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Introduction Text I have been away from Sparkpeople for several years but still hold this site and all of the wonderful people that I have met here dear to my heart. I owe all my friends an update on my health which was getting so bad that I was forced to see a gastroenterologist for help. At that time I had reflux so bad that could not be controlled by any strength of any type of medicine. I could no longer sleep in bed and had to sleep sitting up but still suffered reflux as well as aspiration of the reflux which choked me half to death at times. After several scopes to my esophagus for constant vigil on the huge risk of contracting Esophageal cancer my doctor told me I had to lose weight fast as it wasn't "IF" I got cancer but when. He suggested I have a gastric bypass, fix a huge hiatal hernia I had and remove my gall bladder that was also under surveillance for polyps that could become cancerous. So two years ago July 3rd I underwent a 6 hour surgery to get all of that done. I have since then lost 125 pounds and keeping it off and my health is unbelievably great... a new lease on life!!! Some might think I took the easy way out but my Doctor made me aware of the urgency of my current health condition which scared me into the reality that I had to do something and not wait. I do not regret making that final decision and I have been enjoying life again. Horseback riding again, playing with my Grandsons and doing all the things that I couldn't do which includes sleeping like a baby in my wonderful bed that I hadn't seen for nearly 10 years. Only by the Grace of God I survived what could have been a fatal condition. When it came to a choice between my life and drastic measures to right what was wrong with me I chose my life. I hope this inspires someone to make YOU number one in your life. You are important to yourself as well as your loved ones so take care of yourselves and make YOU the number one priority. If anything happens to you think of the impact it will have on all of your loved ones. God bless all of you who has not forgotten me and still stay in contact. You inspired me to live and become healthy. Thank you all so much!

my goal is measured by each pound I lose and each choice I make at a time, not putting pressure on myself like before. I am striving for steady but reasonable progress on my weight loss. Drink enough, track my eating and EXERCISE!!

I track every thing that goes in my mouth. Drink 8 cups or more of water a day. Cardio workout- 20 minutes on my Nordic track ski machine 5 days a week. Strength train on my total gym 3 days a week.

I am from north central Iowa. I have been happily married for 32 years. We have 4 1/2 acres full to the brim with animals ...our little chunk of heaven on earth!

I love my Grandson above all and looking forward to the next one that is on the way! Animals are my main interest in life although I love fishing, camping, trap shooting...basically anything to do with being outside and enjoying nature. I have a degree in Computer Networking and love working on computers. Here are some of my favorite quotes: “He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ~ Immanuel Kant ~ “Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” ~Anatole France~ "Music, the greatest good that mortals know. And all of heaven we have below" ~Joseph Addison~

Add a Link <link>www.andiesisle.com/GoD_and_DoG.html</link> "Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible. " ~Cadet Maxim~
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