Wednesday marked 18 months out for me, and Friday was my 18 month visit. I am pleased to report that all of my blood work came back phenomenally! Which is, admittedly, a relief because I wasn't being the most diligent with my vits...kind of one day on/one day off for a few weeks. But, I have turned that around since the vampires took my blood. Weight is fine, no problems or issues to report...still down 109-111 pounds since surgery. Really, it seems like a wasted visit. A couple of funny things did happen, though. First, the PA came into the room and started laughing. I was a bit taken aback and asked him what was so funny. He said it was really cute how I looked like a little girl sitting on a big park bench...me sitting on the table with my feet swinging. He said that I looked so tiny sitting up there. Me? Tiny? Huh? and finally, " Wow, thank you." The other thing was that he asked if I had seen my before pics, that are taken a week before surgery, yet. I said no and no thanks. He said that I really needed to take a peek because I would get a kick out of it. Let me tell you...I was shocked. I said that I couldn't believe that pic was of me. He then said, "it's not...this is you"...pointing to that day's photo, and "that was never who you really were, this is." I nearly broke out into tears right there. Okay...enough story time. I just want all of you to know just how special you all are to me and how much I count on you for support and encouragement. This is a really special place for me. Thank you for sharing your lives with me over this past year and a half...it means the world to me. ~Suz

Oh, I remember those drains. My dh had to empty them and record them as well, It was such a pain, especially for him. lol! I'll have to go over to the PS forum and see if I am the only one that had such severe pain. Oh yes, I was taking the max of pain pills that they would give me. Are you still on pain meds? I also had to take a pill for the swelling that I have. I swear after I took that pill I lost 5 lbs by peeing! lol! WOW, what a difference. You look great and just wait until the swelling goes down, you'll see a big change there as well. Did they tell you how much the loose skin weighed? Mine was 4 ppunds, can you believe that, 4 lbs????? Like Isabella, I still love my flat tummy and lifted boobs. One boob is lower than the other (like a cm) but he will do it again for free, but only with a local. I'm nervous about that, but hey if he's willing to do it for free, better get it done. I don't remember, did you have implants or not? You look great!!!

Oooooo, you know I can't wait to be able to tell people what's wrong with them and actually be able to back it up. Of course that will be once I am officially edumacted! ;o)

Congratulations Steph! It is so reaffirming to take stock of your successes at this point. I also just had my 18 month post op and feel so great about this journey. I am sure that we will make the choices we need to so that we never see 327 pounds (I had the same high weight as you) again!

Hi Steph, how are you doing this fine weekend? Actually the bruising on the butt was not even painful as I was numb there. My PS made sure that I was not in any pain. I am actually really amazed at how wonderful I have done and how I feel. The worst part in my opinion are the stupid drains...there just such a nuisance. Anna