Here I am, a year after my surgery! I've lost 100.5 lbs., my diabetes has disappeared, my blood pressure is normal, I can walk without huffing and puffing, I can buy NORMAL size clothes, I feel good, my kids are proud of me . . . so many things for which to be grateful! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lynne 297.5/197/150ish 125 in my dreams

February 21, 2005~~ A year to remember. I remember this day so well and will for the rest of my life....it's the day I began living again, not merely existing as I had for many years. My journey actually began on 1/14/05 when I had my initial consult, starting weight a whopping 260.5 lbs, I was disgusted and ashamed, why had I let it get to this? I measured myself before surgery, total inches of 430.50. I'm 5'1"; I was bigger around than I was tall. Morning of surgery I weighed 239 lbs, the pre-op diet and my fear of not losing and my surgery being cancelled kept me in check, lol. I want to thank God, my family, my friends, and my OH support group for being with me this past year, none of this would be possible without the understanding and encouragement of so many. Has it been easy, yes and no, I was one of the lucky ones that lost rather quickly (met goal~130 lbs~4 days before my 9 month anniversary), emotionally it hasn't been easy, I've had to really analyze some of my decisions, I've fought the emotional eating, but I have zero, that's ZERO regrets. First 7 months I was never hungry and made myself eat, now I have to keep myself away from wanting to eat so the hard part is here. I'm currently weighing 120.5 lbs, so that's a total loss of 140 lbs since last January, 129.5 lbs since surgery date, not too shabby in my opinion. Inches lost this past year total 143, wow isn't that amazing, I'm still in awe. When Dr. Wongsa told me a goal weight of 130 lbs, I laughed to myself, thinking yea right, whom are you trying to fool, lol. Well my friends, there was no fooling anyone, if you work your tool and listen to your surgeon's post-op protocol, be where you can continuously research and learn from those that have paved the way....anything is possible with WLS and a positive attitude, I truly believe that. Each of us has to do what works for us, but know that it will work....don't compare yourself to others, work hard and be honest with yourself...stay positive and focused. I've gone from having many co-morbidities to zero, no meds for me anymore, just loads and loads of vitamins, vitamins I'll take for the rest of my life to be healthy. We have to take them....promise yourself to do it, please, don't take any chances....our bodies need them. I've had a few problems this year with low potassium, hypoglycemia, and fatigue but it hasn't stopped me, frustrated me at times but hey that's life. Even normal folks (ok I need to know what's normal??? I can't figure that out, lol) have sicknesses, illnesses and they get tired too....heck I'm not a young'n anymore, mom always said "When you hit 40....you'll start feeling all kinds of aches and pains", true but I had many aches and pains before 40, like backache, sciatica, joint pain....those things are gone, praise God. Oh well, I'm being longwinded (again), so I'll stop for now, just want to give a big THANK YOU to everyone that has helped me on this journey....it's been amazing and I know that it ain't over. This is FOREVER....healthy choices and awareness of what goes in my mouth; it's a new lifestyle. Love, Dana

Cassandra, sorry I'm so late congratulating you on your amazing year. Been out of town and trying to catch up on the boards, can you believe this year has flown by so quickly. It's been an amazing year for many of us and one I'd never change in a million years. I wish you continued success and happiness, YOU deserve it all. Hugs, Dana

Congrats I go wed the 22nd it will be my one year I started at 326 I am now 164 I have soo much saggy skin everywhere it is terrible. I know what ya mean about the buttt thing I can only sit for about 5 min then I start to hurt and have to move around.

congrats on the one year you've done a remarkable job and yes, it's been one heckuva ride. good luck with your plastics. share with us if you get time, huh? dorthe