My Weight Loss Journey Began

I just realized that today is March 11th. Last year on March 11th, I spent most of the day at the Barix Clinic in Langhorne, PA for my pre-admission testing. I was scheduled for gastric bypass surgery on March 26th, and I was petrified that my doctor was going to cancel my date. When I went for my initial appointment, naturally, they weighed me. I weighed a lot. A whole lot. A whole lot more than I thought I did. A whole lot more than I ever thought I would. And certainly a whole lot more than anyone should. That was in November 2008. My surgeon, Dr. Pupkova told me I had to lose 5 pounds before surgery. But, instead of losing 5, I had gained 20 pounds.

She did not cancel the surgery, but I was informed that I'd better get to losing. The reason the doctor wanted me to lose a little weight prior to gastric bypass is to reduce some of the fat around my liver. Dr. Pupkova prefers to do this procedure laparoscopically, and without some weight loss, she would have to do an open procedure. Believe me, I didn't want that!

It's amazing what a difference a year makes. Last year, I hoped I would lose 100 pounds. So far, I have lost 126. Last year, I wore size 4X sweatpants. This year, I can fit into one leg (yes, I still have them as a reminder of how far I've come). Last year, I couldn't walk up the stairs in my house or around the block without having to stop and catch my breath. This year, I'm walking 60 miles in 3 days to help end breast cancer. Last year, I wouldn't have even tried!

Thank you family and friends for supporting me and cheering me on!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, I am happy to report that the snow on my front lawn is almost completely melted. There's talk of snow tomorrow or Thursday - naturally, I am not thrilled about it. Still, my favorite TV weatherman promises spring is just around the corner, and I am looking forward to being a training walk leader in my area. Of course, I'm not entirely sure what that exactly entails, but when I find out next Tuesday night, I will be sure to report back to you.

So, besides being swamped at my fabulous day job, I have been busy with fundraising for the 3 Day Walk. This past Sunday, I hosted a Pampered Chef fundraiser at my home. By doing the party, I've earned a boatload of free products which I am going to raffle off to help raise the money to meet my $2300 goal. Click Here if you would like help me out by placing an order. If you can't place an order right now, do not worry. I love the Pampered Chef so much, that I am signing on as a consultant. It combines two of my loves - cooking and public speaking. Let me know if you are interested in booking a party. I will donate a portion of my commission to the cause, and you will get a ton of free products. But again, do not worry, I will probably ask you anyway.

Also on the fundraising front, is my team's magazine fundraiser. (Granted, right now the team is just my friend, Helen, and me, but we hope to gain some more Philly Girls for the Cure members during our training walks.) Here's how it works: When you buy, renew or extend your favorite magazine subscriptions on our online store, up to 40% of each purchase goes back to Philly Girls for the Cure! We offer over 650 magazine titles at up to 85% off the newsstand prices and the opportunity to buy online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And magazines are a great gift idea! If you have not already done so, I hope that you will take a few minutes of your time to help support us. Just click here to go to our online magazine store and help support the cause!

Lastly, I wanted to ask for your help starting on March 15th. I am doing a fundraiser with InsiderPages.com and hope to raise $500. Basically, all you have to do is sign up on my page, and write reviews of local businesses. For each review you write, Insider Pages donates money in my name to the Susan G. Komen 3 Day and that money goes toward my $2300 goal. Please take a minute to check it out. This fundraiser runs from March 15th through April 3rd. It doesn't matter if you live in Philadelphia or Florida or North Carolina or even Poughkeepsie , I just need reviews! If you could help me raise $500, I would be well on my way. But wait until March 15th! Insider Pages will only pay for reviews written in our 3 week period of March 15 through April 3rd. I'll be giving away some fantastic prizes - so ask your friends to sign up, too!

Well, that about covers everything. Thanks for your friendship and support!