Hard to believe it has been over 1.5 years since I last posted an update. And over 2.5 years since I entered the OR. Time flies! I mad my goal Weight of 150 in the fall off 2010 and some how was not able to stop til recently at 138ish. I am not complaining but I miss my curves. I never sought out to be skinny just healthy. I was tired of being limited by my weight. Going to theme parks and not being able to fit on rides, or going to the mountains and not having the energy to hike or enjoy a ropes course. And the fact that society felt I wasn't good enough was hard at times especially being in the business I am in, hearing a million times you would be so pretty if you just lost weight. But that is over and done with now. Life has changed so much since I started this journey in 2009. Slowly life has settled back to normal, and most importunity I have found my way back home.

So many opportunities opened up to be because my confidence emerged! I found the woman that had been locked away. Well enough talk here are some updated pics from some shoots!

Me and my incredible sons!!!

2009-current

1 year and 100+ Down!!!

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!

So it has been just over a year since I checked in at Evans and had my stomach rearranged.... can you believe it? One year ago I had Gastric Bypass, the life changing decision I am so glad I made! I am happy to say I feel healthy, energetic, and happy! And down 105 lbs! When i weighed in this morning I weighed 161... I weighed 266 a year ago. So much had changed since then We moved to Japan and had to say see ya later to so many people I love and miss, although I have gotten to visit some when I traveled back it is the only thing that makes me sad. I want to share my time with all of the wonderful supportive friends back in the states. But I have made some great friends here as well that have helped me in my journey and I am so thankful for them as well! God has truly blessed me in my life!

Next entry will be in 21 lbs when I am at my goal weight! See you then!

PICS!

Me at 163... Size 8!

(yea the smallest thing I own.. I wear a 10/12 really, but I was excited!!

I never remember wearing an 8 EVER!!)

I wasn't mad.. just didn't know the picture

was about to be taken, the smiling one was blurry.

But I like this dress.. may go back and get it.

In Seattle @ 173 lbs (sz 14)

Diva Diary Entry 9..LOL

Heeeeeeey!! What's up everyone! So this is my 9th post for Shrinking Diva and 9 is also the sum of my current weight!! As of this morning I weigh 180! That is 86 lbs down since June.

I cannot explain how good I am feeling about this! And i finally feel like it is showing. I know everyone else has seen it more then me, but I really see it now! I run into people I have met during my earlier months in Okinawa and they have been noticing too. I have already lost 46 since I got on island in August. I have been back in the Gym since New Years every weeknight and last Saturday I started with a trainer who is kicking my butt, but I can feel it so he is doing something right!! I never knew I could work out that hard and still be breathing! I am feeling good about my new found strength and abilities, like I did pull ups for the first time ever, even when I was younger and smaller I could never do them! I am so much closer to my goal! Just have to decide what that goal is now. it was 140 but I am looking better then I thought at 180 that 150 may be the magic #.

I do have to admit I have developed a little bit of a shopping problem... yea not so good, but at least I am making money to support the new habit! I love being able to fit cute clothes and not have to choose from the 3 shirts that look ok in my old size.

Well this is just a short updat, I am doing a pin-up/50's shoot Sunday so I will have really awesome pics in the next entry!! One of my Fav Photographers Eboh Ajeroh is doing them and I am excited, and no they are not the boudoir or sexy kind. I will be fully clothed! ;) you know you were thinking it.

Well I am out!! Luv y'all!

NEW PICS!!!

6 months already???

Sooooo.. it has been 6 months since the surgery and I feel amazing although the loose skin is aggravating I know in time things with "pull" together! LOL I am down to 193 as of today, that is 73 lbs down and only 53 to go and out of the 200s for EVER!!!!!!! and I can now wear a size 14!! I was in a size 24 when I went in for surgery! I starting going to the gym which the first week I was pumped and now I am forcing myself to go, but I know it is worth it! I even ran!! those of you on my facebook already heard all about it! Business is going amazing I have incredible clients out here! I am loving life! Here are a few pics of my progress and some of the family, too! They are doing awesome btw Cam and X are doing awesome in school. And well Ace is being 3... nuff said right?? Pray for me!! LOL Well I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and we miss all you back in the states!!

PICTURES!!!!

Me and CC after a Salsa Lesson!

our boys~~

The Family!

now

All the below where taken in the past few months (15- 20 lbs ago)

In Shock!!

I am so happy to report I am now 50lb down!!! I am amazed! that is half of a hundred and almost half way there!! Just about 60 more lbs and I will be at my goal! I my dip lower since it is said you gain some back. But I feel so blessed that I was able to have the surgery and get my life back! I never know how good it would feel to be where I am. On another note I am happy to report I really enjoy Japan. The culture is amazing, friendly and always smiling. I have felt so at ease. The only thing that saddens me is I miss all my friend and family. I miss my church! We found one we like here and they have so many of the values and wording as my church home but it is still not home. I am glad we found one we like already that holds true to the word so far and that is inviting. Well this is shot for now since I have no PC in our home but as soon as we do I will be posting more often and writing more as well!

67 day post op.....

Woohoo I am finally under 230!! 224 to be exact! And I can see it, I hit it a few weeks back and even though I have not lost anything since I can see my body catching up to the weight loss!! And even though I still am not in smaller jeans.. I was pushing it in my old jeans, they sure look better on. Anyhow I am so happy I have such supportive friends and family that make me feel loved and encouraged! '

We are now in Seattle til the 19 and then we start a new chapter in Japan! We miss our friends/family back in CO so much! I had a lot of swelling some of you had read and it is thought the low protein was the cause. I am much better now and those 6 lbs were just water retention!

I started doing the Jillian Michael's 30-day Shred and I am feeling it I missed today but first thing in the morning I am doing! I can't believe it took me 2 months to update i will do better.. our place in Japan is ready to move into and most of our furniture will be there before me and the boys join CC. Hopefully our express shipment makes it soon!

Things have been good for the most part. We did however loose our pastor about a week ago he was an awesome man of God and like a dad, we called him Papa Joe and I know he is in a better place and feeling good and cancer free but I still miss him and the thought of not hearing him preach or call and check on me making sure I am doing right hurts my heart, I know that is selfish of me but it is the truth. He will be missed by so many who loved him. I am sad i was not able to afford to fly back for his coming home.

Well I am off to bed soon! Thanks for reading!

Before around 266ish.................

After at about 240ish............................Yesterday 224ish..........................

11 days post op...

I had my GB 11 days ago and I cannot believe how good I am feeling! I mean I get tired easier.. but hey I am on liquids... I have been able to do most things I normally do. Got a Pedi with a great friend, went to VBS all week, shopped, went to dinner with my sister.. although I cannot eat I still enjoy having dinner or in my case tea with my people! Anyhow lets get to the #'s as of now... I am 243 I was 266 when they weighed on Thursday (the 4th) I am surprised I have lost so much and as soon as I am below 230 I will really getting excited!! I had been around 235 after having Ace and last year as well after killing myself in the gym and eating cardboard!

I am not hungry but food smells, looks, and sounds good! I am on a full liquid diet for 10 more days and then it is on to 3 weeks of soft food. Finally around 6-8 weeks I will get to eat real food but only 1oz per meal. But I will be full so it isn't too bad a deal!

I went to the docs a few days ago and everything is healing quickly and the nurse was really surprised how well I was healing and how well I was feeling, I am hardly using the pain med they prescribed as well! WOOHOO!

Well there is my update!