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It's hard to believe that it has been a year since my surgery.  July 26th was my anniversary date.   On August 24 th I went to Charleston to direct my niece's wedding at Middleton Plantation.  I walked miles and up and down hills and over gardens- across steps.  A year ago I would not have made it out of my car.  I amazed myself at all that I was able to do and to keep up with the "young folks".  The wedding was lovely and Hurricane Fay tried our spirits but finally vanished just before the wedding was to start.  We had rehearsed it both inside and outside.  A beautiful rainbow came out over the garden, monarch butterflies by the thousands swooped down on the flowers and the wedding march began.  Everything was lovely and we were able to be outside.  I can't wait to post some of the pictures from the wedding that my daughter took.   I may be 60 years old but I feel about 25. 

I was shopping in a Good Will Store.  I held up a skirt and teasingly asked my sister if it was appropriate.  Her response was not printable.   A few minutes later a lady asked me was I the one looking at the skirt and when I told her I was she presented me with the matching blouse.  I told her that I had changed my mind but I appreciated her thinking of me.  She looked up and said--this outfit would be so cute on a little thing like you!  I almost hugged her.  It made my whole year.  I can't remember the last time someone referred to me as "little".  One hundred pounds gone! Oh My God! I can't believe I have done it.  

I spent the weekend with my dad.  He is so worried about me regaining my weight he monitored my every bite and sip the entire weekend.  It got real old fast. 

Someone recently asked me if I regretted having my surgery.  Not for one second.  It has been the single best thing that I have ever done except for having my children.   At age 60 it definitely has extended my life.   Today I have lost 95 pounds and I am only 39 pounds from goal.  I feel incredibly blessed.   I still have that urge for a Coke but I can live without that.  Just to know that I am going to live a few more years than the way that I was headed is such a blessing.  I have so much more energy and bonus--I think I look younger. 

I have been sick as a dog with strep throat this week.  I got it from my poor little grandson.  I don't know how he stood it.  I have just barely been able to swallow water and few sips of Boost.  Reminds me of the "good old days".  

I did make my "6 month check"  with the PA this week.  I had to wear a mask to keep from passing my germs on to those preop patients.  It didn't bother me a bit.  I remember how panicked I was when I thought I might be getting sick right before my surgery.   Of course they got me in and out fast!

My labs were absolutely picture perfect.   I have everything right in the middle or normal range.   My HgA1c was 5.4 which reads "nondiabetic level" .  Now that really made me proud.   I can't tell if I am proudest of my weight loss or my labs and coming off all of that medicine.  

I went back to the doctor today for my throat.  The two different antibiotics  I had taken by mouth had not touched it.   So they brought out the big boy guns--Rocefin in the butt.     Hope this works because it hurts to even laugh.  

I have been so busy that I have not had a chance to post lately-two months in fact.  My weight is down by 90 pounds and I feel bones that I didn't know that I have.  Lucky me--I went to the NC Meet Up in Raleigh Saturday 2/16/08.  It was so much fun and those ladies are even funnier and sweeter than they are on the message board.   There were about 20 of us all trying to talk at the same time laughing.   ECU Mindy brought her husband.  He was a brave soul to join this crazy bunch of females.  He was definitely a good sport.  

My hair is getting thicker.  There was a time that I thought I was going to be bald but I can see progress in that area.  My skin has been real dry but it is every winter.   School has me stressed which is normal for this time of the year.  Warm days and full moons make for crazy students.  I am able to better tolerate the demands due to the weight loss--now I can run away from a fight (hee hee).  

I hope  that when I next post I will be 100 pounds lighter.   A friend just e-mailed me and told me to buy some new clothers that I was looking pretty baggy.  Guess that will be my next goal--new summer clothes.  Now what size shorts should I buy.  I will definitely be buying a bathing suit this year.   

Well this has been a week of WOW moments.  I have lost some more weight and my total is now 73 pounds gone.   I am wearing an XL GAP shirt today and size 16 jeans.  This is the smallest that I have been in 26 years.  My hair has gotten real thin but I can live with that for a few more months.  I have just about thrown out everything in my closet.  I think the only thing that I have held on to is my heavy winter coat.  It is too big but I am still wearing it.  I don't want to spend the money on a new coat until next winter.   I went into a restaurant that I normally frequent and my usual waitress did not recognize me.   She had taken my order and served my meal before she really figured out who I was.  All she could say was OMG! OMG! Look at you!  

It has taken me a few days to get around to posting my loss.  I am now below half way to my goal with only 67 pounds to go.  I am thrilled and it makes my month!  I have definitely got to go clothes shopping and hope to hit some thrift stores and outlets over the holidays.  I will be spending Thanksgiving with my daughter and her fiance and I am looking forward to being with them in their new home.  I hope to be even more successful during the holidays--a first for me.  I usually don't gain during the holidays but I have never really lost either.  

New recipe that I found and tried.  I love it.  

BUTTER BEAN SOUP: 

1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 T. vegetable oil
1/2 lb. ham, ground or minced (I like Homel Salad cubes)
2 1-lb. cans butter beans or lima beans
2 C. water 
1 qt. low sodium chicken stock. 
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine carrot, all but about 1/4 cup onion and vegetable oil in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat. Cook, stirring often, for 3 to 5 minutes. Vegetables should be softened and turning golden; if they begin to darken, reduce the heat.

Add ham and cook 2 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Add canned beans and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, season with salt if necessary and lots of pepper (freshly ground if possible).

Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or more -- the longer it cooks, the better it will taste. Serve sprinkled with raw onion .

Serves 4.

11/7/07

I have lost 60 pounds and in another 8 pounds I will be half way to goal.  Never did I think that I would make it this far.  I had no idea that this board would mean so much to me.  The encouragement and the success stories have kept me on tract.   Thanks everyone for being there for each other.

I am so proud of me!  I just bagged up clothes for the Salvation Army.  All of the 2x and 3x are gone!    I am taking my coats to a thrift shop to sell.  I'm going to need the funds for a new winter coat.   I am very cold natured now so I suspect it will have to be a very warm one.   

I went to my niece's wedding and it was thrilling to have all the comments on how good I looked.  Some of the family did not recognize me.   My "ex" was there and even he commented on how well I looked and was pleased with my success and my apparent overall good health.  I had so much fun and it was a very beautiful wedding.  The only sad thing was my brother-in-law was unable to attend his own daughter's wedding due to a recent hospitalization.  The doctors would not let him attend.  My sister-in-law did a beautiful job of planning the wedding and making it memorable for her daughter even though her husband was not at her side.   My new nephew-in-law is really special (and quite handsome as well) and I so wish them a wonderful life of happiness and love.   They have made Christ the center of their home which is the only way to start out.