I began my journey on August 26th with my first appointment with my surgeon. I weighted in at 192. I had type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

I was sleeved on October 27th and weighed in a 172 pounds. I was scared to death and praying for God to just give me strength to get through the surgery. Prior to the surgery I said faith confessions about 5 times a day to get my mind right. My surgery went well and all my prayers were answered. I had little pain, the staff treated me like I was Oprah .

I went home on October 28th. When I went for my first post-op appointment on the staff was amazed that I was driving and feeling great. The medical assistant said I should do a commercial for the surgeon. I actually felt really good except for a few pains on my left side when I stretched too far in that direction.

I returned to work on November 5th and haven't had many problems at all. I stopped taking the pain meds before returning to work. Haven't even had the need for Tylenol.

Today I'm a little over two weeks post-op and I weighed in this morning at 164 pounds. I haven't weight anywhere near 164 pounds in over 17 years. I'm so excited and grateful.

I miss food. I miss wine more than I care to admit. I struggle with wanting to eat more. It seems a bit unfair sometimes that I can only eat 1/4th cup of soup when I really want to eat the whole thing.

I eat 60-80 grams of protein by using 1-2 protein shakes a day and also adding unflavored protein to my soups.

I'm still eating mushy food but it's really not that bad. It's still food after all.

I can't wait to get back to the real food. But for now, I'm happy and joyful and can't wait to start shopping for new clothes. I hope this will happen just in time for some of the Christmas sales.

Yesterday my primary doctor told me I was "paroled". She said, "After 13 years I am paroling you from all medications." So I am free from all diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol medications. This feels better than I imagined. Although I miss going to restaurants and having big dinners with my friends and family, nothing can be more satisfying than to know I'm a disease free. My doctor also said, if I do nothing else and never lost another pound. At my current weight I have added 20 years to my life.

Well, I'm pushing for more than 20. I want to live to be 100+.
Thanks for listening, and I hope my words have inspired you to start change in your life.

Blessings~