tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266851176028954772011-11-27T17:25:01.658-06:00I am a Southern woman, full of sassiness and a little sprinkling of Grace. Celebrating my new life after gastric bypass surgery in February, 2009. Wow, my life is different. Join me on my journey...Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.comBlogger321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-73688791746417126462010-11-07T07:55:00.003-06:002010-11-07T08:07:52.064-06:00

Still not sure exactly what that is, but I know I am not the same person I was a year ago, or even a month ago. I have lost about 30 pounds since I went to Spain. Every time I have traveled somewhere, I have come home lighter. Can't put my finger on it, but I guess I ate better and wasn't sitting behind a desk all day. I have lost 221 pounds. More than most of my guy friends weigh. I haven't worn

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-59035395878005959342010-09-19T11:06:00.004-05:002010-09-19T11:20:28.400-05:00

I am actually finally beginning to tell a difference in myself, physically. Couple of before and after shots. Today, I had surgery 17 months ago. So I consider myself 17 months old. My life started over that day. So grateful....Still have some to go and probably some plastic surgery but so grateful to be so far from where I was before.

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-12084229641464037392010-09-19T10:35:00.004-05:002010-11-07T07:55:18.831-06:00

I've been back from Alaska for a few days now and I am still adjusting to Alabama life. This was honestly one of the best trips I have ever been on. I had been to AK before but did a cruise/tour and it was much different than this trip. We were traveling in groups of 50 vs my group of 12 this time. Much more intimate and much easier to navigate through this vast state. We had WONDERFUL weather.

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-88525885015210225182010-07-22T21:44:00.002-05:002010-07-22T22:04:35.569-05:00

So I have been back from Spain a couple of weeks now. Trying to settle back in to "real" life. The mission trip was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I can't wait to go back. I miss those kiddos like you wouldn't believe. And we all lost weight while we were there. I lost 11 pounds! Lost a few more when I got home and have now lost 201 pounds. Yeah. Crazy. I wish I could talk more

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-52284858569711210632010-04-26T21:55:00.002-05:002010-04-26T21:58:29.672-05:00

Yeah, I have done a 180. Exciting. I have officially lost 180 pounds. I know grown men who don't even weigh that much. Maybe I should find one and try to carry him around on my back all day. Then I could really see (and feel) the magnitude of what I have lost. Thankful for being given this gift. Just plain thankful.

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-49311133005558974012010-03-16T20:49:00.008-05:002010-03-16T21:25:13.223-05:00

Yikes! I can't believe I hadn't written since August. I guess that is a testament to how busy my life has been since then. I did get moved over to my new position at the church and I think I am finally getting settled. I felt like I was brand new, that I had just started at the church. I was doing two totally different jobs and I won't sugarcoat anything...it was a rough few months! I had all

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-11784686510131154572009-08-08T10:44:00.002-05:002009-08-08T11:21:06.513-05:00

We celebrated my sister's birthday last night...had a wonderful time. I have been trying to get them to eat with us at Fox Valley for years and we just never made it happen. This year, Alison mentioned going so I got us all together to go for her birthday. Mom and Alison, who aren't big seafood eaters, trusted my judgement on Fox Valley's famous crab cakes and ordered steak and cake. Dad loves

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-15481417961197330062009-08-06T19:56:00.005-05:002009-08-06T20:25:56.384-05:00

Hey folks...can't believe the last month has gone by so quickly. The summer is gone and school is about to start back. No, I don't have any kids going to school but it sure does make my commute MUCH longer. Not looking forward to having to get up earlier next week. I have realized I have really been so disconnected...to friends, to family, to coworkers and the worst of all, to church. It all

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-57288558461508115052009-07-07T19:03:00.004-05:002009-07-07T21:29:44.743-05:00

The night before surgery, February 18th, 2009. Lucy had to be in the picture, too.Taken June 29th, 2009. If you can't tell a difference, keep it to yourself. ;o)

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-78127561138886534022009-07-07T18:48:00.004-05:002009-07-07T19:01:58.070-05:00

When I am overwhelmed, the last thing I want to do is write a blog. For some, that may be the opposite, for them writing is a release. I can't organize my thoughts when I am overwhelmed! Actually, I think I am still overwhelmed but just handling it better than I have the past two months. Heard a great quote the other day and it got me thinking. "Don't make someone a priority in your life when you

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-40366804732990509182009-04-25T15:09:00.003-05:002009-04-25T15:20:45.495-05:00

On my plate! I added beef and pork to my expanding menu this week. I was so excited! I am SO TIRED OF CHICKEN! I felt like I was growing feathers out of my ears. I cooked fajitas Wednesday night with beef strips and they were so good. Thursday and Friday, I had leftover BBQ pork from Jim N Nick's. Oh boy was it good. Now I need to figure out some good, healthy recipes to incorporate my two "new"

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-73320845806682647752009-04-12T18:11:00.003-05:002009-04-12T18:25:55.891-05:00

It is Easter afternoon and I am molded into the couch. It is cloudy outside (which should make me happy) but for some reason, I have the blahs. Probably because it is Sunday which means tomorrow is Monday which means work. Woo hoo! I think I have a skin cancer place on my neck thanks to an example I saw in a magazine I was reading last night. That could also be contributing to the blahs. I am

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-22046850988895177332009-04-05T15:25:00.002-05:002009-04-05T15:32:20.414-05:00

So now that six weeks has passed, I can eat anything..well, except citrus (too acidic), sugar (can't digest well) and soda. So why am I still eating the same things? I am afraid to branch out? Some people have trouble with red meat and pork so I haven't tried those yet. I don't want to get sick but I won't ever know if I don't try them. I grilled chicken Friday night and ate maybe 5 bites and

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-50696025122483529722009-03-29T18:36:00.002-05:002009-03-29T18:43:45.194-05:00

Yep...it's been 37 days since I had surgery. I have been on the same diet for over a week now. I go to my lifetime maintenance diet next Friday-the 6 week mark. So strange to think about. I have really been on a crash course of a new life. Started out on liquids, then mushy foods, then solid foods, then meat...and next week, raw veggies and fruit. From infancy to adulthood. All in six weeks. I

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-61838788267751722692009-03-21T13:24:00.003-05:002009-03-21T13:34:48.891-05:00

I LOVE to read! I read everything I can get my hands on. I get 33 magazines a month, all subscription. Crazy...I know. I also have tons of books. Most I have read more than five or six times. They are piling up to the point I don't know what to do with them. Now, I don't want to get rid of all my books but the old Danielle Steele novels can certainly go. Lo and behold, I ran across a blurb in one

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-38530137371318817242009-03-19T21:11:00.003-05:002009-03-21T13:15:03.393-05:00

Not THAT kind of support, although it is vital to me or else, well, you don't really need me to go there...I went to my first weight loss surgery support meeting tonight. It was sooooo what I needed. What was so refreshing was the freedom I felt being in that room. I didn't have to worry about being the fattest one in the room (although I was). No one judges you. Everyone has been where you have

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-48961999556217397042009-03-16T19:17:00.003-05:002009-03-21T13:14:42.141-05:00

It has been almost 3 weeks since surgery and for the most part, I have been doing pretty well. I have tolerated meat well even if it was of the potted variety, and plan to have a "real" piece of chicken this weekend. I guess life in general could be called "trial and error." I have been doing trial and error with my meals the past few days. I have always eaten very fast...I wolfed down my food.

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-34785319682046195092009-03-05T08:49:00.003-06:002009-03-21T13:14:21.712-05:00

Day 15 after surgery is approaching. It is actually tomorrow! According to my sheet of instructions from my surgeon, I get to introduce some more things into my diet. Guess what I am most excited about??? VIENNA SAUSAGE! I haven't eaten those since I was in elementary school but now, it sounds like a steak. Not just any steak, but a gorgeous, juicy, melt in my mouth fillet. I can also have potted

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-13988287994538411742009-02-26T10:08:00.003-06:002009-03-21T13:14:00.410-05:00

I saw a Zaxby's commercial yesterday and I think I cried. I miss food. I had nine months to learn how not to miss food, but I still miss food. I am able to eat more...yogurt, scrambled eggs, applesauce, grits, even refried beans and cheese but it doesn't taste like a chicken finger. I can only eat about 6-7 baby spoonfuls of food. If I eat more than that, my tummy will hurt. I used to eat a large

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-82768614643716199632009-02-26T09:47:00.005-06:002009-03-21T13:13:30.650-05:00

One week ago today, I was waking up in recovery begging for pain and nausea medication. I never got sick but I sure felt like I would. After my wonderful nurse got everything under control, I just lay there with a damp, cool washcloth on my face, listening to the busy sounds of the post op recovery sounds all around me. My abdomen HURT but thank goodness for whatever they were giving me. I didn't

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-57919983951751269422009-02-16T21:12:00.002-06:002009-02-16T21:19:23.945-06:00

I sure haven't been on here very much! Too much going on. I have been on a liquid diet for a week and I could gnaw my arm off. I am not really hungry but there are some things I just WANT like Zaxby's chicken fingers and a cheesy pizza. Sigh....I will be so ready to eat again, even if it is pureed chicken. In two days, I am having a life changing surgery. I am ready. Past ready. I have met people

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-23718904830292758012009-01-12T21:30:00.002-06:002009-01-12T21:43:51.479-06:00

Can you tell it has taken me a while to get back into the swing of things after the holidays?!? Being off two weeks and then jumping back into a routine with both feet was not real fun. I love staying at home. I am definitely a "homebody!" Christmas was wonderful---fun times with family and friends. Finally caught up with the other half of the world and got a Wii and a Wii Fit. I can't wait to

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-87185411293092778682008-12-22T18:35:00.002-06:002008-12-22T18:37:29.817-06:00

I promise this isn't turning into a weight loss surgery blog, but my surgery date is official. February 19th, 2009. She first suggested February 12th, but since that is the Thursday before DNow, I thought my student ministry staff and crew would hang me out to dry. Would love your prayers! Lots to prepare for!

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-7224925471582467642008-12-18T20:33:00.002-06:002008-12-18T20:39:54.790-06:00

Everyone at one time or another gets one of those phone calls that will change your life. Sometimes, unfortunately more than we would like to admit, these phone calls are bringing bad news....but sometimes, they are delivering good news! I got one today...a life changing phone call. When the caller identified herself as Nancy from the surgeon's office, my heart started hammering in my chest and

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-46628155646645660492008-12-16T21:21:00.003-06:002008-12-16T21:46:43.811-06:00

Seven months ago, I made a decision that would ultimately change my life forever. For the better! I wasn't sure I wanted to throw it out there for all (five) of you to read, but I decided to...can't ask for prayer without filling you in on the details. Well, I guess I could but Jenny's post inspired me to share this with everyone for support and encouragement. I have struggled with weight all my

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-19547160373473405072008-12-15T21:33:00.002-06:002008-12-15T21:35:50.030-06:00

...is Mt. Cheaha here in lovely Alabama! Isn't it beautiful? I wish it would snow. I am in a snow deprived state...literally and figuratively. Why do I live here? Wish I was in Alaska~no really! I do!

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-36886073798820934732008-12-15T20:19:00.002-06:002008-12-15T20:24:02.322-06:00

Tonight, I finished wrapping all my presents! Yes! Between last night and tonight, I got 'er done. Now my den looks like both hall closets threw up in here but hey, I'm done. OR SO I THOUGHT! I started thinking about all the things I had wrapped and realized I am missing a few items. Three to be exact. You know, I try to be all clever and efficient, shop early and get my Christmas shopping under

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-62002310028510860662008-12-13T18:05:00.002-06:002008-12-13T18:09:52.147-06:00

and it ain't Santa! Oh my! I heard something a couple of nights ago, like something was burrowing in the 10 inches of leaves on the back deck. I scared whatever it was off and hadn't heard it again until tonight. Mark went to investigate and found a hole in the side of the chimney. YAY! Isn't that great news? We still don't know what it is but I pray he finds a new home soon. We put up a slim 7.5

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-736830257106245562008-12-10T17:08:00.003-06:002008-12-10T17:17:39.361-06:00

I love wrapping presents. It is relaxing to me...I take time with each one, making sure the ribbons hang just right, that the edges of the paper are folded under so they are even, I even use double-sided tape so it doesn't show..... BAHAHAHAH! JUST KIDDING! YEAH RIGHT! I do love wrapping...but after two or three presents I am grumbling under my breath. Most of the time, our gifts are traveling

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-62302879562340426572008-12-09T19:15:00.000-06:002008-12-09T19:20:36.581-06:00

Wednesday I have an appointment that could be a life changing moment for me! I am very nervous about it and also very excited. As I was reminded today, the nervousness and anger I feel about the whole situation is from the master of lies and I will NOT buy into that garbage!I am so thankful to be surrounded by encouraging friends and family-I didn't leave out my co-workers because I include them

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-89273494114096084142008-12-08T20:58:00.000-06:002008-12-08T21:12:28.795-06:00

One of my favorite Christmas tunes is Christmastime is Here, made popular by Charlie Brown's Christmas Special, which came on tonight by the way. I love this program, I look forward to it every year. I am amazed that it hasn't been banned since it includes the sharing of the true Christmas story. The true meaning of Christmas. Remember when Charlie gets sent out to get a big, beautiful pink

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-626685117602895477.post-77731331468570071352008-12-06T15:53:00.000-06:002008-12-08T20:57:23.755-06:00

So I have started a new bog. I have never had my own blog before. I always felt like it was weird but yet here I am, typing away! I hope you enjoy a glimpse into my life...where my husband, our crazy cat, our families, our friends and anything else in our paths may show up here. Names will always be changed to protect the innocent. Maybe. Hee hee! So....enjoy! Glad to become a part of the bloggy

Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14624257722797307764noreply@blogger.com0