Well, it's been two years since God gave me a 2nd chance at life, and no, I don't mean my surgeon!  Ha!

I am so blessed I can't stand myself and very likely, no one else can either!

I am still losing weight (9 lbs) since last weigh in at the Dr.'s.  Coming off very very slowly.  But, Dr. Thompson was thrilled that I was still losing.  He said at two years, most people are starting to put it back on.  I'm just frustrated because I thought I would be at my goal weight (150) by now.  But, I got to meet a very nice nutritionist (Renee) and she did the Ree test on me and my metabolism is below normal, plus I've been eating too much trying to compensate for working out so much.  It's all a learning phase....I've got lots of hanging skin and building muscles.  Hopefully some day I will be able to have a total body lift.  Hopefully sooner rather than later.  My stomach is actually hurting my lower back, especially when I run.

It bums me out that even though I'm very healthy now, my labs are great and I very low chlorestral, my BMI still shows obese.  Very disheartening.  Okay...it makes me downright mad!  But I'll get below that someday!  Just gotta press on.

These past two years have totally been awesome.  I'm doing both road bike and mountain biking (trails), running, weight lifting, raquet ball, tennis, swimming, entering 5 & 10 k's, doing muddy buddy races, fixing to enter some bike races and training for a sprint triathalon when I turn 50.  Seems like the more athletic I become, the more confident I become at my work and personal relationships.

Yep, no doubt about it...God has blessed my socks off!

In the middle to training for the muddy buddy.  Boy is it hard work!!!  Very rewarding though.  This past weekend we rode our bikes 7.5 miles in traffic.  I was so scared!  Not of the traffic, but starting and stopping the bike!  Hubby said I did great.  I was so tired.  Definitely need to work on my stamina.

Trying to lose pounds and I just know these *&^&( carbs is what's holding me back.  Plus, working out like I do is adding pounds to me....major bummer.

I'm so grateful and blessed this Thanksgiving.  

My daughter and husband and one of our dogs did the Turkey Trot (3 miles) this morning in Downtown Dallas.  First time we ever did this.  About half way through the race I started thinking, I never could have done this last year.  I'm so amazed how far I've come in just 14 months.  This is the 4th race I've been in since my surgery.  I don't enter these races to win, I just enter to do it.  To constantly prove to myself that I can do this now.  Oh yeah, I feel shaky as all get out afterwards and the soreness is unbelieveable.  BUT TO BE ABLE TO DO IT!!!!!  That's the biggest blessing.

Since I did the 5 day pouch test, my pouch has really shrunk.  I had a nice meal today, but could not eat everything on my plate.  And I felt great!!!

I've still got a long way to go, both physically and mentally....but now I feel like I can do it.  Let me amend that.....now I feel/know that GOD and I can do this.  All of my success I owe to Him.

Thank you God for all your blessing on me and mine.  Thank you God for your continual protection over Patrick as he serves his country in Iraq.  I'm so proud of him, but still remain scared for him.  He is totally in your hands God, mama can't help him where he is now.  Protect him Lord in body, mind and spirit.  Bring him back to me safe and sound.

Amen

Well, I'm back again.  Holding at 183.5.  Too much traveling....got to get back to me again.

I've missed everyone, but everyone and everything seems so different on here now. I think maybe I've changed too.  I've gotta get a new picture on here.

Can't believe I haven't posted since May.  Time sure does fly.  I've been stuck in a rut for the past couple of months.  Too much carbs and sugar.  I can't believe I'm back to emotional eating again!!!!!

Time to kick my butt in gear and get back on the straight and narrow.

Patrick is leaving this month for Iraq.  That will drive you to drink (if only I could!!!) or at the very least eating more.

Now I know why people said to lose what you can in the first 6 months, because it certainly does get harder and time goes on.

Sept. 11 will be my one year surgiversary.  I have done good, but can do better.