I have waited three years for this!

[Lilo's Mom]

Hubby & I are leaving in 39 days and couldn't be more excited! We will be checking into Port Orleans Riverside on the sixth anniversary of our first date. Now I know not many people out there celebrate first date anniversaries, but I have a very good reason to! My hubby took me to Chicago DisneyQuest (which sadly is long gone) on our first date. We had a wonderful time until we designed and stood in line to ride our own roller coaster. We went into the ride only to find that the safety harness would not close because I was too heavy. The cast member called another cast member and for the next 10 EMBARASSING minutes, they tried to get the harness to lock into place. They finally gave up and asked me to leave the ride. I was embarassed, crushed, hurt...you name it.

I have gone from 318 pounds to 154 pounds and the first thing I am doing after check in at the hotel is get to DisneyQuest and design and ride a roller coaster!!!!!

 

[Quinn222]

I have gone from 318 pounds to 154 pounds and the first thing I am doing after check in at the hotel is get to DisneyQuest and design and ride a roller coaster!!!!!

Bravo!!!

 

[danny1649]

Have a magical and wonderful time on your trip

 

[Alice42]

you go girl!!!
Have a magical time at WDW!!!!

 

[cowtownmom]

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss - that is fantastic!!! And secondly, you are going to LOVE POR! The boat ride to Down Town Disney is so nice. Have a great time as you cruise on down to DTD to take on the roller coaster at Quest!

 

[blue_eyes5212]

That is awesome I have some pounds to lose and now you are my inspiration!! How did you do it? I am doing Weight Watchers. Enjoy your roller coaster ride at Disney Quest..you have more than earned it!!!

 

[Lilo's Mom]

Being overweight I developed type II diabetes. Talk about a wake up call! My mother passed away when she was 55 due to diabetic complactions, previous to that she had several amputations because of the diabetes. I decided that I was headed down the same path and had to do something about it!

I joined Weight Watchers and was able to drop 25 pounds, but was still not able to make any improvements with my diabetes. That prompted me to go to a seminar about gastric bypass surgery. At the seminar the doctor that was speaking suggested that I have a complete physical before I made any decision about surgery. From there I found I had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, a dangerously enlarged liver and numerous other medical problems because of my weight. I had the surgery in November 2002 and I can honestly say it was the very best thing for me.

It's coming up on 4 years for me and I haven't gained back any of the weight, I don't take any medications anymore and I don't sleep with a breathing machine. My DH was diagnosed with type II diabetes last May and has since dropped 60 pounds by going to a nutrionist and exercising. I am very proud of him!

Donna

 

[blue_eyes5212]

That's awesome! I just weighed in at my meeting (WW) and have lost 10 pounds so far! I just hope I can stick with it!!

 

[wdwlvr629]

Sounds like you've more than earned this trip and you really should create more than one coaster to enjoy!!! Have a great time, 39 days will be over before you know it!

 

[DisneyGirl83]

You earned this trip...go and have the best time...Have a great trip!!!

 

[PixiePop]

That is awesome!!!! I hope you have a fantastic trip.

 

[sanbornangel]

I did WW-I love to eat so it was good for me to learn what things to eat that won't cause a gain! I am back down to a size that I was 20 years ago. I hope I can keep it off! Only 15 days to my sons wedding and then its POR here I come!

 

[mantysk8coach]

Wow...what a great story! Congratulations to both of you!

Have a great time, you deserve it!

 

[Lilo's Mom]

Thought some of you might like to see my before and after pictures. The before picture is breakfast at O'Hana Easter Sunday 2002. My after picture is my Lilo & Stitch inspired Hawaiian Wedding.

Hubby and I saw Lilo & Stitch and just loved the idea of O'Hana & Family. Since we were both married before and between us had three children (20,19,18 at the time we got married on 04/04/04) we decided that we wanted a ceremony and reception that celebrated our new Family and the fact that Family is whatever you chose to make it. We had carried the Hawaiian theme all the way through to Hula and Fire dancers at the reception. Not bad for living in Chicago! After the wedding we flew to LA, did three days at Disneyland, then flew to Oahu for 10 days.

Donna Before

Donna After

 

[disneyluv4]

Donna,
Wow, we will be at POR at the same time. And I also, had GB surgery and I've lost about 110 pounds and still trying to lose more. I had mine done in Dec. of 2003. Just seems like yesterday. This is our first trip back since I lost the weight and cannot wait to enjoy WDW a little lighter! Anyway if I see you at POR I'll say "Hi". Have a great trip! I cannot wait! By the way you look GREAT!!!!