Rep. Gabrielle Giffords during a re-enactment of her swearing-in. Scribbled on the helmet protecting Representative Gabrielle Giffords\' injured head was a simple reminder: 5/17/11, the date doctors said she could take it off for the last time.Now, a day after successful surgery to repair her skull, the helmet adorned with the Arizona state flag that she has worn since she was shot in the head by Jared Lee Loughner in January is finally gone.

She is awake, communicating and doing bedside therapy. And her new look has earned her a nickname.

\"I started calling her Gorgeous Gabby today,\" said Dr Dong Kim, the neurosurgeon who performed the operation. \"She hasn\'t looked in the mirror yet, but as soon as she does she\'ll be very pleased.\"
from / Gulf News