Hello to all my fellow Februarian's! I have been thinking about all of us and how far we have come in the last 15 months. Whether you are at goal or not you have to have come a long way from where you started! I started at a high of 305 pounds. I now weigh 155 pounds! Can you belive that!? I have finished all my plastic surgeries. I had Tummy Tuck with inner/outer thigh lift 12 weeks ago. I had my upper arms, breast lift w/gel implants and the wattle under my chin fixed 13 days ago. I can not tell you guys how good I feel. I feel 20 years younger. I have so much energy and all my co-morbidities are gone! Hooray! I will never look like a Victoria Secret model, but I look so much better than I did a year ago! But I wonder.......do ya'll have problems with your feelings about yourself? I have accomplished so much, worked so hard (and am still working to maintain!) and still find myself lacking self confindence at times. I am very self conscious (sp!) about how I look. I also have noticed that some people just can not accept the "new" me. I really think I am the same person in many ways.....I am kind, loving, compassionate, good sense of humor, always willing to help others, etc. But there are people who tell me I've changed. One "friend" says I am now selfish because I focus on myself too much. That really hurt my feelings! My focus has been to get healthy and look better. While I lost 150 pounds she has gained about 30, I think she is resentful. I think the thing is I went from being a couch potatoe who couldn't go out and do anything to being someone who wants to get out and DO things! I had no life for years and years. I was the one that sent cards to everyone, called and checked on people, voluntered to do things that weren't physical, because that was all my body could do, you know? Now I want to go tubing down the river, horseback riding, dancing, hike and camp! Anything that involves MOVEMENT! Well, thanks for listening. I sure hope everyone is well. Hugs, Susan 305/155

Hi! Thanks to my friend, LisaMarie!! And yes, I have become one of those skinny girls w/no boobies that I used to hate. doh. I hope everyone is doing well over here. I am doing ok. Tavia

Hey! I am so glad to hear you all are still around! I've been waiting for some activity to happen on this site. Like you all I've been busy, selling our house and getting ready to move. I do think about you all and wonder how things are going since surgery.Everyone is looking good and I suppose you are feeling good too! My husband is doing well after his surgery in Jan, he is almost at goal - 100 lbs lost forever!!!!! Yeah - I have a new man! I too have slipped some but I am maintaining most of the time - carbs are easier to grab when I'm on the go - but I am trying to do better and I know I will. TAke care and enjoy Spring.

hi diane: i've been checking in, too, and wondering why all the posting stopped. maybe this is how a board dies? lack of attention. mostly i've been checking in with the bmi over 50 board. i started at a much higher weight and am only now reaching the point at which many of my fellow febbers started. the issues i deal with have alot to do with the longevity of my surgery. that's ok - i knew going in it would take alot longer - but it's kinda hard to read about people who are at or near goal when i still have close to 100 lbs to lose yet. i have also been struggling with my foot. had the surgery in march and finally will be (fingers crossed) getting the boot off of it this coming monday. then i can begin again with walking and getting more movement into my days. but i hope everyone here is doing well and enjoying their new selves. i know that i am, even with all the difficulties in the past year or so, i wouldn't trade having had wls for anything. happy mom's day. and have a great weekend. dorthe

I've been wondering about everyone too! For me, things are about the same. I'm not losing anymore, but not gaining either. I eat A LOT, it seems, but I tell myself that as long as I don't gain I'll be OK. I don't really exercise, other than staying on the go at work, so I think if I want to lose a little more I might start walking or something like that. I would like to get to 130 (I'm at 136), but I'm not going to worry about it- 150 was my goal and so I am happy. Now the next thing I've been thinking about is the tummy tuck. I know I need one--but I feel that it is a distant dream. I might check on it though-I guess it couldn't hurt to find out what it would take to have one. I hope all is well with everyone! ~~Sheila