Here we are, my 9^th Thanksgiving since having lap band surgery.  What am I grateful for this year?

Here we go:

• I am grateful for my health
• I am grateful for my family and their unyielding support
• I am grateful that I live in a beautiful country where I can speak my mind, both as a woman and a citizen
• I am grateful for my friends
• I am grateful for the tremendous support of the entire weight loss surgery community.  I am humbled each and every day as I read and reply to messages from all over the world.
• I am grateful for the knowledge and education that has resulted in weight loss surgery being able to save my life and that of hundreds of thousands of others.
• I am grateful for the kindness and generosity of the weight loss surgery community that has led to the creation and sustaining and growth of the Weight Loss Surgery foundation of America.
• I am grateful that organizations like the Obesity Action Coalition exist to foster research and education into the causes and potential cures for obesity and to fight for our rights on a political level day in and day out.
• I am grateful for all of the friends I have made while on this amazing journey since 2004.
• I am grateful to be alive.

I have so much to be thankful for this year, and next year will have even more.  That is how it has been for me since I made the decision to have lap band surgery.  My life changes daily for the better, I age more like a fine wine growing better each year, learning more about the world around me as well as myself each and every day.

Thank you all, and I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!