Diva Taunia's Backstage Pass Official Blog

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?!

Same last name, same song:  one in Sweden, one in NH.  Let's face it, my last name isn't all that common here in the States, so I was amused to find this!  (I'm pretty sure Soderquist is a dime a dozen in Sweden, though...)

www.ninasoderquist.com

 

www.tauniasoderquist.com

YOU LIKE PRIZES, & I GOT EM! WLSFA RAFFLE

Last week, I posted a video for a WLSFA raffle that I'm holding, and I've done an entirely horrible job at promoting it.  Therefore, I'm going to try "Fundraiser 2.0! New With More Prizes!"

Deadline to donate and enter:  Sunday, April 10th - NOON, EST.
Winners announced by video:  no later than Monday, Aprill 11th  
(which leaves the winners one month to learn the choreography - yipee!) 

 

                                                 

 

Donate Now!  There are two ways to win:

GRAND PRIZE:

Make a donation of $50 or more to the WLSFA, and have your name entered into a raffle to win 1 of up to 4 spots in the Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque Show on Saturday night, May 14th!  That's right, YOU can be a Vegas Showgirl (or guy)!  You will be fully costumed and have you hair and makeup done, and will be sent video tutorials to be in our group song and dance number:  "Show Me How You Burlesque" (from the movie Burlesque).  If you are shy and don't want to perform, you can TRANSFER your winning prize to someone else - a talented friend or WLS peep that you want to see dancing and workin' their stuff in the show.   How many times in your life can you say you performed in Vegas?!   Donate now to be transformed into a Vegas Starlet!

Note:  $50 (+)donations get an entry into both the Burlesque Grand Prize Raffle and the prize raffles below. Every $50 donation gets you another entry into both!

RAFFLE PRIZES:

Make a donation of $25 or more to the WLSFA, and you will be entered into a raffle to win one of these fantastic prizes below.  More prizes will be added throughout the week, so keep an eye out on this page for updates!

Note:  For every $25 you donate, you get an additional raffle entry!

RAFFLE PRIZE LIST:

Molded Cup Lace over Microfiber Bustier & Thong Set - Size XL in HOT PINK

Provided by:  Delores at From the Heart Lingerie!
www.fromtheheartlingerie.com 

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TWO BOTTLES + APPLICATOR OF FAMOUS DAVES SELF-TANNER!

Provided by:  Dave at Famous Daves!
www.famousdavestanner.com
 

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Bali Two Tone 9mm Men's Ring - Size 10

Provided by:  Stauer Smart Luxuries Jewelers
www.stauer.com 
 

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Free Corset & TuTu!
Provided by:  Baci-Farfalle.com & KissesandButterflies.com 

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GIFT BOX OF CARNIE WILSON BOOKS, CDS, AND & WLS RESOURCES!
Provided by:  Bariatric Advantage
www.bariatricadvantage.com 

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GIFT BOX 
Provided by:  Celebrate Vitamins
www.celebratevitamins.com

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GIFT BOX  - TWO GIVEAWAYS!
Hand Perfection Tube Hand Cream and Nail 7 Cuticle Cream!
www.handperfection.com 

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My pal Donna has hooked me up with FIVE of these new BANJEES from Sprigs to give way as prizes.  The perfect thing to take to Vegas - no carrying anything around!  The designs are SUPER cute too!  Lots of hot pink, so I'm happy.  I'll review mine as soon as I get it, but if you're active and out and about, these are perfect!

www.sprigsville.com

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THREE YEARS AGO TODAY

Rob just texted me and reminded me that today is my three year "surgiversary."   I had completely forgotten.  Three years ago today, I weighed over 300 lbs and had RNY (Roux-en-y) Gastric Bypass Surgery by Dr. Donald Hess at Boston Medical Center.  It seems like a million years ago now, and timely  to remember when I'm beating myself up about weight gain and self-discipline:

I'm out of the newbie stage.  While I'm definitely still MUCH more in control of my weight than I was three years ago, I struggle daily with self-esteem, panic/anxiety, and eating issues.  Still?  I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat because quite frankly, I'm not sure I'd even be alive today if I hadn't had gastric bypass surgery.

The good:  overall, I've maintained a 150+ lbs loss (depending on what week you ask me).  I love salad, vegetables, soup, and healthy foods that I wouldn't have even considered three years ago.  I hate soda, I won't touch it (save for the occassional Shirley Temple with extra cherries, which I still love).   I sing and dance on stage now.  I'm my own boss.  I actually move my body with ease now, and I can dance (and choreograph!) - something I've always loved - for more than 5 seconds at a time without being winded.  I've got a handsome and loving man,  a great family, and I can wear a lot more super-cute clothes now.  

The bad:  I can eat a normal amount of food now - barely any restriction.  I don't have any food intolerances (except for beef, which I sometimes can't digest).  I struggle with panic and anxiety on a daily basis.  (Note: I've always struggled with this, but it got worse post-surgery.)  I've also gained back the dreaded post-surgery weight, and even though I had death breathing down my neck 20 lbs ago, I still beat myself up about that even though my brain knows I'm much healthier and stronger at this weight.  The self-esteem and self-control issues were gone for almost two years, and panic set in when they returned.  That has been the most difficult thing for me.

For the past three years, despite knowing that "the bad" was possible and most likely would return, I was still surprised when it happened to me.  Most of the time I choose to focus on the good - because I'd be an ass if I didn't realize how much better my life is now, and how many good things I have in my life (and about my own self) to be happy about.    I just want to be honest on this surgiversary date:  it's not always happy-sunny-ville.  It's work now.  It's much more manageable work, but it's work.

So today, on this day when I woke up beating myself up - only to then reminded by man I love about how far I've come since 3/25/08 (He remembered what today was!  I didn't).   I promise you this for the next year:   less beating myself up, more focus on my mental well-being, finding a balance between eating and eating well, and choosing to be positive.  Always.  Because the alternative isn't an option for me.

I also want to extend a HUGE thank you to all of my friends in (and out) of the WLS Community. Without you, I'd have no accountability, no support...and for that, I will be continually grateful.  I know with the Burlesque show and wedding I've been a bit disconnected, but I'm plugging myself back in, and would love to see/talk/hang with you at either of these upcoming events I'll be attending:

April 14-15: I'll be joining some of my peers in New York City for an event sponsored by Ethicon Endo-Surgery and the Obesity Action Coalition.  Ethicon Endo-Surgery or EES paid for my travel and incidentals so I can participate in their obesity online forum.  Which you know, ROCKS (thank you for the nice little trip)!

May 13-15th:  I'll be at the WLSFA Mother of All Meet & Greets in Las Vegas!  I'm very, very excited about this 1) because I get to see my peeps 2) because I get to gamble and 3) because I get to perform on Saturday night and can add "Vegas Show Girl" to my resume.  :)

 

MERRY, MERRY, JINGLE ALL THE WAY! :)

I'M WORTH IT

A beautiful and inspirational video put together by the lovely Elle Williams:

NOMINATE SOMEONE NOW! The 1st Annual Backstage Pass Radio WLS Awards

The Annual Backstage Pass Radio WLS Awards will officially begin on the Monday preceeding Thanksgiving every year. This is a way to honor members of the Weight Loss Surgery Community for the impact they make, inspiration, volunteer work, resources, and more.

Diva Taunia, host of the Backstage Pass Radio Program, will announce the winners of the 1st Annual Backstage Pass Radio WLS Awards on Monday, 11/22 at 7pm EST.

All awards are nominated by and voted on by the WLS Community: that means YOU! :)

Nominate your favorite WLS community member or organization!

• Become a fan of the page and promote on your page
• Nominate someone via the "Discussions" tab, or suggest a nomination category

2010 HALLOWEEN CONTEST

NEW MICHAEL AARON VIDEO: "Hyperballad" (Bjork cover!)

SURVIVING TO THRIVING: WLSFA DOCUMENTARY

Anyone who has ever been witness to the struggle of obesity will be touched by Connie and Rosemary's story.  Please be sure to do a response video and upload it to the WLSFA YouTube Channel!  (Mine will be posted later today...)

 

WLS DOCUMENTARY DEBUT