dndenton

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November 23, 2002 

O.K. It has been a while since I have updated my profile. I have been a lurker for a very long time, and decided that I needed to start posting. Like everyone else, I have been overweight my entire life. My first diet was when I was about six years old. Does anyone remember the Aids candy diet? My mother and I went on the diet, I lost about 15lbs, and probably gained about 30 back. I remember that diet well. My sister and I use to come home from school eat dinner, and watch television. But when I started the diet, I couldn't eat until all of my favorite shows went off, which was usually about 5:00. I figured 2:30-5:00 was too long for me not to eat, and eventually I got off the diet and gained the weight back. When I was in middle school, I gained about a 100 pounds during the summer, and my body just totally shut down. I think it was in shock from carrying so much weight. I developed asthma for a number of years, gave my life over to Christ and He healed my body. I experience back and joint pain quite frequently, and I threw my back out a few times, but I am doing ok. Decided that having surgery was the way for me, and I thank God for leading me and guiding me through this journey. I am 27 years old, and a junior at ISU. I have no extreme co-morbidities, THANK GOD!!!!! Obesity runs in our family, along with a host of other medical problems. I decided that I don't want those same things to happen to me. I want to be healthy. My mother and father currently suffer from poor health. I take care of my dad on a regular basis. They are both independent, and are not totally destitute. Thank God!!! I just don't want to be in their shoes when I get older, so I am taking precautionary measures now. I don't want my children to have to take care of me. So it is important to me to make choice about living a healthy lifestyle while I am young. I haven't told to many people that I am planning to have surgery. I go with the leading of God, and I only tell people who support me. My sister knows, and she is a great support. Thinks I am obsessive sometimes about the surgery, but wants me to be happy. For right now, that's about all I have told.

 

 

 

I have been inspired by many people on this site, too many to list. I enjoy reading the stories of real people who have been so successful. I admire you all, and pray that God blesses you on your journey. There are a few websites sponsored by Sharon Bishop, and Angela Armstrong that have been very helpful to me. If you see any of these lovely ladies profile you can just click on their names to go to their websites. It has been a wonderful support for Christians inquiring about WLS. I also joined the support group called the bandsters at yahoo. They have been a great source of information for those of us who are choosing the adjustable gastric band, aka lap band. I have been extremely blessed by the website of Wendy Bushen. For me, she expressed just how you feel, the anxieties, highs and lows. So many others have done that as well, but hers just stands out particularly with me. God Bless you Wendy. He did just what He said, and bought you through the surgery. He has begun a good work in you, and He will finish it.

 

 

 

Also, I recently started a new job and my co-worker had wls surgery. God has blessed her, and she is doing extremely well. Her happiness shows from the inside out. She has even told me about her experience with insurance approval. It went really smooth, and I pray that mine will be the same. God Bless you Cindy C. Well, I have already written a book, and I don't think that's to bad for my first entry. God Bless you all.

 

 

 

November 26, 2002

 

 

 

Hi All!!! I had no intention of updating my profile on today, but as luck would have it; I am here. Any who, I am getting settled into my new job. Everybody is so nice and a joy to be around. I am just ecstatic. The holidays are a festive time and on my job we eat a lot!!! :-) We have about a million parties, but who's counting. (actually it is really nice, we get to fellowship with everyone!!) I will begin the process for wls at the beginning of the new year. I am not into resolutions, but I figure I will enjoy the holidays one last time before I have surgery. I am going for the agb. I would appreciate any stories from fellow agb'ers. I have been doing a lot of research on the net, and I have only found a few websites where actual people are telling their story. If any of you know of such a site, please drop me a line. My email is listed above. I am way behind in my homework, and if I don't get it down over the weekend I won't be able to go to any of the parties. (pooh :-() I guess that's the price you pay for getting an ejumakashen!!! :-) Other than that, life is good, and I am grateful to God for whose I am, what I have, and people to share it with. Be thankful for all that God has given you or not, and have a Happy Turkey Day!!! God Bless.

 

 

 

December 5, 2002

 

 

 

Hi All:

 

 

 

It has been a while since I checked in. I have done a few things. I called my surgeon and scheduled an appointment to do a consultation. Sue, the receptionist told me that we have to go to a class explaining all the surgeries. I told her that I have been researching the topic for over a year, but she said it was mandatory and that all new patients had to attend. So my appointment isn't until Feb of 2003. That is a long while, but I am not complaining. The consultation date will be in March. That's not too bad, it gives me time to prepare my medical files. On the upside, Sue told me that my insurer is easy to work with. Whoo Hoo!! It may not be approval, but at least that is a step in the right direction. My doctor is Dr. Gomez. He is a good surgeon, and Chief of Trauma at IU. He does the lap band also. I still can't decide between Roux en Y or the lap band. I believe that I will have to have the surgery open. I would prefer lap, but I understand there are usually more complications, and surgeon's have to revert to the open procedure anyway. Perhaps some of you lap post-ops could give me the benefit of your experiences. I am not going to stress though, I will just let the Lord lead me. Anyways, I have such a peace about this surgery, much more now, than when I first found this website a year ago. I am glad to be making this journey. I will update later. God Bless you all.

 

 

 

December 12, 2002

 

 

 

Hi all. I thought I had better check in. It has been a week, so I was due to report. Let's see. Well last week, I went to the memorial page. I know... I know what you are going to say, but I went anyway. Actually, this wasn't my first time, but I went there voluntarily to find out the complications some of our brother's and sister's suffered. I will admit that people who are new to the site should stay away from this page. My experience there this time was totally different. I went their as a learner. I gleaned a lot, things that I am prepared to handle because family members chose to share their loved ones stories. God Bless You!!! If I would have went there a year ago, I would have been totally freaked out, but I thank God that he has taken away the spirit of fear, and I am not worrying about dying, because I shall live and not die, I shall live to declare the works of the Lord. And when you are too busy living, you can't die.

 

 

 

O.K. So I started my research about lap band doctors. It has taken me all the way to KY. If any of you folks in the Louisville area has had the lap band please let me know what you think of the doctors. Also, what does the little red dot by the doctor's name mean? Drop me a line if you know the answer or information to assist a sister. The consultation fee for all of the doctors in KY is $240. I was like DANG!!!!!! Shoot, that is a lot of money. Thank God my insurance covers it. :-) I have consultation in Feb of 2003 for a doc in Indy, and one for May 2003 for a doc in Louisville, I am just waiting to see what is going to happen. Also, if any folks in the Chicago area have had the lap band, please let me know about the doctors there as well.

 

 

 

Finals are kicking my butt, but I am kicking there's right back. Thankful to God that my instructor gave me an extension, and that I can get a couple of things completed by the weekend.

 

 

 

Well, that's about it for me now. I am supposed to go to a Christmas Party at work on Sunday. It will be nice to go and just mingle with folks. I love to fellowship. God Bless you all until we talk again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 27, 2002

 

 

 

I haven't added an update in a while. I can't believe that I let Christmas pass by without speaking to all my buddies. Please forgive me, and I hope that you did have a Merry Christmas. Mine was kind of hectic. I spent Christmas Eve and Day buying and wrapping gifts. I must say that everyone was pleased. My brothers are visiting me, and we are all having a good time. I was scheduled to work today, and to my surprise mostly everyone in my section came also. I am glad it is Friday, although it feels like Monday. Alright... I have found a doctor in my network who will perform the lap band in KY. He is the head of the department, and teaches everyone about the surgery. I don't remember if I told you all that or not. Any who, I am still getting my paperwork and stuff together. My doctor who had all of my other medical files, has retired. God knows I hope I can find out where my files are. I have more energy some days, I attribute that to my new job, and the light walking I have to do. It is good, I am going to seriously try to lose about 20-30 pounds before I have the surgery. If anyone has any suggestions, please email me. It is difficult to lose weight, but not impossible. I haven't made up my mind when I should start, but I know it is going to be soon.

 

 

 

Good news... my back hasn't been hurting as it usually does!! :-)Thank God!!! Nothing much new to report, oh yes... I got an "A" in one of classes, and I am waiting to finish the other three. I anticipate on getting "A's" again, and then on to my scholarship for the Honor Society and Dean's List.

 

 

 

My birthday will be 12/31/02. It is hard to believe that I will be 28. I thank God that I am almost there. It helps me to reflect on the things that are going on in my life. Funny, most people reflect at the end of the year anyways, but I always do because it is my birthday. Nevertheless, I have seen the realization of one dream come true and that is going to school, now is the set time for me to lose weight. I am glad that I have made it this far, and I am glad that God is leading me to this journey. I want to give a shout out to my girl Nikki, for supporting me in the surgery. She is my best friend and is great encouragement. It really does mean a lot to have the support of family and friends.

 

 

 

One more thing, I watched a gastric bypass operation on MSNBC last night. The show highlighted two candidates male and female who are doing just great. They actually covered a few people, married couples, and those who had children after the surgery. Everyone is doing fine. It is good to see that more news television shows are dedicating air time to the subject of weight loss surgery. I hope they add more post-ops who have had the lap band. Ok... I am sorry about the book, but I had to catch you guys up. :-)

 

 

 

Love you and God Bless.

 

 

 

December 31, 2002

 

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! Today is my 28th birthday. I can hardly believe it. I am so happy that I made it to this day. I am thankful to God for bringing me to end of one year and the beginning of the next. I have been up since early this morning, and I have been reviewing profiles on this wonderful site. Just glad to be here, and thankful to be alive. While I was reviewing profiles, I was thinking to myself that I am glad that I am on this journey, and I am asking God to do whatever HE wants to do in my life, and I am asking HIM to teach me what I need to learn on this journey. I am taking the limits off of HIM, and I want HIM to do whatever glorious thing HE wants too.

 

 

 

In celebration of my birthday, I think that my family has planned to get me a birthday cake this time. Every year I have a birthday, and I never get a cake. This is the only time of the year that I ask for a gift, but for sometime now I haven't received a cake. Every year I don't get one, I always talk about it for the whole year until my next birthday. Well this year, I am hoping to get one. It's not about the cake, but it's the principle!!! :-)

 

 

 

My birthday is the same time every year, the date don't change. Somebody could get me a cake. Any who.... I can go on and on about this subject. If my family were here, they would nod their heads in agreement.

 

 

 

I am truly happy today, and I hope that you all enjoy the day, stay safe, and Thank God for leading you through this year, and ask HIM to lead you through 2003.

 

 

 

Love you and God Bless.

 

 

 

January 18, 2003

 

 

 

Well, well, well!!!! Let's see, so many things have happened. On my birthday, my family threw me a surprise party. It was so great... I had cake, ice cream, a banner, and balloons. It was the best party I had. I was so shocked and surprised. We all had a great time.

 

 

 

I went to visit my mom earlier this month. It was just to take my brothers back home from visiting with us during the holidays. We started talking about the changes she had been making in her diet. She is doing really well. She has a lost a total of 19lbs in about two weeks. Anyways, we began to talk about the surgery and all of the benefits. Now this is a big thing because my mother has been in the medical field for 32 years, and she was totally against this surgery. Like I use to be. We kept on talking and she was telling me how she was considering the surgery. I was like really. I was like Praise God because I am going to have it. I couldn't believe it. She has even had a consultation, and getting the ball rolling. It is so good to have her support. Initially, I wasn't going to tell her until after I had the surgery. But Praise God, I have someone I can talk to, and she has the same in me. I am thrilled for the both of us, and I am so glad that God is leading the both of us on this journey. For those of us who are having this surgery, support of our family and friends is really important. I am asking God to teach me about myself on this journey, and to help me deal with issues now. I want to handle things differently, and not use food as a crutch. I want to use this tool of wls to best of it's ability, and to the best of my ability. I am deciding to make a change in my diet now, or as mother calls it "behavior modification". Making these adjustments now will help me be more successful in this journey.

 

 

 

I have decided to have the gastric bypass. I am at peace with my decision. After researching the lap band some more, I decided that it wasn't going to give me the results that I am expecting. So I have changed my doctor to Dr. Margaret Inman, and scheduled my consultation date in February. Things are getting underway. I was told by her office that surgery dates are given 6-8 months after the consultation date. I would prefer to have the surgery during the summer, but God knows best, and who knows I might have it sooner.

 

 

 

School has started, and I am right back in the thick of things trying to get my homework done. But God is helping me along the way. It is snowing here today, I am staying in and enjoying the day. I got a new computer, and I am loving it. All in all things are going well. Pray for me and mother. As we pray for you all. God Bless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 8, 2003

 

 

 

My login states that it has been 21 days since I have spoken with my fellow peers, so allow me to catch you guys up.

 

 

 

First my mother was scheduled to have the surgery on Jan. 31, but it was cancelled. So I came back to work, and she called and said that had rescheduled her for Feb. 5th. The cancellation bug must of been going around, because my doctor called me and rescheduled my consultation for March 17, a month later. Go figure... I am not to upset about it, I figure it is all in God's timing... okay now back to the story.

 

 

 

I drove up last week so that we could prepare for her surgery. Here are a few accounts of her day.

 

 

 

We arrived at the hospital around 8:15 that morning. The nurse took her vital signs, and when it was time for her to go into surgery the nurse began her IV, and gave her a shot of heparin. After that she was wheeled to surgery pre-op and we waited for the anesthesiologist to speak with her. The doctor was running behind, and she didn't get to surgery until 1:15. I was told that the surgery would last about five hours. In all of my research I have never heard of this surgery taking so long, but my mom seemed to be comfortable with it, and she was my main concern. I was scared, but praying all the way. God is good, and HE saw her through the surgery just fine. She had no complications. She is still in there, but is expected to go home on Sunday. She was excited, but peaceful all through out. She says she has had no pain from the surgery, only her back hurt a lot. But I just thank God that she is doing so well. I took some pictures before the surgery. 

 

 

 

It is different when the surgery takes place in your own back yard. I was excited for my mother, and thankful that she went so well through the surgery. Grateful to God, and excited for myself because I am next. I am trying very hard to monitor my eating habits, it is difficult, but God is helping me, teaching me, and showing me things about myself. My mother has been a great help too.

 

 

 

My life is pretty much the same. School is hectic, work is hectic, but things are getting better. Just wanted to share with you guys the great things that God is doing in my life and my mother's. Excited all the time about this surgery, and I can't wait until I am a LOSER.

 

 

 

God Bless You All.

March 12, 2003

 

 

 

Yeah, Yeah Yeah!!!!! I know it's been a while, but it really has been busy on my job.  O.K.  Let's start with school shall we... I have a 4.0 gpa and I am getting inducted into the Honor Society later this month.  Isn't that great!!!! I was so thrilled when they told me.  :-) I guess those all-niters really paid off.  I am truly excited, and thank God for all HE is doing in my life.  Work-- is great!!!! I got a wonderful performance appraisal, and I just simply love working at my job.  I also had several projects that tested my creative side, and I am glad to say that I passed with flying colors.  I had to design a brochure for a local organization, and they simply loved it. I got to advertise my company, and get some business. 

 

 

 

My mother is doing well.  She has lost a total of 40lbs (pre-op and post-op).  My sister and I got her a digital scale and telephone for her birthday.  She turned 50.  She was estactic.  Two of the things that she wanted most.  Anywho, she is doing great, loving life, and excited about what God is doing in her life as well. 

 

 

 

I had my consultation with Dr. Inman on Monday.  She was simply great.  Very knowledgable, and accurate with her responses.  She told me that I would have to have the procedure open.  I knew this one already.  Not a shocker.  However, there was a shocker-she told me that my scar would be alot smaller because she has smaller hands. I was like THANK GOD!!!!  Plus, when I weighed in, I had only gained 10lbs.  Now, I know I gained, but it has been over a two year period.  I think that is simply MARVELLOUS!!!! Whoo Hoo!!!  I am having my paperwork processed for insurance approval.  I am asking everyone to please pray for me.  Also, my best friend came with me; she was a great support.  I am just so HAPPY!!! God is doing great things in my life.  I am walking more, eating less, and loving life.

 

 

 

Please pray for me, as I will for you.  God Bless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 3, 2003

 

 

 

Well Folks!!!! I know I have been away for a long time, but it has been really hectic in my life.  Finals are coming up, and I am at my wits end.  I got denied for surgery because I don't have any extreme co-morbidities.  I am young so I wouldn't expect to have any at this early age, I don't want to have a bad heart, diabetes, or high blood pressure.  HELLO!-that's why I want the surgery so I won't get those things.  I am twice the weight I should be, but my insurance company says that I am not a good candidate.  Can you believe that?  I surely couldn't.  I practically have to be dying to have this surgery.  I am little discouraged, but I am still praying and thanking God because I will have this surgery.  I am doing an appeal letter.  If you guys have any bright ideas, please send me an email. 

 

 

 

I got an award for who's who among colleges and universities, and I hope to get a 4.0 this sememster.  Keep your hands folded and say a prayer for me.  I am not taking classes in the summer, I am pooped.  I told my co-workers all I want to do is lie in the bed, look up at the ceiling and not think about nothing.   :-)

 

 

 

My mother is doing extremely well.  I have traveled back home a couple of times and she is getting smaller and smaller.  She tries to do to much, but my siblings and I always tell her to take it easy.  On my last visit, I raided her closet and took back some of my old clothes that I gave her.  She can't fit them anymore, and I was glad to have them back.  I realized that I don't have half of the clothes that I used to have.  I used to be a closed fiend until I got bigger.  I also realized that I have been waiting to have this surgery so that I can live my life.  I need to live my life right now.  So... I am buying more clothes, and treating myself alot better.  I have resolved in my own mind and heart that if I don't have the surgery I will be ok.  For a moment there, I didn't like who I was, but now I am learning to love myself.  It's taking some time, but I am getting better everyday.  Yes, I still want the surgery, I need the surgery.  But I am still going on with my life, and I am loving it.

 

 

 

You all be sure to say a prayer for me, as I will you.

 

 

 

God bless us all.

June 14, 2003

 

 

 

I am sorry that it has been so long, since I have spoken to you all.  My life has been hectic with work and trying to get approval for this surgery.  I honestly don't know why it is so hard for me to get approval.  I believe that I have done everything God wants me to do, but perhaps He is not finished with what HE needs to do.  I am weary at times, but I don't loose heart, and I don't loose faith.  I truly believe that God is going to bring me through.  I know all of you who have battled, or are battling with your insurer know exactly what I mean.  I pray that God encourages your heart, and I pray that you keep the faith.  God is not a liar, and HIS Word cannot return void, I know, I am a product of HIS Word and so are you.

Be Blessed.  :-)

July 30, 2003

 

 

 

Ok folks.  I just wanted to drop in for a few seconds and give you all an update.  I recently submitted my paperwork for appeal to my insurer.  Please pray for me, as I am praying for the approval of this surgery.  I got my c-pap machine earlier this month and have been officially diagnosed with sleep apnea.  Not that this is a good thing, but this should be enough to meet surgery approval.  Like I stated earlier, you think with everything else that would have been enough.  At any rate, that's about it.

 

 

 

I am enjoying the summer break from school, and looking forward to surgery approval.  Please continue to pray for me, as I will all of you.

 

 

 

God Bless.

 

 

 

November 1, 2003-EXTREMELY LONG POST

 

 

 

I know that it has been a long time since I have posted.  There are so many things that I need to let my AMOS Family know.  This will be a long post so please bear with me. 

 

 

 

As you all know, I was awaiting insurance approval from my second appeal letter. Well, finally they saw how much I needed this surgery and APPROVED ME!!! Can we say Hallelujah?  :-)  I was just so thrilled at the news.  Everything has went fast from that point on. I had a barage of pre-op tests and glad to say that I passed them all.  I am currently awaiting my surgery, which I found out will be November 21.  Talking about fast.  I have so much to do.  I am nervous and excited all at the same time.  I have prayed for this day for so long, and I am grateful to God to bringing me to it and through it. 

 

 

 

I am having my profile spruced up, and I recently sent in a pic so you all will know who you are talking too.  You all can also visit our ministry website at: http://groups.msn.com/FIREMINISTRIES.  We would love to have you all to visit. 

School

School is great.  I did have five classes, but dropped down to four.  It was stressing me out and I needed to let that one go.  I will take it in the Spring after surgery. I will be graduating in May 2004.  I can hardly believe it myself.  I will have a couple of more classes to finish up in December.  I am just excited and happy about what God is doing in my life.  I am glad that He is faithful even when we are not.  I am planning to start grad school by the end of the summer in School Counseling.  I plan to combine my undergrad degrees in Career and Technical Education, and Human Resources to mentor children in Career Counseling and entering college.  I think it will be a great match.  I would like to be director of a Career Counseling Department when searching for my career opportunities.  I am looking foward to moving to a warmer climate.

 

 

 

Work

 

 

 

My how the time flies.  I will have been on my job for a year on the 11th.  I have been blessed with a great opportunity to gain so my experience in my job.  It has benefited me greatly.

 

 

 

I finally had enough nerve to tell my boss about the surgery.  She was very supportive and wished me the best.  I thank God for HIS favor.  :-)

 

 

 

Family

 

 

 

Well, my mom had the surgery back in February. She is doing absolutely great.  :-)  She walks about three miles in the neighborhood, and is more energetic and active than she has been in years.  Her health has improved and she is loving life. She lost over 120 lbs.  WOW!!!!  I can't wait to be like her.

 

 

 

Well, maybe this post isn't that long after all.  I just wanted to let you all know what was happening.  I am so sorry about waiting so long to update.  Currently, I am working on finising my homework before the end of the sememster so I can take the rest of the time to recuperate. (sp?)  I wish you all God's Blessing as you go about your journeys.

 

 

 

God Bless You All.

 

 

 

-Danielle

 

 

 

December 3, 2003

 

 

 

Hi All.  I am officially post-op.  It is like a dream come true.  I never thought I would be able to say those words.  My surgery went well.  I had no complications.  Dr. Inman and the staff at St. Vincent's Carmel is simply superb.  They are just great!!! I can't say enough about them.  I am eating fine.  Sometimes it feels like I didn't have the surgery.  I didn't have to have a drain.  The doc says I didn't need one.  Who would have thunk it.  :-) 

 

 

 

Anywho, I am resting up.  I have spurts of energy and other times I just feel like I am tired.  I know it's normal.  I am trying to up the protein and water.  It's not easy, but sooo worth it.  I did develop a wound infection, but the doc says it is normal, and they put me on antibiotics.  I don't regret this decision not one little bit. I am sssssssssssssooooooooooooooo grateful to God for His faithfulness.  I am thankful for getting through the surgery, and the support of family and friends.  I am just so excited and happy to be on the losing side.

 

 

 

Sometimes, I do worry that I won't be able to lose the weight.  It hasn't been 2 weeks, but yet I worry.  I know that I am probably losing, I just need to keep my focus on God, and let Him do the rest.  My sister and dad tell me that they can see a difference.  Sometimes I think I see a difference, then other times I just don't know.  I know, I am basically tripping, and probably a month from now I will look back at this entry and laugh.  I am just so excited to be amongst the post-ops.  I just wish all the best for my WLS friends, and remember to keep your hands in God hands, because there is nothing to hard for Him. 

 

 

 

God Bless.

 

 

 

December 28, 2003

 

 

 

Hi All.  I thought I had better update.  I have lost 36lbs in three weeks.  Can you believe it?  Whoo Hoo!!!!  I was just so excited.  I went for my post-op appointment and the doc's assistant weighed me.  I wasn't even a month post-op.  Talk about exciting.  I can tell that my clothes are loser.  They fit like they are supposed to.  I am just amazed at this progress.  I go back to work next week, so I am trying to get a few things finished up. 

 

 

 

I have had a few problems with eating to fast.  Hard habit to break, nevertheless I am working on it.  They weren't kidding when they tell you to eat slow.  Chew your food really slow because it will come back up.  Sorry if that is gross, but we need to keep it real.  Other than that, things are great. 

 

 

 

God Bless.

 

 

 

March 12, 2004

 

 

 

You know how you say you won't be one of those people who never update their profiles----> ;-)  All I can say folks is that I am sorry that I have so much energy that sitting in the computer to update my profile has become secondary.  For this I am truly sorry.  I can tell you all that I have lost 75lbs at 3.5 months post-op.  Can we say Hallelujah to the King?  I am sooooooooooooo happy!!!!!  I walk up the stairs without being out of breath, I can walk all over the mall and Wal-Mart without being tired.  I am just thrilled. 

 

 

 

I graduate in May.  I was inducted into another honor society.  Start this Fall on my Master's Degree.  I am thrilled, excited and grateful to my God for doing what He says He is going to do.  I wish all of my Pre & Post-op sisters and brothers well.

 

 

 

God Bless You!!!

 

 

 

April 12, 2004

 

 

 

Happy Easter to All!!!

 

 

 

I just wanted to drop you all a line to let you know that things are going great.  I am now at a total loss of 100lbs.  Hallelujah!!  Glory to God.  I am graduating in May, and couldn't be happier.  This is the second best choice I have made in my life.  The first being surrending to the will of the Father!!!!  :-)  I just to encourage my pre-op sisters and brothers on today.  I pray that God blesses you and know that your change will come.  Put God first, and watch it happen.

 

 

 

Love you all and God Bless

 

 

 

July 20, 2004

 

 

 

Hi All!!!  :-)  I finally got my profile updated.  Leigh Ann did a great job.  Thanks ever so much.  I will be eight months on tommorrow and I have officially lost 135 pounds.  All praises to the King.  I am doing fine, trying to lose more weight.  Trying to be more active and watch what I eat.  Remember post-ops it is a tool, and very easy to fall back into old habits.  I ask God to help me with my habits and for the most part he keeps me in check. 

 

 

 

I hope and pray that you all are doing well.  I will be sending a new picture to update along with my progress.  I want to lost 30lbs by September and I will send in some Fall photos.  In the picture with the red jacket I had lost 100+ lbs. 

 

 

 

It is my goal to be 170 lbs and a size 14.  I have about 170lbs to go.  Pleae pray with me as there is nothing impossible with God.

 

 

 

I pray God's blessings upon you all.

 

 

 

Until next time.

 

 

 

-Danielle

 

 

 

August 16, 2004

 

 

 

Hi All:  I just wanted to drop a quick line and say hello.  I went back and read my posts from earlier.  I was laughing at myself because everytime I would write an update I would say that my life is hectic, and that I was sorry for posting so late.  Anywho, that was just my own observation.  Things are going well.  I started a new job last week.  I love it.  Lots of walking on this job, and for the first time in  a long time, I can say I don't mind it.  I have lost a total of 148lbs and steadlily trying to lose more.  As always I am thankful to God for what He does and how He does it. 

 

 

 

I am still in school, and things are going fine.  Not stressed out and glad about that.  All is well.  I am coordinating a wedding, first one, not my plan, but it is working out really good.  Excited to be able to help the SOG's (that's Saints of God :-) )  Anywho, I will be sending in a new photo at the end of September.  I want to drop another 20-30 pounds so you all can see the changes.

 

 

 

I pray that you all continue to blessed as you go about your journies.  May God bless and keep you is my prayer.

 

 

 

Until next time,

-Danielle

 

 

 

September 24, 2004

 

 

 

Hi All:

 

 

 

I just wanted to check in and see how my favorite group is doing. I am doing fine and feeling great.  Started a new job back in August.  It's my field of HR.  I am a training coordinator for a major pharmaceutical company.  As of today, I have lost 157lbs.  Can we say Hallelujah?  :-)  I am so grateful to God and all that He has done and continues to do in my life.  I am just blessed and sold out for Jesus.  If you need a life changing surgery, allow daddy God to do surgery on your heart.  I gurantee it will change your life.  I hope and pray that you all are doing well and may you be blessed of the Lord and highly favored according to His Word.

 

 

 

God Bless

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 15, 2004

 

 

 

WOW!!!!  I come to the site almost every day, but hadn't realized that I didn't update my profile since September.  So here goes.  I am fastly approaching my anniversary date of Nov. 21.  So far I have lost 165lbs.  I am thrilled but would love to lose five more pounds before my anniversary date.  I pray that I will, but if not I am blessed and won't and will not complain.  My other mini goal is to be below 300 before the new year.  I am working on this one especially.  The scale hasn't said below 300 since my elementary days.  So a sister has been waiting a long time. 

 

 

 

I am just so happy with my progress, and I am so pleased to be able to share in your journey'