the before pictures can bring forth many feelings......and disbelief is one of them for me, and then a wave of thankfulness.

Stay warm my friend.

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

A Great Big Hello from this East Coast, New York Gal. . .  you are missed and it is sooooo nice to see your face and read your post.

Wishing you the very best Christmas and hoping that 2011 shines brightly for all!

Hugs, Laureen

Aloha beautiful Laureen.....Hugs coming to you all the way across the ocean and the land (long arms). You are always so inspiring and open on here. I never miss your posts.

Thank you for all you give.

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

Hello Karen....so great to see your post!!

You have been missed so much by me and everyone else here on OFF!!

Yes....I dig out the old pics now and then. When my eating is bad I hang before and after pics in my kitchen...all over the place. I need that reminder at times!!

Congrats on your loss and all that you have accomplished!

Love ya ....hugs....connie d