Hello all! I know it has been too long since my last post. But for the most I have a good excuse.
I'm a grad student. For teaching. I student teach during the day, and go to grad school at night. And then I read. and read. and read. And I personally think that excuse is valid.

But I felt that I HAD to update, and you all deserve it. SO even if this is brief, I hope it's helpful.

I have felt so lucky throughout this entire process.

Since my last update, I have continued to progress as normal, began eating solid food (that pesky popping DID go away), all of the swelling went down, the soreness went away, and lo and behold...

I GOT MY BRACES OFF.







Can you believe it? This picture was taken at a friend's wedding that I was in; it was one of the first times where everyone I knew saw me without my mouth of metal and "duck lips" ( a lovely nickname from my brother).

I have had no problems with receding, soreness, or anything else that have made me think "Should I really have done that?"

I am so beyond happy with my results, and other than the weight gain I experienced- I'm pretty sure I'm the only patient EVER to GAIN weight after having the jaw broken and rubberbanded together- I feel so confident!

So, to close: I highly recommend that everyone who needs the surgery (and the braces) JUST DO IT!!! I had the support of loving friends and family, and a doctor I trusted with (literally) my life, and the mentality of success. I suggest that these three things are the most important factors that will get you through the surgery. And really, you need only the support of one other person who can help take care of you those first few days :)

I will be continuing this blog with my life stories, so if you choose to continue following, by all means do. Mostly I will be continuing it because I no longer have, and refuse to create, a facebook account. So although the title will change, if anyone wants to hear my story of metal and magic, please feel free to stalk my blog, and comment if desired.

Thank you for all of your support and love you have all provided throughout this year, and I hope that those of you who have gone or have to go through this experience have the same success and positive results as I have!

Sincerely,

Amanda