8 Month update

[Guest guest]

Dana, Congratulations! What a wonderful moment for all, I hope you do a lot

of avoided moments. I never realized how many cameras I avoided, let alone

fun activities. My family and friends missed a lot, so did I. Not this

summer, I vow to wear that suit and leave the shorts at home. I bought one

size fits all, and it did! O.

[Guest guest]

Wonderful story!! Good for you. I will give you a tip about the tail bone.

Mine also stays sore. My physical therapist told me to scoot my hips as far

back as I can in a seat and push my belly button area out and tuck my chin in.

That gets your tail bone off the seat and the rest of your spine takes the

weight. Since I have been doing this I have less back trouble, less tail bone

problems, and do not get as tired sitting. It seemed a little strange at first,

but it really does work. This technique along with some exercises to strengthen

my neck and spinal back muscles has done away with my migraine headaches. It

has been a miracle.

When you are sitting correctly, you can put your hand between your lower back

around your waist and the seat. Hope this little tip helps.

Pat

8 month Update

Hi Everyone!!

I haven't posted in a long time but read the posts every day!! The 6th will

be my 8 month anniversary and I wanted to take a minute and touch base with

everyone. I have been so busy lately and haven't had a chance to email some

of my buddies privately, so here is a condensed version of " The Life and

Times of Dana Tart " -

I am so glad all the Tart boys are out of school. We have been at the beach

for a week and it was wonderful. I actually wore a bathing suit!! Now mind

you it wasn't a real pretty site, and no modeling agents were trying to sign

me for any Swim Suit Edditions but none the less I put one on! My sister is

a nurse in Wilmington and I weighed in her doctor's office last Wednesday.

I knew I was real close to the 100 lb. mark so I jumped on the scale and it

said 99 and 1/2 lbs. So I told everyone in the office I would strip till

that scale said I had lost 100 lbs. Lucky for the office staff it only took

one tennis shoe!!! Those of you who know me know I would have stripped

completely naked!!!

I am enjoying shopping for the first time in about 8 years! I bought my

first size 14's yesterday. I wanted to do a little dance coming out of the

dressing room but didn't want the Wal- Mart Associates to think I

was........a little touched.

I am having a hard time with people not recognizing me lately and I think

it's a hoot. I should start talking about myself and see if anyone says

anything bad like- " she thinks she's so hot since she lost all that weight "

or " You know she's the one that had that " controversial stomach surgery " .

Keep in mind these things would be said with a heavy Southern accent. That

may not be so funny.

I am still having the " Tail Bone Problem " I posted about a few months ago!!

I really didn't realize I had one and it is so sore all the time. I move

from seat to seat all the time. People are going to start thinking I'm

hyper or on drugs or something- or maybe that I need some to sit still. Who

cares- it has all been worth it. I can run and play with my boys like I

never have before. I used to say there were only two reasons I would ever

run- 1) Someone chasing me with a chain saw or 2) 75% off sale at Belk's!!

The boys have never known a mom that wasn't big and tired all the time.

I better close- this is turning out to not be a condensed version. I am not

real sure why I feel the need to take up space with all this useless info.

but I always enjoy reading how you guys are doing. Sorry this has been so

long. I guess I am feeling a little sentimental tonight. My Mom came over

with a picture that was taken of me and my sisters about two weeks ago. She

just got the film back tonight. Both my sisters are little and I always

hate to be photographed with them. It is the first picture I have willingly

posed for in years and my sweet Mama was so happy she framed it!! This

wonderful surgery has truly changed my life.

Take care everyone!!

Dana

270lbs./167 lbs.

[Guest guest]

Hello Guys and Gals,

Just a quick note to update on my progress. It was eight months for me on

July 8th and I have lost 128 pounds. I cannot believe it. Since I started

I have lost 161 pounds. THAT IS A WHOLE PERSON!!!!!!!!!! Everything is

still not good with me. If it could go wrong it did. I still read messages

but I do not post like I used to. I am looking forward to the picnic in

Septmeber on the 29th. I hope to see all you wonderful people there. Also,

has anyone called about a group rate on hotels?? We will have to stay

overnight because after a long day I just need to rest and sleep. BTW Happy

Anniversary to all my littermates. I have not heard from any of you and I

hope all is well there.

With Love,

Lara Akin

Post-Op (Grin)

November 8, 2000

128 pounds gone FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

161 pounds since the beginning!!!!!!!!!!!!

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