As many of you know, I'm 3 1/2 years out from surgery. I've been in maintenance for about two years now. On Sunday, I'm going on a cruise with four generations of my family from my dad who is in his 80s to my grandson who is 14 months old. My dad has COPD, my mom is in a wheelchair. My sister is obese. They're involvement with chasing him around will be minimal. I am normal sized, mobile and healthy. I expect to be all over that ship with my grandson who has taken to walking like a duck to Water.

I still remember one cruise I took about six months before the surgery where I was in so much pain, I was crying by the time I made it from my room to the dining room. I couldn't get off the ship onto the tender because I couldn't balance myself. I never ever ever want to go back to those dark days. Everytime I want an extra bite of something, or just to eat something that is not a good choice, I remember how those days felt. Usually, that's all I need as long as my band is filled properly.

So...today I write this and for all vets and newbies, just know that the weight loss is just a number. The important thing is to live life as it's supposed to be lived...and not sit on the sidelines because you can't do what you want because your body won't let you.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. I'm packing tonight and can't wait to sail away!

This seriously brought a tear to my eye. Have a wonderful time, as I'm sure you will. Very poignant being with your family members in such poor condition. That stinks you can't share more with them, but it's nice you are at least all together.

.... So...today I write this and for all vets and newbies, just know that the weight loss is just a number. The important thing is to live life as it's supposed to be lived...and not sit on the sidelines because you can't do what you want because your body won't let you.

That seriously made me stop a mental minute and THINK about where I am right now in this very minute ...

That was VERY well said!

Have a wonderful time actually ENJOYING the cruise as its meant to be!

Safe travels and have a ball !!!!!!

Have a great trip! I, too, started off at about your weight, and am between 5' - 5' 1" I will be 1 yr next week RNY. I have so far lost 130#, and want to loose another 20#. The benefits have been unbelievable and I am so blessed to be living this life now and to be able to relate and learn from people like you. Thanks so much for your comments, they were very encouraging as I look to the future.

Awesome post, @@gowalking .

Bon voyage! You so deserve it.

packing tonight and can't wait to sail away!

@@gowalking

wait, wait, wait for me!!!

i'm small enough to fit in carry on bag LOL

wonderful you are going on this cruise

i am buying a round of drinks in your honor

Water of course!!!

4 generation family trip!! enjoy and cherish every minute

take plenty of pics for lovely memories

have lots of fun being with/chasing your cute little grandson!!

their only young once!!

have a wonderful vacation

maybe next time you'll take me??

congrats on your continued success

kathy

Enjoy everyday of your vacation! You work hard it appears .. So play hard now! Lots of stairs and walking and a gym on board if you choose .

My choice was to bypass the buffets mostly and pay a nominal fee($5-10)for a "fancy" Sit down steak/ lobster type meal. Other ships have sit down/ waited-on restaurants for every evening meal. And...free room service if you just want a simple meal brought to you.

Hope you have a blast with lots of family... And climb in and out of those tenders with ease, smiling as you vaguely remember your old, limited life. Bon voyage[emoji568]

Just an update friends. It was a wonderful trip. I was 127 lbs. the morning of the cruise and 129.2 this morning. Just a smidge over two pounds gained over the trip. I'll take it.

Here's the real success story though..a happy grandma enjoying and interacting with the grandchildren. My granddaughter likely remembers the old me, but she simply reacts to the woman I am now. The baby, if I'm lucky, will only know the grandma he is familiar with now.

ah! I am so glad for this update! makes my heart happy. I am also hoping to be remembered as an active, healthy grandmother. my only grandbaby is just 1 - so if I can stick with my program this will be their reality.

What a gorgeous photo and beautiful people you three are.

You are so cool.

So happy you had a great time! Keeping up with a 4 yr old and 1 year old grandchild is so much more enjoyable and easier than before.....we re blessed!

Beautiful!!!

JustWatchMe