2 Years Ago .. May 27th .. I Remember When ...

I am writing this now , as tommorow I will be off to Busch Gardenst to Celebrate my 2 year anniversary of the day I had surgery ... Many have heard my story .. read my profile .. You see before you now a woman that has learned many a life lesson these past 2 years . I remember being a new mom . .and how that emotion felt the day my babies where laid in my arms .. I remember watching my children grow to be young adults .. seeing them prosper ... I remember watching my health deteriroate .. to the point where I was scared that I would not make it to see my grandchildren grow to be young men .. I remember how it felt ... the day I graduated from college ... to hear my father say .. Good Job Kiddo .. I remember how it felt .. the day I heard those words .. You have diabetes .. I remember how it felt .. the day they told me my Daddy was dead ... I remember how it felt .. the day .. I took back my life ... I remember the day I decided to pursue Gastric Bypass .. to regain my life .. Not to get skinny.. Not to get pretty .. but to live .. to walk.. to bend.. to move .. to wake up with out having to stick a needle in my arm for my diabetes ..not to worry that I would not fit in an outside chair .. to not be ridiculed any longer .. because .. I did not look " normal " .... I remember the day my surgeon said to me .. YOU MADE IT .. YOU ARE NOW AT GOAL !!!!! 2 years ago tommorow .. I was placed on a gurny.. rolled into an operating room .. and my life changed forever .. Knowing that my prayers would be answered ... I told God that Day .. that if you give me my life back.. I will give it all back to you .. and to serve others .. and to lead ... support .. and to encourage those that have been .. walked .. heard .. and felt Obesity . This has not been an easy road .. I have been divorced .. gone through emotions that no one here knows .. I have watched my body transform right before my eyes .. I have struggled with the fear of regaining .. I have altered my life to fit my eating habits .. I have become intolerant to anything that will jeapordize my new life.. So in saying all of this ... I tell you that I remember you all .. each and eveyone that I have met here in the last 2 years .. you have played a part in my transformation .. and will remain in my heart always .. 2 years of being here with you .. has made my life more precious than you will ever know ... I want to say Thank You to all of you .. and please know you remain in my heart always.... For those that are waiting to have this surgery .. or are newly post op .. I say to you today .. Stand Fast .. Be Strong.. Keep it Real... ... cherish your new life ..even when it seems like you can not go on one more day .. Reach for the Stars ... as a newlife awaits you .. and is sweeter than anything you can possibly imagine ... So tommorow I celebrate my 2 Year Anniversary of the Day I regained my life with Gastric Bypass Surgery . And I will remember this day .. as one more day .. towards the rest of my life .. Always, Tinkerbelle 310/125 and Holding On Tight ...

AWWW TINK! THAT IS SOOO SWEET! BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES, AS I TOO REMEMBER SOME OF THE SAME STUFF AS YOU WENT THROUGH. IT IS GREAT THAT ALL THE IS IN THE PAST AND ITS BEHIND YOU! AND NOW YOU CAN LIVE AND LIVE HAPPY AND HEALTHY! YOU ARE A VERY SPECIAL PERSON WHO I KNOW HAS HELPED MANY MANY PEOPLE ON HERE. YOU ARE ONE OF THE ONES WHO HELP ME DECIDE TO BETTER MYSELF AND GET THIS SURGERY. ALONG WIT LEI!!! CANT FOR GET HER! AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE ON HERE! IM GLAD TO SEE YOU HAPPY NOW! THAT SMILE YOU SMILE IS NOT A FAKE SMILE ANYMORE! YOUR ACTUALLY HAPPY NOW, AND IT SHOWS! I WISH I COULD COME CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL DAY TOMORROW. CONGRATULATIONS! KEEP YOUR HEAD HIGH! CHERYL

What moving and powerful words. It is times like these when we can reflect on where we came from and never forget. It is not the easiest of roads, but like you, of the two choices I had when I came to the fork in the road, I would take this one any day of the week. As for going through emotions that no one here knows, I am willing to bet we all have those same emotions in one form or another...struggles we must deal with in our lives from the small struggles to the great big ones. Believe me when I say, this group of people know EXACTLY where you are coming from, better than anyone on the *outside* ever will (Which is why I am so HAPPY that my sister had this surgery, so I at least have an *ally* when the parents and siblings start in on the *opinions* they have ) I will be missing you tomorrow night, on your special day. Please know you will be in my thoughts....and I better get some pics on my phone I will be down south fishing with my favorite fishing buddy So, have fun on your special day, you totally deserve it sweetie babymoon AKA Dianna

Each of our paths to this point in time came from different directions and we have travelled different distances but our collective paths have merged together here at this place and time. We have now headed down the very same stretch of road where many have gone before us and where many more will follow. Ahead the road may split back into many paths that lead in many directions again but we'll always remember our time together on this stretch of road espcially the kind gentle soul that provided directions, guidance and inspiration to so many weary travelers along this road. Many thanks to you, oh kind gentle soul. Happy Surgiversary/Anniversary/Rebirthday! Hugs, Kathy

Hi Natalie, that was very beautiful. You are a strong woman, and so strong in your journey. I admire you so much, wish I could be as strong and such an example as you, with so much knowledge, and so willing to share -- all the time!! I am proud to be your friend!! You are one of the people that has totally impacted my life. love donna

My Sweet Natalie, You life, your story, and your success is what drew me to you when I was searching for someone who lived in my area to whom I could talk to about WLS and we both know that God had His awesome hand in it all. Of all the people on the board, it was you that I was led to. It was you that opened your heart & soul to me. It was you that offered me the encouragement and support I needed so desperately. I am so happy for your 2 year rebirthday. I wish I could be there with you all today. But I know you understand. Just give me a year...... and there will be no stopping me then. I will have the energy and staminia of a young woman and I will be right there with you all the way. Congratulations on your anniversary and thank you for sharing your story with me and everyone else here on the board. You are truly an amazing human being with so much love for all of us. I love you bunches and thank God everyday for you!!! Keep on doing all the things you are doing. Much success in your future. My Friend, My confidant, my mentor, my Nat. Lots of Love Kathy

I know - I have lost so much weight I am invisible!! Congrats on your milestone Natalie!!!Love ya lots! David

HAPPY SURGIVERSARY TINK!! Thanks for being such an inspiration!! Congrats on coming so far and being such an example to all of us! Hugs, Christine