Well today is my 11 month anniversary and I have mixed emotions on this day. I have lost 135 lbs, have a lot of loose skin, been denied PS, have a hernia needing repair, but on the bright side, feel better, look better, have better self esteem but still feel like something is missing. What is it....... I don't know. Could be a better/different job........another child (not!!!)........changes at home........can't put my finger on it but something has got to change. Have an appt on thursday with my surgeon for all the info on the hernia repair scheduled for April 5th. If anyone can give me some advise on what it is that is missing please let me know. Jan P 3/24/04 open rny 326/191/1??

And I will be a year post op.. I now weigh 143-146 depending on the day I have 5-10 pounds to loose. Has anyone made goal yet.. I went to the PS last week and put in for my TT and breast reduction wish me luck..

Way to go Wendy on only have 20 lbs to go. You go girl, you can make it. I have approx. 30 to go to get to my goal and about 40 to my doctors goal. Keep up the great work, and happy anniverary. jan P

Okay, I did my monthly weigh in and measurements at Curves. I am down 75 inches since I started there last May. I weigh 280 and what that means is that I need to lose half of me to reach goal. It is a very odd feeling to realize that. I am predicting that by August of 2005 that I could be at a weight I have only dreamed of. I know the scale shows 280 even though I have gotten on and off in disbelief. I am experiencing a mix of emotions. I am thrilled to not be 423lbs anymore. I am sad that it is taking such a long time to get results. I am wondering if I can achieve 140 and what that would be like. I have not been below 250lbs since college. I think that will be a major milestone. Part of me is scared when I think about getting there. I know life as a fat girl. I don't know what it might be like to not be that. It is so much a part of my identity. I wonder if I will ever see what others see when they look at me. Most of the time, I can't see the difference in my body in the mirror. Pictures really help cause there I can see it. I always advise pre ops to take lots of pictures and measurements. I have new pictures up on my picturetrail if you want to take a look. If you go to ww.picturetrail.com/annb you will be able to see for yourself. (just make sure you use three w's before the word picturetrail) How have other folks handled going from 400+ to 150lbs or so?? What helped along the way? I have such a long way to go and am so open to learning from others who have been successful. Ann in TX 423/414/280/140

is almost here. March is right around the corner. I was hoping to lose my last 20 lbs. by the 31st (my Anniversary), but I'm pleased with how far I've come so far. -- Wendy