Oh, my....you've lost over 200 pounds!! WOOHOO is right!!! Congratulations to you Sandra on your one year anniversary. What a wonderful accomplishment! Wanda 256/178/145

Hi Andi, Happy re-birthday to you. Great weight loss. I just read your profile and you must be so proud about the marked improvement in your lab values. Your healthy new way of eating and weight loss have really made a huge difference, esp. in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A Hgb A1C of 5.8 from 10.1 is fantastic. I know what you mean about finding your ribs and hip bones. It's exciting even though a bit painful to sit on those unpadded bones! Yes, praise be to God for the doctors who developed and perfected wls over the years. It is still a very risky surgery but much improved over the years. As our country becomes "fatter" it is wonderful for the heaviest folk to have this option when all else has failed. Keep up the good work. Paula

Hi Julia... I am so glad you are doing well! I just had my anniversary too, and I am doing well also! You were so eloquent in putting into words EXACTLY what I feel! Great post! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Sherri C 242/140-GOAL!!

I updated my profile and thought I'd share it with you. All of you mean more to me than I could ever adequately express. I could never have done it alone. I wish I could encompass you all with one big hug. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. "2/14/05 - Today I had my one year post-op with the surgeon's office and all is well. I've lost 108 lbs, have a normal BMI, and met with the dietician to discuss a new maintenance diet. She told me I may need to ADD 300-500 calories a day....and I laughed. NEVER has anyone told me to add food to my daily intake. I'm on no medications, not even allergy or asthma meds, my bloodwoork is perfect. This past year has wrought so many changes in my lifestyle, my attitude, my relationships, my job; it would be impossible to record them all. I am so grateful for the medical technology along with the very skilled surgeon, nurses and dieticians who helped make this possible. I am forever in thier debt for they gave me back an abundant life. I have seen God's hand and presence through the entire process in how quickly it occurred and in the friendships I have formed through this on-line forum with people I'v never met, but now hold close to my heart and always in my prayers. If you're reading this because you're considering surgery, I whole heartedly encourage you to read, study and then decide for yourself. I have no regrets and wish you all the best."

Andi, Awesome achievement. Congratulations and Happy ReBirthday to you. I remember my plane trip last summer and not needing to ask for a seat belt extender. It felt so good!!!! Mary