It's been a long hard road. We've been subject to everything from insults to praise. We face tough and sometimes stupid questions. Some of us have all of the support in the world and some only have OH. We all are a success whether big or small. Even those of us stuck at major plateaus (believe me I'm there now and it sucks) are a success. I remember what it feels like to be 330 lbs. and I never want to go back there. Everyone give yourself a hand and remember that even if the road gets tougher we have all came really far from where we were a year ago. CONGRATULATIONS to all!!! Samantha

Denise, How beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us. Happy Anniversary. Mary

You have written such a lovely and meaningful letter, Denise. You must have a truly wonderful husband and daughter. Isn't it amazing that no matter how much we go through and change, our family is and will always be what our lives are truly all about! Happy Valentine's day to you and everyone! Wanda

Thank you Denise for sharing your sentiments to the loves of your life on this Valentine's Day. Paula

Jill, All I can tell you is what I would do in your situation. I do have a couple of questions for you, though. Are they saying you need total knee replacements because you no longer have any cartilage? Is it possible that the bulk of your knee pain is due to improper alignment? Much of MY knee pain is due to improper alignment. My husband is that way as well. I'm not immobilized, while my husband is much more limited. He is having surgery to correct the alignment issues in June. If I were that limited and the only option I had for feeling better was surgery, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'm not one for tolerating a bad situation that could be corrected, and I'm very proactive. I realize it would be difficult to have both done at once, but many people who opt to have them done separately don't end up getting the second one done and end up just as miserable. I've known a few people who had both done at once and were very glad they did. Their quality of life improved dramatically over a shorter time frame. I'm not saying I completely understand where you're coming from, but I do still have knee pain every day, granted not nearly as bad as it was pre-op, but it's tough to move around much when you're in so much pain. I also had arthroscopic knee surgery the year before WLS and would have needed it again. I don't think I need it now, but won't hesitate to seek a solution if I should become more limited again. Take care, and I realize only you know what's best for you. This is just what I would do if I were faced with that situation. Linn