THE FINAL CHAPTER :O)

Omg, I'm so excited! I have booked my surgery for breast reduction/lift and abdominoplasty with a touch of lyposuction (on the sides just to shape the tummy tuck properly) for OCTOBER 15th!!!! That's not very far away! I met with this plastic surgeon over a year ago. I have been saving money ever since our first consultation. Finally, his office contacted me with a surgery date and I have all of the funds! I can't believe this is finally happening! The most depressing thing ever was losing all of that weight, only to be stuck with a saggy flap of skin on my tummy and saggy breasts to go with it. Finally, I will feel "normal" and be able to fit clothes properly. I have been working out really hard this past month. I've been alternating between running 5k and cycling for my daily workouts, and throwing in some dreaded strength training every second day too. I've also been following the "Endometriosis Diet". My gynecologist suggested it (as well as a birth control pill) in an attempt to avoid surgery. Well, the diet is working! I am pain-free for the first time in 3-4 yrs. One problem, I am very limited as to what foods I can eat. No gluten (wheat), no dairy, no soy, no red meat, no caffeine, no chocolate (omg), limit refined sugars and honey, no ALCOHOL, and limit tinned and frozen foods as well as foods with alot of preservatives and additives. So what do I eat? Alot of fish, chicken, nuts and seeds, veggies and fruit, which is resulting in WEIGHT LOSS. My weight is creeping down and I am thrilled. I've never felt healthier, and I feel well prepared for surgery. I will of course blog the before/after pics as well as my healing progress after surgery. You know me...I share it all! :O)

I also want to say thanks to Happychix (Shirls) for sharing so openly about her surgery with me and for being a supportive friend. She is always so positive and encouraging. There should be more people like her in this world ♥

I went to visit some old friends back in the city that I grew up in. One of my friends got a few pics of me and some of my kids too. I thought that I'd share, as it's been awhile :O)