My 1 YEAR Surgiversay & Lauren's surgery is tomorrow AM

Hi VA friends, I haven't been posting much lately, but want you to know that I love you guys and enjoy reading your posts. Also, prayers go out regularly as requested, and sometimes even not when requested. Today is my 1 YEAR Surgiversary and I feel sooo very blessed. I'm down 130 pounds from last year (305-175) and with 25 to go until I reach my goal, I'm still in AWE! I'm healthier, happier, and I'd do it all over again in a FLASH... Still battling with the FOOD DEMONS that live in my head and want me to eat food I shouldn't, when I shouldn't, but that's part of my long term maintenance plan. I've got a prayer request of my own today/tomorrow. My beautiful, 22 year old daughter Lauren is going in for Lap Band surgery with Dr. Martin at St. Mary's hospital here in Richmond tomorrow morning. Please send positive vibes our way. Lauren has a profile here on OH. I WILL be at the January event and am looking forward to seeing many of you there! Hugs and kisses, Tammy

Hey Tammy, Prayers sent! She is so fortunate! Congratulations on your surgiversary! That 25 will come off. Do I understand the food demons. While it is not as it was 121 pounds ago, they are there nevertheless.--For me they are no sugar added ice cream and s/f candy--luring and deceptive. Please let us know about Lauren. Hope to see you are conference in January. Lois

Lois, Thank you for the support and also for your friendship this past year. I'll post about Lauren's surgery Friday. We are getting ready to leave for the hospital this am. As a mom who has been through WLS, I'm so happy for her to have this tool at a young age, but at the same time concerned because my baby is having surgery Hugs, Tammy

I remember Oh so well the day you had surgery . You have done amazing Tammy . And you have always been so very positive and up beat . There is no doubt that you will meet and exceed your goals . I am so very proud of you and can not wait to see you in January . I thank you so much for your uplifting words and encouragment through all of my struggles . Congratulations on your Surgiversary .. and your great Success . Many hugs, Natalie

O and please tell Lauren prayers are being sent for her on her surgery . I know she is excited and she will do awesome ! Please keep us posted on her .. Hugs .. Natalie

Natalie, Thank YOU for your support and loving kindness, as well as "tough love". You have been such an inspiration to me this past year, and I only hope to try to inspire others as well. Congratulations to you on your CANCER FREE news!! That is so wonderful, and I'm praying for thanks right now. I'll post on Friday about Lauren's surgery. Hugs and Tammy

Happy Surgiversary my almost surgery sister. I have been thinking about you a lot lately. Glad to hear things are going well. Enjoy your success and keep up the good work. My thoughts and prayers are with Lauren. Courtney

Happy Surgiversary to you TODAY!! I plan to post some new pictures this weekend, as the only one here is 6 months old, and I've changed a bit since then (my hair's longer, for one) Thanks for your prayers... I'll post after surgery. Hugs, Tammy

Hey there my Beautiful Friend!!! So good to see you here. I am so excited for you and your weight loss. It is an amazing journey and I too understand where you're coming from. I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to have this surgery. It's the best thing I've ever done for me. I want you to know that my prayers are with you and your gorgeous daughter. You know this is going to change her life for a long time to come. I would love for you and her both to come back to support group meetings. We are still having them at John Randolph Hospital the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. We have some lap-band patients there as well. I am planning on coming to the January conference also. I will look forward to seeing you there. Lots of Love Kathy

Thanks Kathy!! I have been keeping up with your success via this message board. I hope all is still well, and your kids and grandbabies are well too! I'm so excited for Lauren, but nervous for my baby's surgery. I'm sure you can relate! I'm very focused on staying positive and helping her through this rough first part and I know she will come through fabulously. Obviously, I won't be able to make the meeting tonight Next month, Kyle and I will be in NJ visiting his family for a "post-holiday" visit during the first week. I will make a mental note for the 1st Thursday in February, but hope to see you in January at the Disco Ball! That's going to be a lot of fun. I'm taking off work that Friday to help where ever needed. You are also welcome to come to the St. Mary's support group meetings. I've become very involved and attend almost every Thursday. The second Thursday of the month is a large, open forum, with one of the surgeons, guest speaker, etc. For December (next week) our meeting will be more like a holiday/social get together; we are serving WLS-friendly appetizers and drinks. Thanks for the prayers and I'll post soon, probably tomorrow. Tammy