1/06/06

I am a happy, confident lady who has put on a few extra pounds over the last 10 years. More like 60-70 lbs. I've never felt fat or unattractive, just a thick woman wit' a big ole' booooooty. I exercise pretty regularly, mostly to keep my stamina and energy. My closest loved ones are my Mom (retired biochemist in Houston; Smart lady!), and my 21-yr old princess, my daughter Courtney. . I work for a major bank as a leadership development coach/consultant, and I've worked as an Independent Consultant for 27 years. WHY? I ABSOLUTELY ADORE people and learning. My gifts are sharing wisdom, serving others, teaching/training, and MOTIVATING and INSPIRING others. At the bank, I have had up to 500 managers as my customers. I love each and every one of them, although there are a few I don't like. LOL.

248 lbs

My self-perception changed when my Psychiatrist was refilling my meds (depression). One of my meds increases my risk for diabetes.
He says bluntly, "You are Black, you are overweight, you are on Seroquel, and you have a family history of diabetes. You have a choice: stop the meds, and risk depression, or lose weight."

I work out with cardio 3x a week. I never lose more than 10 lbs, though. He mentioned lap band, and examples of successful weight loss of people he knew.

I promised that I would research it further. I left his office in a daze. My denial was lifted. Yeah, I look good, but I have hypertension, apnea, high cholesterol, and high risk for diabetes.
It's looking pretty scary. Time to do research.

I'm working out even more diligently now, and watching my food intake. I eat healthy, but my portions are HUGE.

At work, I have a colleague who has been working on getting approval for her band; but once approved, she changed her mind.
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4/06

I am interested in lap band patients who have gone through Baylor-Dallas. I will be attending the seminar on 4/13. 243 lbs

I appreciate any information you can share that will help me make an informed decision :) I read all the studies on LB; LBT site; Yahoo Groups; and OH. It's an obsession now.
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5/1

I attended my first consult with Dr. Fox. By the end of the week, I will have the nutritionists and psychiatrists' notes for submission.
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5/11

Called Ins company; they have not received anything from Dr. Fox's office, yet. I've called the Doc's office several times; I'm not sure they know where my papers are. I'm a bit concerned.
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5/17

Dr. McCarty of Baylor has scheduled me for a consult on 6/5. His office has already began researching my ins, and I haven't even seen him yet. I am willing to move forward with whomever can help me get my surgery approved. Dr. Fox is my favorite, though.
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5/20

Attended the LBT DFW luncheon with my daughter. We had a good time, and I was able to see, firsthand, a group of positive, successful bandsters.
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5/25

Dr. Fox's office sent my letter to UHC for approval. I have 30 days to go for an answer. April has been especially helpful.
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5/29

My daughter gave her blessings to me for lap band surgery!
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6/6

Dr. Fox's office called to say that UHC needs my 5-year weight history. I have decided that if I am approved, I definitely want Dr. Fox to be my LB doc. I'm now concerned about the approval process. I'll just put it in the Master's hand!
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6/8/06

Okay. I put the insurance approval process in the Master's hand last night. Today, I was approved; the approval was with Baylor's Dr. Mc Carty. I will see Mc Carty on Monday, 6/12. At that point, we will set a date! I admit, I fell in love with Dr. Fox and his personality. Dr. McCarty is well-respected. He trains other Docs, and works at Baylor. I'll see him on Monday.
In God's hands, once more!
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6/12/06

I met with Dr. McCarty, his really nice PA, the administrative staff, and the psychologist. It was like a whirlwind of impersonal efficiency and paperwork. I am a really confident, people person, but even I felt intimidated by the rushed process. Wish I had someone with me, to remind me that I'm not a mere research statistic.

The exciting part is: I HAVE A DATE! 6/22, less than two weeks away.
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6/13

I attended Baylor's nutrition and psychology classes. The nutritionist was very personable and knowledgeable. I learned to read food labels for all forms of sugar. I learned about portion sizes as well.
I went from 9am class to 10am class to 11am OB-Gyn to pre-op.
By evening, I am hungry and tired, but hopeful.
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6/21

It's the night before surgery and I feel at peace. In 8 hours, my surgery will be under way. I feel both loved and Blessed since God helped me to focus on myself, rather than take care of the whole world. My Mom drove up this evening, and she is sleeping soundly.

My prayer tonight: Most Merciful and Gracious Father; thank you for my every breath, the rhythm of my heart, and the spark in my soul. You are God all by yourself, and I need you to wrap your loving arms around my family and me. I have fallen short of your glory time and time again, yet you send me mercies that awaken my soul beyond understanding. I ask you to hear my voice, my pain, my joy and my mumblings. I will step back now and carefully
give you all the Praise.
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6/22

I was banded at 7:30am and home by 11:00am. Praise God! I felt so happy to be awake and alive! I was pretty hyper. Friends came by to visit that afternoon. I talked and walked, and ...couldn't keep still. My Mom just wanted me to shut up and rest.
243 lbs
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6/23

I feel like I have been kicked in the stomach! I'm staying in bed today. Lots of gas; but walking helps a lot.
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7/1

9 days post-op. I've spent most of the past week weak, shaky, and hungry. I blended some refried beans with water. I feel so much better now. I spoke with a 3-yr bandster on the phone, and discovered that I should eat/drink something every 2-3 hours, instead of 3-3oz servings per day. I'm wondering about the technical details of my surgery: what size band, any hernias found, how's liver doing, motility, etc. My 2-week follow up is 7/11, and will be with a PA.
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7/10

I've been on mushies for the past several days. I'm still measuring my food, and I eat every 3-4 hours, with lots of liquids/water in-between. I go to my follow-up on 7/11.
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7/11

Saw the PA for my follow up. I can now eat solids (protein). I am cleared to begin exercising again.
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7/21

I have been exercising for a week-recumbent bike and dancing 5X a week. Back at work, and major layoffs are occuring. I do not feel as if I have a band at all. I am scheduled for a fill on 8/1. I am down about 10 lbs. Yahoo!
234 lbs.
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7/25

Kristin, the PA, gave me a fill 1.5 ccs for a total of 2.5 ccs, since she is quitting in a few days. I never felt any restriction. 234 lbs.
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8/13

I never felt any restriction after the first fill on 7/25. I almost forgot that I have a band. I am beginning my 5th week of exercise (cardio 5x a week). I have not lost any weight since the fill Next fill is scheduled for 8/21. 232 lbs.
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8/21

I finally saw my Dr; the first time since my initial consult on 6/8! He checked my fill level and discovered that, instead of the 2.5 ccs I was supposed to have, I only had 1 cc! Dr said that my last one did not get put in the center of the port. No wonder I am not feeling anything. He stuck me twice, putting 1.5 ccs in for a total of 2.5ccs
(I hope). Liquids today, solids tomorrow. The good news is that I still lost a few pounds. Yay! 230 lbs
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9/3

Sunday afternoon. Almost two weeks since fill #2. Early on, I felt some restriction. I eat a small breakfast, a 1-cup lunch, and a bit more at dinner. The shake didn't go down very well. I think it's because I did not mix it well. And no late bingeing, either. It will come back up.

I am still doing cardio, 3-5x a week. When I do 3X a week, I go for an hour. Still in limbo at work; they told us we would be laid off on 5/1. Three months later, no news. I am a fantastic leadership development/performance management consultant. God will take care of me!

I'm working on stepping up my personal/social life. I've been way too isolated for an outgoing, friendly diva like myself. I think I'm ready for a boyfriend; it's been a while. Last week I met a lady downstairs in the gym, and we went to a fantastic movie last night, "The Illusionist". What a riveting piece of cinematic work. We had a good time. Then today, I organized a skating session with the ladies on Lap Band Talk. We will roller skate next Sunday! I LOVE SKATING. I think God is already working His plan for me. I need local friends to hang out with. My family/friends are in Houston; but after 12 years in DFW, I need to work a little harder to build fellowship. So far, church hasn't done it for me. Neither has the workplace.

One NSV: Up to this point, I have never dared to visualize what a lighter me will look like. When I see classy, cute dresses in the store, I always think "that is perfect for my daughter" (size 2) Tonight I saw a designer halter-style mini, and my first thought was "I will look good in that , just 40 more lbs to go"! A size 12 or misses in anything will be wonderful. Just keep the faith, guuuurl!22? lbs
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9/11

My company sent me to Seattle, and I'm flying on 9/11! I am so uptight, I cried the night before. The flight was fine; I took my night meds and slept the whole way. Spent a week learning a new leadership class that I may never facilitate, due to the impending layoffs. The wonderful thing about Seattle is that is is a heavenly, beautiful city! The mountains, Puget Sound, the orcas, and the relatively laid-back people are all wonderful. I also had the opportunity to see other colleagues from other parts of the country. NSV: They noticed my weight loss! I've lost only 20+ lbs, and I can't see it. My clothes are a bit baggy, though.

One colleague in particular, Carey, has struggled with lung cancer for 2 years. I felt so blessed to spend time with her. She is a 62 yr old example of living a thrilling life to its' fullest.

I ate very little during the trip since Seattle food is so bland and nasty, especially at our company resort. I also worked out almost every night, thanks to my I Pod.
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9/18

Went for my third fill. Met a new PA who gives fills while I sit upright. She introduced herself and proceeded to set up the fill. I stopped her, and asked her "Do you even know my name"? She mumbled something. I told her "My name is Anita. You need to know who I am before you fill me. I'm not a number, I'm a person. The first PA missed my port. I do not want that to happen again."

I have discovered that this, like any medical journey, requires that I be proactive, informed, and treated as a HUMAN. So far, I've had three different people give me three different fills. The least they can do after making me sit and wait an hour or more is to use my name and remember me once a month.

Haley gave me .2 ccs, for a total of 2.7 ccs. I thanked her for taking the time to find out who I am, and that I hoped to see her next time. Sheesh! The WLS office is a revolving door of PAs, office help, nurses. New crew every visit.
223.9 lbs!
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9/23

My colleague who started her WLS journey one year ago, has decided to schedule her lap band surgery (with my persuasion!) She has had an extremely rough year with illnesses and surgeries and upcoming work layoffs; I pray that she takes advantage of her insurance to start a healthier life. She has three young adult daughters who need their Mom. She and I spent the daty together. She went shopping while I went to my umpteenth interview. The interviewer never showed up. Oh, well.

My DD invited me to come up for family day at her college. I am sooo thrilled! I miss her, and I've been pretty lonely lately. She, her boyfriend, and I attended the football game together. Yeee-ha!

On Sunday, I drove back to DFW for another roller skating session with the LBT ladies. If I try skating every week, I can get my groove back. I USED to be good, about 40 lbs ago. Now, I worry about breaking bones and insurance coverage!

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9/25

I am doing more intense cardio now; I can do the elliptical for at least 15 minutes without passing out. I still do the recumbent bike afterwards. I have a few goals that have recently come into focus. I want to:


Cross my legs comfortably

Sashay when I walk again

dance hip hop for 1/2 hour without getting winded

buy a misses size dress; they are more fashionable than plus size shirts w/ Christmas trees on them!

Hit One-derland in December

Go shopping with my precious in the same store-she's a 2; I'll take a 12!

Increase my independent contracts (already happening, praise God!) so that I can stop sweatin' all the threats of layoffs

Net $100,000+ a year in income to fund a tutoring center that teaches at-risk families to learn international math/science principles. Why can't a 7 yr old in South Oak Cliff or Third Ward learn Calculus? Children have brilliant minds; they are merely underutilized.

Net $100,000 in order to finish the Phd I cannot afford to continue now

If none of this comes to fruition, I am still enormously grateful for my Mom, my DD, my Sis, and my nieces and nephews. LOVE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH. Thank you Lord for this beautiful day!

218 lbs!
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10/9
Today is Columbus Day, so I am off from work. It's been two weeks since my last entry. I have not had a menstrual cycle in 7 years because I had ablation in 1999. Then surprise! The last week of September, and I had a 10-day cycle. Must be some connection to the weight loss/estrogen. Either way, I did not lose any weight that week. I also scheduled an appt with my Gyn for 10/11, just to make sure that things are okay. I have continued my cardio; now I can do the elliptical more than 20 minutes, and I can go much faster.

My colleague is at Baylor today, getting her lap band and hernia repair. I am on my way to go check on her. I'm excited for her, because she has had so many health challenges. I want her to feel beautiful again.

I have a fill scheduled with Haley on 10/12.
213 lbs!

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10/18-Traveled to DC all week. cannot keep food down. Appt for an unfill. Found 4.0 in the band! Took .2 out. 207 lbs!

11/9-After the unfill last month, I made a trip to Houston to see my boo boos (nieces). When I returned home, I had gained 6 pounds. Went for a slight fill of .2. Found out I really had 4.0. Fills are not the most exact science in the world. I'm now up to 4.2 (I think).

11/20-Spent an entire week, working my extra gig (contract in D.C.). It was one of the hardest working weeks I've ever had. Military officers and civilians in three different classes with 75 different hostile attitudes. But it's okay; I'm a pro with people. I ate light food during the week; took it easy after the last fill. I ate fine, except for an apple. The skin got stuck.

I am so glad to be home. I made some good money, and now I can recover from the D.C. crazy weather. 207 lbs (again) yea!

12/1-A new month, and 20 minutes of ellipticals. New music on the Ipod has motivated me. I am lighter on my feet. The bank has finally given us a layoff date: 5/7/07. I am actually grateful that they have given me a head's up, so I can look for other opportunities. I am almost at One-derland: 201 lbs!

12/9-Twisted my Mom's arm to come up and visit. I want her to visit her favorite cousin, who is critically ill. She made it just before he passed away. I am so drained; was so worried she'd drag her feet one time too many. Anyhow, I must say that a big piece of my history is now gone. This cousin was a master at comforting people; a therapist; non-judgmental and empathic. One of the only people in the whole world who showed me that he cared. Cool; laid back; an original. Now I must carry on his legacy.

12/22-Today is my precious DD's birthday. I've decorated the house in pink diva princess style, with a german chocolate cake and a huge balloon. She loved it for about 10 minutes, then went out to party. She has become such a beautiful, confident young lady. Besides, she made the Dean's List this semester-straight A's! Graduation is just around the corner.

Went for my last fill visit of the year. My insurance will no longer cover bariatric surgery in January. I have been PB-ing more often in the past three weeks, so I have to limit certain types of food (nothing starchy or bready; medium rare steak is okay. Shrimp must be moist. Smoked salmon is perfect. Tired of cheese, ground turkey, Beans are okay. No gulping. I decided against getting another fill. Checked my fill: 4.2. Stuck around for my cousin to get his 1st fill. He is such a wonderful young man; I want him to get healthy, and watch his confidence soar to higher heights.

12/23-Almost Christmas!

I looked on my September entry, for my goals list:

Cross my legs comfortably-I can do it now

Sashay when I walk again-Still practicing. Less booty, less sashay

dance hip hop for 1/2 hour without getting winded-Partied at Region 4 Christmas party. All evening!

buy a misses size dress; they are more fashionable than plus size shirts w/ Christmas trees on them!-I'm in a 14, sometimes W.

Hit One-derland in December-WHOO-HOO! 199!

Go shopping with my precious in the same store-she's a 2; I'll take a 12!-close

Increase my independent contracts (already happening, praise God!) so that I can stop sweatin' all the threats of layoffs-Won my 2nd gov't contract! Offered to stay on at the bank with the new company. Several promising job interviews!

Net $100,000+ a year in income to fund a tutoring center that teaches at-risk families to learn international math/science principles. Why can't a 7 yr old in South Oak Cliff or Third Ward learn Calculus? Children have brilliant minds; they are merely underutilized.-close

Net $100,000 in order to finish the Phd I cannot afford to continue now-close!

God has already given me more blessings and gifts than I could ever dream of. I'm healthier, less meds. Emotionally, I have put some relationships into perspective; less expectations. Still need to reach out and find friendships. I'm a work in progress.

Merry CHRISTmas. Don't let other people pressure you into spending more money than you have; expecting to have the perfect family, being overly people-pleasing or some Hallmark ideal that does not exist. Just LOVE people the way they are. Some of us are wacky, others are hurting, the rest are critical or judgemental or loud. We all have baggage. Make this Christmas a new, fresh, and relaxing beginning. Start a new tradition. If you start to feel depressed because of all you have lost, think of the weight you have lost, and never want to find again. Then CALL SOMEBODY. You will be reminded of how much you are loved.

12/26

Praise God that CHRISTmas Day is over! I was very disciplined with my eating (thank God for restriction). I was a miserable failure at being with my family. I ran out of acceptance, I allowed my feelings to get hurt, I alienated my daughter,  lost my self -esteem, and I cried for 24 straight hours! I just could not adjust to the yelling, screaming, noise; undisciplined, fighting kids and the tremendous, unlivable clutter that trips me up as I walk through each room of my Mom's house. My daughter kept scolding me to stay positive and "be nice". By CHRISTmas evening, I was crying and yelling at my daughter. My daughter told me I needed more medication, so I took a double dose and cried myself to sleep. I apologized to my folks for my "meltdown."

I left Hell-town (Houston) this morning; I drove back to Dallas with my DD. She did not speak to me for 4 hours. Why is it that I am so full of vision, spirit, and dreams 95% of the time, yet I spend an hour in Hell-town at my Mom's and suddenly I feel suicidal? What happens to my spirit, my faith? I feel poisoned, in increasingly higher doses, with each visit. It does not help that my Grandma and my cousin Otis are no longer alive. They were the last of the empathic, encouraging family I had. I miss the laughter.

I realize, though I am bi-polar, I am only nuts when I am around past situations that were abusive, toxic, and over-stimulating. I have built for myself a peaceful, uncluttered world here in Dallas. I need the quiet to keep me mentally and emotionally balanced. God, please help me to learn and know better, then to do better. Amen. 199 lbs of imperfect love!

1/28

Praise God for the New Year! I have been working, interviewing for work, and traveling; building my business. The month has flown by. I haven't lost much weight this month, maybe 3-4 lbs, but I have lots of energy. I am working out less since I've been on the road. I have decreased my meds. I'm wearing a Misses' 14-16. As a lifelong big booty lady, I've lost almost ALL of my booty. Feeling a bit less sexy without it, but very grateful to see the 1's again.

I am so blessed to have won another training contract (on 12/20) that will take me all over the world-Japan, Guam, Germany-right now, I don't have enough leave to travel that far. For now, I am able to supplement my salary in a big way.

Let me review last month's goals:

Shop in Misses department-YES!

Earn $100,000 a year-very close!

Earn enough to work on Phd-closer!

196 lbs

2/26

Happy Birthday, you foxy 48 year-old I'm in Gulfport, MS this week, Mostly wonderful, friendly people, and two jerks. The class gave me roses, and took me out to dinner. I loved it; I got more attention than I would have at home. Except my buddy Ivan. He took me to a fantastic restaurant in Bishop Arts, and spoiled me rotten.

Came home sick, with post-KAtrina mold and contamination . Itching and stuff.

196 lbs!

3/31

Busy month with work and contracts. I went to Andrews, Pentagon Annex, Quantico, and San Antonio. A bit tired. No exercise this month. Learning about the new company, Accenture. Bought new clothes, after giving away 450+ outfits that are too big. I'm looking classy, chic in my SIZE 12's. My goal is size 12, but I won't fuss over a 10! Still needing to find friends. I volunteered for turtle creek cleanup; that was a start. What a beautiful day it was. I joined the Association; now I will particpate in social events in TC.

184 lbs!

4/27

A busy month for setting and achieving goals. Let's see":

got my teeth whitened

traveled to Seattle for last TTT before Accenture

visited my friends in Birmingham. Came back covered with hives/allergies

ordered a lace front wig

Received my baby's college graduation invitation!

Enrolled in a new PhD program; started school!

Down a few pounds

182

7/21

Life is busy. Enrolled in my second PhD class. Started at Accenture. Very volitale, unpredictable schedule is really hurting my mental health. Still losing weight, very slowly. Courtney graduated, and moved to a nice house in Dallas. I made a decision to not allow my Mother's negativity to poison me, even if  have to limit my contact. I have too many good things going for me to have her berate me again.

Need prayers for spiritual, physical, and mental health. I now weigh about 172 lbs.

172. Yay!

9/7/07

Busy with job, my training company, and working on PhD. So thankful to be able to juggle all these and do them well. Guess I've been so busy that I have lost a few more pounds. Boobs are deflated, so is the booty. I am happy with my weight loss and my life progress. Treating myself better. Going to counseling occasionally to  keep my work life balance. I nee to change the pics.

162.

9/13

Went for GI. I can barely eat solid food. Come to think of it, I haven't been eating many solids, and although I am down to 153, I am having reflux at night and feeling too afraid to eat. Had to beg for a GI, since the doc's office felt it was unnecessary.

9/27

I was training a military group in San Antonio when the doc calls to say that my band has dilated my esophagus, and they need to see me right away. This was all I could learn, since it was a phone conversation.

10/1

Went to Doc, who told me that my band needs to come out. I asked him if I could let the fluid out and let the esophagus rest a bit, then wait and see. He deflated the band, but insisted that my band would need to be removed. I cried as I left the doc's office. I'm not sure what I will do next. I do know that I will do whatever it takes to keep the weight off.

10/2

Drove myself to the emergency room after experiencing relentless chest pains. Went to Baylor, where they admitted me for heart tests.  I brought my laptop along so that I could keep up with school and work. After three days and several thousand dollars later, they said that my heart is fine. My chest was still hurting, but they released me anyway.. I requested an endoscopy, but neither my doc nor the hospital would listen. 

153

10/5
Attended my PhD colloquium in VA. Still having chest pains, but I was able to attend all of my sessions. 

153

11/07

Went to my PCP and asked for an endoscopy. He found me an endo doc. Had my 1st endoscopy on 11/27. On 11/29, the doc said that my esophagus was normal, but that my biopsy revealed some Barrett's esophagus. Scared me to death! Metaplasia?
Now I know that the band needs to come out. I have been researching revision choices, and the sleeve looks like a viable alternative if I lose the band.

12/07

Scheduled a 2nd endoscopy with another endo doctor, just to confirm the 1st diagnosis. I was not impressed with this doc's office, but I needed additional feedback. I handed him all of my prior bariatric records, and as he looked through them, he felt that the Barrett's diagnosis might not be accurate since my esophagus was showing to be normal. He scheduled my 2nd endo for 1/21. This state of weight limbo is getting frustrating. I have gained about 10 lbs since the band was unfilled.

163

1/08

Happy New Year! I feel blessed to see this new year, along with having great family and friends. I had my 2nd endoscopy, and then had to wait nearly three weeks to get the results. The doc also required that I come to the office to give my results. He said that he did not find any Barrett's, but he found mild esophagitis. He also said that I could go back to filling the band since I am considered a band success. 

I have already made up my mind to get the band out, before I receive any additional esophageal problems. I am also afraid that the dilation and other eating problems will return, since the tissue in that area is so vulnerable. I have researched the sleeve over the past 5 months, and I have decided to revise from band to sleeve. I talked to several Dallas doctors who perform the surgery, which insurance does not cover.  The Dallas docs have reasonable cash prices, yet the hospital visits are steep: $35,000!  I have also researched Dr. A in Piedras Negras. He has done hundreds of sleeve operations. He has special techniques that minimize the chance of staple line leaks. I have written his patients and asked for their feedback. I have looked up the 3-4 year follow-up studies on VSG and I watched the surgery being done, twice. Dr. A is more affordable because he uses a hospital that works as part of a package price. I'm in! I have worked in Boise, ID, Lynnwood, WA, and Chicago this month. 

168

2/08

February, the month of Valentine's Day, my birthday, and my revision to the sleeve. My DD has offered to accompany me to my surgery. We will fly to San Antonio, then get picked up by Dr. A's office for a drive to Eagle Pass. The surgery is scheduled on 2/16. At first, my DD was against me having the surgery if the band could be used again. She surprised me when she invited me to dinner that evening, saying that she loved me and would support me no matter what. That was music to my ears! I have to have her buy-in for support purposes, she is my closest ally! My Mom, my friends L, V, T, and I were also very supportive. L said that anyone who knows me would know that I am very careful with my research, and that I study all the possibilities before taking this big a step. He mentioned that, even if my friends are uncomfortable with my choices, they can trust in my ability to make the right decisions for me.

Dr. A's office asked me to put on a few pounds before the surgery, since I have been losing weight due to anxiety and lack of sleep. The meds are not working right now. So, I promptly went out to eat all I could, so now, 6 days before surgery, I am at a hefty 175 lbs!

175

2/10

I will update as soon as I am done with the band-VSG revision. My biggest concerns: leaks, stricture, prolonged nausea, the first 4 weeks of liquids, necrosis, the financial investment. People say that I can keep the weight off without the band. I know better because I lost 100 lbs with the band that I could not do on my own. I am ready to move forward. God is good, and tells me to "fear nothing." It's in his hands.

176

2/24

I will celebrate my 49th birthday in 2 days! Happy to be alive, to have my band removed, to know that my stomach needs to heal. I've gained a few pounds since the surgery, but I am not going to beat myself up about it. I have set a new VSG date with Dr. Alvarez for 7/5/08. As for Dr. A: words cannot describe the capacity of this man's spirit, humanity, and expertise!

I am still pinching myself, wondering if my encounter with the Dr. A staff was just a fantastic dream of an ideal world where people care deeply about their work, and about other people.

Fortunately, I have been able to keep up with the PhD classes while I was in the hospital. Gotta go; my research paper is due soon!

178
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9/ 06 goals revisited

Cross my legs comfortably-I can do it now-Still crossin'!

Sashay when I walk again-Still practicing. Less booty, less sashay-a little more booty, more sashay!

dance hip hop for 1/2 hour without getting winded-Partied at Region 4 Christmas party. All evening!-Not out often

buy a misses size dress; they are more fashionable than plus size shirts w/ Christmas trees on them!-I'm in a 14, sometimes W. Lowest- 8-10. Now 10-12 without the band

Hit One-derland in December-WHOO-HOO! 199! Still in onederland. Lowest 153; now 178 without band

Go shopping with my precious in the same store-she's a 2; I'll take a 12!-close-We shop 2gether!

Increase my independent contracts (already happening, praise God!) so that I can stop sweatin' all the threats of layoffs-Won my 2nd gov't contract! Offered to stay on at the bank with the new company. Several promising job interviews!-working with Accenture

Net $100,000+ a year in income to fund a tutoring center that teaches at-risk families to learn international math/science principles. Why can't a 7 yr old in South Oak Cliff or Third Ward learn Calculus? Children have brilliant minds; they are merely underutilized.-close. Met my income goal in 2007. Oh, boy, it's tax time!

Net $100,000 in order to finish the Phd I cannot afford to continue now-close! In my 4th quarter of school!

Photos

234 8/06/2006

218 9/26/2006