Jul 7, 2010 update by Rob-101
<- Photo taken on	Jun 9, 2010
Journey start date	Jan 1, 2006	Currently at 15.1% of goal
Total loss since start	23.4 lbs	Now has 131.6 lbs left to goal
Since last update	Gained 8 lbs
Weight at this update	331.6 lbs
112 of 112
Frustrated But Not Defeated!		My Picture Progress

 Hello My Friends,

It’s been a wonderful couple of weeks for me! I know I have had some weight gain which is not the right direction, but I’m continuing to make changes that will help me succeed for the long haul. Anyway, on June 23rd, my younger sister Marci flew in to Milwaukee to surprise Becca for her graduation party. Marci ownes a very posh salon in Santa Barbara and has been working in the styling industry for many years now. Anyway, Becca thought she was going to spend the day on Thursday with her mom getting a full makeover but little did she know that her Aunt was in town to give her her full makeover. We borrowed a salon chair from a dear friend of ours and set up a salon in our friends living room. Marci stayed over night at our friend Lisa’s home so that Becca wouldn’t know she was there and on Thursday morning Lisa called Becca to ask her to stop by the house before they left for her makeover because she had something very special she wanted to give her. Needless to say, when Becca walked in she was so shocked! If you go to my Facebook page, you can see the video over her coming in! Kind of reminds me of one of those Mastercard commercials. Well, Marci did an amazing job on Becca, as well as all the rest of us. Then, on Friday, the 25th, my dad and other sister and her daughter flew in to celebrate with us all. Becca has graduated and will be going to school in Fort Myers, FL next year where her brother Alex is also at. The party was a huge success and a bunch of people came to celebrate with us. It was such a special weekend. The family stayed with us until Tuesday the 29th so we had some wonderful times of sharing and just hanging it.

This past weekend was also a special one. Not only did I turn 47 on Friday the 2nd, but on Saturday, July 3rd, Patty and I celebrated our 22 wedding anniversary. I so thankful that the Lord blessed me with such an amazing wife and best friend! I love her more today then I ever have! I am truly a blessed man.

OK, now on to my weight gain! I have been in tremendous pain do to my knees and my doctor has decided that it’s time for me to have both of my knees replaced. I have lost so much of my ability to move around … even in the pool. The pain is so intense that I sweat terribly. And so although I’m a bit scared about the surgery, I’m excited to think of what I’ll be able to do once I have healed. The doctors and I will work hard for the next few months to get my weight under control so that the healing process won’t be as painful. I’m back in the pool and doing the best that I can and Patty and I just got our new refrigerator so we are ready to start cooking again and eating better. Our frige went out on Sunday and so we had to get it replaced. One of those fun things in life that you never hope will happen but it always does … So yes, I’m discouraged about the weight gain but not defeated! I’m not giving up! I’m fighting through this. Please know that I’m fighting and things are turning around! I know they are! I’m excited about the many new lessons the Lord is teaching me about balance and I’m already experiencing the joys of living a more balanced life. No long do I want to live in the extremes of life. I want to live each day to it’s fullest and live it as well as I can and hopefully in doing so, I can help others along my journey.

Thanks again for all your love and support. Have a blessed week!!!

	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Arnold-323 from BC, Canada on Jul 7, 2010 Praying for you Rob :)
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Peggy-136 from California on Jul 7, 2010 Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary... I am glad you are not giving up....Let us keep looking up...and allow God to help us to move forward...and I am rejoicing that you will soon be getting new knees... Hugs, Peggy/CA
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Shirley-261 from Tennessee on Jul 7, 2010 I'm praying for you Rob and hope this surgery gives you the freedom from pain and ability to move and live your life fully.  Are you having both knees done at once?  A lot of my friends who have had each knee done separately have said they wished they'd had one sugery and gotten it over with.  Hope you continue to post as you heal so we can know how you are.  Let us know the date of the surgery so we can pray for you.  So glad Becca's graduation party went well, and the anniversary.  :)  You are blessed!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Theresa-333 from California on Jul 7, 2010 I so enjoyed reading about all the joyful news in your life: the grad, the birthday, the anniversary. And I'm also glad that you'll be getting some relief from the pain you're experiencing. I'm praying you'll be able to be encouraged in your journey to the op, as well as during and after it. Please keep us posted on that progression. :-)
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward John-331 from California on Jul 7, 2010 I have a couple og friends with new knees, it worked out quite well for them, I hope you enjoy the same success.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Kathy-227 from Arkansas on Jul 7, 2010 What a great treat for your sweet Becca! Glad you aren't defeated! God is with you!!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Alberta-340 from Connecticut on Jul 27, 2010 Thank the Lord for the big surprise for Becca.  Is she a health steward also?  I think I read her story.  You are a blessed man, Rob.  I'll be praying about your surgeries.