Ms. Praise
Hello...
Feb 05, 2014
Well...as usual it's taken me a while to get back on OH to do an update and I really do try to remember but oftentimes forget, so I'll create a reminder to pop up as a reminder to come back to where it all began. I am 9 years post-op and as I always say it's one of the best decisions I've ever made when I decided to pursue and have WLS (RNY).
As many "oldies" can tell you...this is a LIFESTYLE change and it's very easy to go back to your old eating habits and YOU WILL REGAIN YOUR WEIGHT. I've read alot of blogs and posts were some people think having WLS is all they need to do...no this is just a tool to help you reach your goal but you have to work hard to keep the weight off. I've often heard people say "having WLS is the easy way out"...uh no...speaking from experience the real work begin when the honeymoon phase is over and the weight is no longer dropping off quick.
I have gained, lost, gained, and lost...but one thing I pride myself on is knowing I have a tool that'll help me get back on track...all I have to do us use it.
WOW...it's been a LONG TIME!
Nov 28, 2012
Hello fellow BAF'ers...wow...I'm sorry its been so long since my last check in, but I felt it was time to see what's brewing on OH. This is where it all started 8 years ago and I wouldn't change a thing. I've had an awesome journey...have lost weight, gained, loss, gained, and on a mission to lose again...but the journey itself I wouldn't change for the world. Its still one of the best decisions I've made in my life as its granted me the opportunity to shed over 130 pounds over the 8 years. I've also met some wonderful friends along the way who I'm still very much close too and for that alone I'm thankful.
To the newbies let me tell you...if anybody tell you you've taken the easy road to weight loss please let them know YOU'VE TAKEN THE HARD road...this is a daily struggle. By no means is this journey easy.
I'd tell you to truly try to ensure you have an awesome support system around you...trust me you're going to need it.
I promise I'm going to do better and check in at least once a month.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Checking In...
Jun 03, 2010
Hey BAF fam and friends...yeah I know its been a while but hey...better late than never. Well where do I start...ok...why not here...for the newbies welcome to BAF and I wish you much success on your journey. Please know its not the cure to weight loss...this is a tool and a DAILY struggle...so just when you get "comfortable"...kick it up a notch in exercising and always watch what you eat because take it from an old-timer...the weight does reappear. With that said...I want you to always remember...this is a TOOL to assist you in loosing weight...its not the messiah to weight loss.
To my old-timers...how y'all doing? I really do miss you all but y'all know that other sight has my attention right now (ha-ha) as it does most of you, but its all good we know where it all started for us on becoming friends and I'm glad to be fortunate enough to keep in touch with quite a few of you. I want to wish you continued success on your journey and know that together in this struggle we can and will continue doing it.
Ok...let's see...I've been around the mill and back, but I'm back with a vengeance and more determined than ever to keep my feet to the pavement and get my workout on. Yes...I am working with a wonderful trainer who keeps me motivated and whips my tail every class and that's what I need...so shout out to Joseph at www.train2fityou.org because he truly is the best and care about each clients success on reaching their goals! Since I started working out with him I've lost more than 20 pounds and quite a few inches and...have enjoyed getting back into my old clothes....woo hoo...yeah baby I'm doing it!!!!!!
This year will make 6 years (Nov. 11) since I had WLS and I swear it seems like yesterday. I still remember going under the knife and waking up realizing that my life will change and it did and has....and its all been for the better.
My family has been through a few mini-struggles but I trust God enough to know that he's a healer and a comforter and will work everything out so I've since turned it over to him to deal with because it was just too much for me.
James and I are still going strong...I love this man with my whole heart and he feels the same way about me and continues to tell me, show me, and express it...yeah it feels good to be loved for who you are even on the bad days (ha-ha). Thanks boo for loving me unconditionally because I already know I can be a beotch on wheels...but hey I did warn you from day one.
Well...that's all I have right now...I'm good...feeling good...and looking good...but then again I always have looked good...even when I was rocking my size 24/26...I sure was!!!!
I will stop by again soon...but wish each of you the best and continued success on your journey.
Much luv 2 u...Cassie...aka...Ms. Praise "that Diva"
0 comments
To my old-timers...how y'all doing? I really do miss you all but y'all know that other sight has my attention right now (ha-ha) as it does most of you, but its all good we know where it all started for us on becoming friends and I'm glad to be fortunate enough to keep in touch with quite a few of you. I want to wish you continued success on your journey and know that together in this struggle we can and will continue doing it.
Ok...let's see...I've been around the mill and back, but I'm back with a vengeance and more determined than ever to keep my feet to the pavement and get my workout on. Yes...I am working with a wonderful trainer who keeps me motivated and whips my tail every class and that's what I need...so shout out to Joseph at www.train2fityou.org because he truly is the best and care about each clients success on reaching their goals! Since I started working out with him I've lost more than 20 pounds and quite a few inches and...have enjoyed getting back into my old clothes....woo hoo...yeah baby I'm doing it!!!!!!
This year will make 6 years (Nov. 11) since I had WLS and I swear it seems like yesterday. I still remember going under the knife and waking up realizing that my life will change and it did and has....and its all been for the better.
My family has been through a few mini-struggles but I trust God enough to know that he's a healer and a comforter and will work everything out so I've since turned it over to him to deal with because it was just too much for me.
James and I are still going strong...I love this man with my whole heart and he feels the same way about me and continues to tell me, show me, and express it...yeah it feels good to be loved for who you are even on the bad days (ha-ha). Thanks boo for loving me unconditionally because I already know I can be a beotch on wheels...but hey I did warn you from day one.
Well...that's all I have right now...I'm good...feeling good...and looking good...but then again I always have looked good...even when I was rocking my size 24/26...I sure was!!!!
I will stop by again soon...but wish each of you the best and continued success on your journey.
Much luv 2 u...Cassie...aka...Ms. Praise "that Diva"
I am...OK
Jul 23, 2009
Hey family...let me first say...WOW...its been too darn long since my last update and I would apologize, but seriously...I've been busy and don't get to BAF as often as I once did. I would like to thank everyone for the emails asking if I'm ok and to answer your questions...YES I AM...but its nice to know I've been missed.
I guess I should do an update huh...ok...here goes. 5 years out...up and down in weight and now getting back on the grind. I've gained, lost, and gained again, but hey I'm not going to beat myself up too much about it because I know what I need to do to get back on track, so I've made some major changes with myself that's spilled over into my eating habits and I'm feeling more confident about life...so...watch out world...Ms. Praise is back!!!!
To the newbies, those waiting on approval...or those thinking about having WLS...I wish you all the best on your journey as its one I'll forever be grateful for. Its a never ending journey...meaning...its a lifestyle change. I've not followed all the rules, but again as mentioned I'm recommitting myself to this journey and I know with the friends I've met courtesy of BAF...and the support system I have...I will get it together.
I'm going to seriously try doing better updating my profile as I read a post on BAF earlier asking why folks don't do so...and honestly...people change and life just sometimes doesn't allow folks to sit at the computer updating profiles.
Oh well...continued success with your journey.
TTYL...Cassie
0 comments
I guess I should do an update huh...ok...here goes. 5 years out...up and down in weight and now getting back on the grind. I've gained, lost, and gained again, but hey I'm not going to beat myself up too much about it because I know what I need to do to get back on track, so I've made some major changes with myself that's spilled over into my eating habits and I'm feeling more confident about life...so...watch out world...Ms. Praise is back!!!!
To the newbies, those waiting on approval...or those thinking about having WLS...I wish you all the best on your journey as its one I'll forever be grateful for. Its a never ending journey...meaning...its a lifestyle change. I've not followed all the rules, but again as mentioned I'm recommitting myself to this journey and I know with the friends I've met courtesy of BAF...and the support system I have...I will get it together.
I'm going to seriously try doing better updating my profile as I read a post on BAF earlier asking why folks don't do so...and honestly...people change and life just sometimes doesn't allow folks to sit at the computer updating profiles.
Oh well...continued success with your journey.
TTYL...Cassie
Say Goodbye to 2008!!!!
Dec 15, 2008
Hey family...wow...can you believe 2008 is almost gone...I can't. It seems like yesterday 2008 just began and here we are the 15the day of December 2008 and have 16 more to go and the new year is here.
So much has happened to me this year and its too much to mention, but, after praying and having some really good people in my corner I now realize that I will be alright...despite the devil trying to come in and break my spirit and confidence. So I want to say to my sistah's...I so appreciate you all and thank you for listening to me rant, rave, shout, cry, pout and all that other stuff. I want to thank a few people in particular...Dimple Donna, Tennessee Cutie, Ms. Toya and Ki...you ladies have truly been a rock for me and I can never repay you for always listening to me when I need to get stuff off my chest. I love you ladies so much you'll never really know how much.
I also want to thank my DMV ladies (Mz. D, Shortstack & DivineShani) that I kick it with on a regular...just thank you for being who you are. Its so refreshing being around women who just enjoy each others company and I always enjoy our time together...so again thanks.
Now...this weight thing...whew...its hard, but I am a believer and know that I WILL WIN THIS BATTLE!!!!
As I look back over 2008...I realize its been HARD, but I am going into 2009 with a new sense of feeling better about me and the situations surrounding me.
So I pledge to not let 2009 keep me in a funk as 2008...because I'm claiming victory over every situation.
0 comments
So much has happened to me this year and its too much to mention, but, after praying and having some really good people in my corner I now realize that I will be alright...despite the devil trying to come in and break my spirit and confidence. So I want to say to my sistah's...I so appreciate you all and thank you for listening to me rant, rave, shout, cry, pout and all that other stuff. I want to thank a few people in particular...Dimple Donna, Tennessee Cutie, Ms. Toya and Ki...you ladies have truly been a rock for me and I can never repay you for always listening to me when I need to get stuff off my chest. I love you ladies so much you'll never really know how much.
I also want to thank my DMV ladies (Mz. D, Shortstack & DivineShani) that I kick it with on a regular...just thank you for being who you are. Its so refreshing being around women who just enjoy each others company and I always enjoy our time together...so again thanks.
Now...this weight thing...whew...its hard, but I am a believer and know that I WILL WIN THIS BATTLE!!!!
As I look back over 2008...I realize its been HARD, but I am going into 2009 with a new sense of feeling better about me and the situations surrounding me.
So I pledge to not let 2009 keep me in a funk as 2008...because I'm claiming victory over every situation.
Wow...4 years and counting!!!!
Nov 10, 2008
Hmmm...its hard to believe that 4 years ago today I was wheeled into the operating room to begin a new chapter of my life. Well...its been quite a ride and an emotional journey, but a good one nonetheless. I've lost, and gained, and now back to loosing again and it feels great. I've never reached my goal of 140 pounds, but hey I'm a work in progress and know that through hard work and determination I will get there. That's my goal for this year...that I will get to my goal weight of 140 pounds by the summer of 2009 (with prayer, and determination). I currently am 177 and while I appear larger in pictures I'm not...I'm just 177.
This journey has been whew...its been very emotional and when I tell you folks think this journey is easy...its not. I know being an emotional eater and going through hell and back over the past year and a half I quickly saw myself regaining weight I'd lost and it wasn't until I got to 190 that I realized oh hell no...I didn't get my insides re-routed to start shopping back in the plus size department so I did a drastic change in my eating habits and kinda got back on track. Let's just say January 2008 I weighed 190 and today November 11, 2008 I weight 177 so I'm happy about that...and know that I have a ways to go. I have every confidence that I will loose the remaining weight as I'm not longer allowing stress to get to me as it once did.
To those considering this journey I say to you ITS NOT EASY, we're a constant work in progress and while you'll feel great once the weight come off if you're suffering emotionally with problems loosing weight won't make you feel better...you'll just be a smaller person with the same issues. If counseling is something you need please get it. To those post-ops we've had some great times together and I know that together we will make it through all the BS that comes our way and ya'll know what I'm talking about.
I can't go without saying how grateful I am to OH that I've met some really nice people on this board who have become my sisters. These ladies know who they are and know that I love them each unconditionally because they bring something unique to our friendship.
Again...4 years and counting and still a work in progress.
This journey has been whew...its been very emotional and when I tell you folks think this journey is easy...its not. I know being an emotional eater and going through hell and back over the past year and a half I quickly saw myself regaining weight I'd lost and it wasn't until I got to 190 that I realized oh hell no...I didn't get my insides re-routed to start shopping back in the plus size department so I did a drastic change in my eating habits and kinda got back on track. Let's just say January 2008 I weighed 190 and today November 11, 2008 I weight 177 so I'm happy about that...and know that I have a ways to go. I have every confidence that I will loose the remaining weight as I'm not longer allowing stress to get to me as it once did.
To those considering this journey I say to you ITS NOT EASY, we're a constant work in progress and while you'll feel great once the weight come off if you're suffering emotionally with problems loosing weight won't make you feel better...you'll just be a smaller person with the same issues. If counseling is something you need please get it. To those post-ops we've had some great times together and I know that together we will make it through all the BS that comes our way and ya'll know what I'm talking about.
I can't go without saying how grateful I am to OH that I've met some really nice people on this board who have become my sisters. These ladies know who they are and know that I love them each unconditionally because they bring something unique to our friendship.
Again...4 years and counting and still a work in progress.
With Sadness...
Jun 08, 2008
Hey family...I know you're like 2 updates within days...wow. Well...this isn't a pleasant update, but a sad one. Those who know me know my best friend Lynda is my ace-boon-coon. Well...its with great sadness that I report that after a short battle with brain cancer her mother died. I swear this thing feels like me loosing my mother all over again as Lynda and I have been friends since we were 8 years old...so of course her mother was like my own. She's taking it very hard as can be expected and I can truly relate to that pain. I just wanted to blog this and ask that you all keep Lynda, her family, and myself in prayer.
R.I.P. Etta...you will truly be missed here on earth, but we are forever reminded of the great times we had while you were here on earth. Don't worry about "baby girl" I've got her and she'll be fine.
Thanks...Ms. Praise
R.I.P. Etta...you will truly be missed here on earth, but we are forever reminded of the great times we had while you were here on earth. Don't worry about "baby girl" I've got her and she'll be fine.
Thanks...Ms. Praise
An Overdue Update
Jun 06, 2008
Hey family...wow its been a minute...but it always is these days since I don't update like I did when I first became a member of OH, but nevertheless I'm here now with an update.
Let's see...where do I start...okay...here is a better place than any. I've been through the mill and back with this journey and have refocused to loosing weight again. I'd gained some pounds due to eating the wrong things because of that all mighty STRESS demon, but I have since realized that I have the power to control just about everything that happens to me so I've decided that enough is enough and I'm going to "just do it"!!!
I did manage to drop 18 pounds since January which is great, and have since started working out with a personal trainer that I see 3 times a week and he works the heck out of me...which is a good thing...so thank you David!!! He's truly a breath of fresh air since I'm one of those who enjoy walking but everything else...let's just say I was clueless as to what to do to achieve certain goals via exercise. My body has been feeling the burn of all the drills he's putting me through but I'm excited and always look forward to seeing him as I'm on a mission right now.
I've noticed I have lost a few inches as I'm getting back into pants I haven't been able to wear in while so that's a GREAT thing that I'm doing this. Its really refreshing to go into the closet and put on some clothes I hadn't been able to wear for a while.
Well...let me also tell you...I went to my surgeon on June 2, 2008 and wow let's just say ole girl got the shock of life. Well...he informed me that my body is not absorbing the vitamins I take (Vit. C, Vit. D, Iron, Calcium, B-1, B-12, and Multi-Vitamin). Well...upon arrival I knew I'd not been feeling like my old self, but I had no idea that it was because my blood levels were so out of whack. So...I had to get B-12 shots, I.V. feedings of Vit. C & D afterwards he gave me a prescription for some Vit. D and told me to purchase some Vitron-C pills which are a high-potency Iron pills with Vit. C. I have to take the prescription for 6 weeks. I also have to have a gall bladder sonogram as he believes the pain I've been experiencing is a result of my gall bladder so I'll have that sonogram done on June 20, 2008. I have to have also have a series of other tests run to figure out why my body isn't absorbing the vitamins...I'll keep you posted on this, but in the meantime I ask that you all keep me in prayer as this is serious.
So...as you see...this is a never-ending journey and its always something, but would I do it again...YES...in a heartbeat. I will say its still one of the best things I've done for myself as I'm healthier, well...I'll get back to being more healthy than I've been in my life.
I'll keep you updated on my progress and until next time stay blessed and know that God is not thru blessing you.
Let's see...where do I start...okay...here is a better place than any. I've been through the mill and back with this journey and have refocused to loosing weight again. I'd gained some pounds due to eating the wrong things because of that all mighty STRESS demon, but I have since realized that I have the power to control just about everything that happens to me so I've decided that enough is enough and I'm going to "just do it"!!!
I did manage to drop 18 pounds since January which is great, and have since started working out with a personal trainer that I see 3 times a week and he works the heck out of me...which is a good thing...so thank you David!!! He's truly a breath of fresh air since I'm one of those who enjoy walking but everything else...let's just say I was clueless as to what to do to achieve certain goals via exercise. My body has been feeling the burn of all the drills he's putting me through but I'm excited and always look forward to seeing him as I'm on a mission right now.
I've noticed I have lost a few inches as I'm getting back into pants I haven't been able to wear in while so that's a GREAT thing that I'm doing this. Its really refreshing to go into the closet and put on some clothes I hadn't been able to wear for a while.
Well...let me also tell you...I went to my surgeon on June 2, 2008 and wow let's just say ole girl got the shock of life. Well...he informed me that my body is not absorbing the vitamins I take (Vit. C, Vit. D, Iron, Calcium, B-1, B-12, and Multi-Vitamin). Well...upon arrival I knew I'd not been feeling like my old self, but I had no idea that it was because my blood levels were so out of whack. So...I had to get B-12 shots, I.V. feedings of Vit. C & D afterwards he gave me a prescription for some Vit. D and told me to purchase some Vitron-C pills which are a high-potency Iron pills with Vit. C. I have to take the prescription for 6 weeks. I also have to have a gall bladder sonogram as he believes the pain I've been experiencing is a result of my gall bladder so I'll have that sonogram done on June 20, 2008. I have to have also have a series of other tests run to figure out why my body isn't absorbing the vitamins...I'll keep you posted on this, but in the meantime I ask that you all keep me in prayer as this is serious.
So...as you see...this is a never-ending journey and its always something, but would I do it again...YES...in a heartbeat. I will say its still one of the best things I've done for myself as I'm healthier, well...I'll get back to being more healthy than I've been in my life.
I'll keep you updated on my progress and until next time stay blessed and know that God is not thru blessing you.
Hey family
Dec 12, 2007
Okay...I really should be ashamed of myself for not having update my profile in such a long time. I guess the reason being...I haven't had anything new to report 
and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but in any event I'm giving a brief update anyway.
My Weight - have gained, lost, gained, and lost a few, but I am buckling down come 2008 as I have some goals I want to accomplish for myself. So...I'm slowly but surely cutting back on the junk food and can we say potato chips are the devil! I'm doing good as I haven't had any in a few days so I'm excited about that.
My Family - everyone is doing well...or at least I haven't heard anything bad. I am especially proud that my brother has finally gotten himself together. Its been a long time coming but he's been 2 years clean
and I am really happy what God has and is doing in his life. It makes me proud to see him now and he's living life like its golden. He's dating a wonderful woman who's stuck by him through thick and think and I'm happy to announce their getting married sometime next year.
My job - I hate it! That's the only sad thing going on at the moment as I honestly hate coming into the office. I know I'm stressed because as soon as I step foot in this office I have to pop Tylenol for a headache and when I leave at 4:30pm the headache is gone. So...I'm currently updating my resume because I am petitioning God to find me another job. Keep me prayed up ya'll...because I know BAF has some prayer warriors on the board.
My dog - Snoopy is doing fine with his spoiled self. I tell you that dog never ceases to amaze me but hey I guess he need to do something besides sit around and be cute.
My boo - let's just say...we're getting closer and closer and I'm feeling a way about him
.
My friends - are doing great...gotta love em!
My CHOB sisters - these ladies mean more to me than they'll ever know. I love each one individually for what they bring into the friendship and for those on the board who think we're a clique...its all good, because these ladies have truly shown themself worthy of the friendship we all have formed. Ladies...2008 is OUR year...so look out world...the CHOB's are about to...ummm...I was about to tell it...
. Ladies...I LOVE YOU MOST MUCH!!!!!!
and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but in any event I'm giving a brief update anyway.My Weight - have gained, lost, gained, and lost a few, but I am buckling down come 2008 as I have some goals I want to accomplish for myself. So...I'm slowly but surely cutting back on the junk food and can we say potato chips are the devil! I'm doing good as I haven't had any in a few days so I'm excited about that.
My Family - everyone is doing well...or at least I haven't heard anything bad. I am especially proud that my brother has finally gotten himself together. Its been a long time coming but he's been 2 years clean
and I am really happy what God has and is doing in his life. It makes me proud to see him now and he's living life like its golden. He's dating a wonderful woman who's stuck by him through thick and think and I'm happy to announce their getting married sometime next year.My job - I hate it! That's the only sad thing going on at the moment as I honestly hate coming into the office. I know I'm stressed because as soon as I step foot in this office I have to pop Tylenol for a headache and when I leave at 4:30pm the headache is gone. So...I'm currently updating my resume because I am petitioning God to find me another job. Keep me prayed up ya'll...because I know BAF has some prayer warriors on the board.
My dog - Snoopy is doing fine with his spoiled self. I tell you that dog never ceases to amaze me but hey I guess he need to do something besides sit around and be cute.
My boo - let's just say...we're getting closer and closer and I'm feeling a way about him
.My friends - are doing great...gotta love em!
My CHOB sisters - these ladies mean more to me than they'll ever know. I love each one individually for what they bring into the friendship and for those on the board who think we're a clique...its all good, because these ladies have truly shown themself worthy of the friendship we all have formed. Ladies...2008 is OUR year...so look out world...the CHOB's are about to...ummm...I was about to tell it...
. Ladies...I LOVE YOU MOST MUCH!!!!!!
Just Blogging...a Minor Update
Jul 02, 2007
Hey family...wow its been a minute since my last update, but hey, you know I often think of you. I'm well...weight finally moving in the down direction (YEAH) and I'm excited about it. I've started back exercising and it feels great. I'm trying to loose the remaining weight so I can get to my goal by December. I'm actually looking into having my arms done next year so that's all the more reason to get the remaining weight off.
All is well...life is cool...the energy level is through the roof and I'll be checking in again soon.
To the pre-ops, new-ops, and post-ops...remember...this is a lifestyle change...not a temporary fix.
All is well...life is cool...the energy level is through the roof and I'll be checking in again soon.
To the pre-ops, new-ops, and post-ops...remember...this is a lifestyle change...not a temporary fix.
About Me
MD
Location
33.8
BMI
Surgery
11/11/2004
Surgery Date
Jul 14, 2004
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
