One year ago yesterday (3/14/03)I had this surgery, but I am still not at goal, seems like im stuck at 175. I have hit my size goal, wanted to be a size 14 again, and am actually a 12, but I still weigh 173, have lost 120 lbs. Everyone says I look like around 140 but Im not, kinda wish I was, but hit a plateau a couple of months ago and cant seem to get off of it. Actually I feel this whole thing was a total success. But want the other 30 lbs gone. Any ideas?

Hello everyone in March 2003 room. I'm scheduled for March 23, 2004 and just wanted to stop in and ask how everyone here is doing. How much weight loss and such. I'm so nervous. Are you all still glad you had the surgery? Thank you for talking to future loser... 8-D

Hi again, Ann. I'm sorry that you're so down right now. But for heaven's sake don't put off being married to what obviously is a wonderful man who loves you just as you are. Celebrate life and start a second "new life" with him. You can rejoice on your 3rd or 4th anniversary that you are at goal and won't regret putting off those years with your husband. As we all know, life is too short and we've taken that step to hopefully make it a little longer for us. So keep on with the wedding plans and keep us posted. And for all us old-marrieds, send the pictures so we can be so jealous of you. hugs, Linda

Hey Catherine, Fantastic!! What a wonderful blessing for your year anniversary and an encouragement for the rest of us! Continued blessings on your journey. Cyndi

Last year at this time, I was in the hospital waiting to be taken into the operating room. All the anxiety I had about wondering if I am doing the wrong thing, for me had dissipated. I was ready to take my life into my own hands for the first time in the 30 years I was on this earth. From the time I was 9, I was always considered fat, chubby, chucky, the big girl. I wanted to be seen as more than just a pretty face... more than just the "mature and responsible" girl. I wanted to feel good about myself, and be happy with what I see in the mirror. I wanted my inner beauty to be reflected on the outside. But more than anything in my life, I wanted to be heard, listened to, and not ignored. Today, exactly one year to the day, I am a completely different person on the outside. Now instead of people staring at me in disgust, they are staring in admiration. Instead of being the inspiration of what NOT to eat, I am the inspiration of what to eat and how to live. For the first time in my life, I have control over my body. I can control if I lose weight or if I gain. I am no longer a prisoner in my own body. In one short year, my entire life has changed. I no longer carry the burden of two people... but only one. And while, I will always see and consider myself morbidly obese, now I can say I am a recovering from obesity. My cancer is in remission, and hopefully I will become stable enough that I can write cured over my heart. In Islam, they say that the way you look at 31 is the way you will look in paradise. I am glad that I can spend eternity in a body that I am comfortable in. Today is my day for reflection. Today is my day to remember where I have come from and where I have left to go. To all pre-ops, this is a day you will remember for the rest of your lives. For all post-ops this is an anniversary we never forget. The day we took back control over our lives. Thanks for listening... Keisha