I haven't figured out how to do the signature right yet. I think it should be: 280/151/160 (start/current/goal)

Hi Kathy. Happy Anniversary! I share the date with you and Heidi. It's amazing a year has gone by already since we took the first steps on our journey. Congratulations on being one year out! Linda Sands 280/160/151

Hi Betty Jo, Wow you are right in the middle of what ended up being the toughest time post-op for me. I read your profile - HANG IN THERE. It gets SO much better! Let me answer your questions on my 1-yr anniversary today! 1. No, last year I could not really imagine I'd be where I am now. I hoped, I dreamed, but I did not REALLY believe FOR SURE that this would all work out for me. I had never had any kind of surgery, and was scared about what to expect. 2. Greatest positive moment: Has to be being physically strong & able enough to do take vacation from my job and devote 16 hr days for 3 weeks to working at the Red Cross shelter that was set up in my town after Katrina. I was only 5 months post-op then, but my mobility and stamina were enough improved that I couuld do hard physical work like I had not done since my 20's! I was so blessed by the people I met, and so grateful to be able to do something in the wake of all of that suffering. Negative: Some post-op complications, probably caused by my lack of compliance (kidney stones, probably from failure to be more diligent with calcium supplements). 3. I still don't KNOW I'll be successful. I have been successful so far, but I consider this a life-long thing. Several people close to me have had WLS only to regain most or all of their lost weight. I had to think HARD about that before having surgery. Get back to me in five years and ask me this again 4. Favorite food: Well, I have to say medium-rare London Broil with horseradish! Many of my old faves are still faves now, but in moderation. 5. It's funny, I didn't even talk to my surgeon about a "goal weight" until a few months post-op. At that time, he suggested I aim for a range of 140-170. So I'm heading for 170 - 55 pounds to go! I hope to reach this goal by the end of my second year out, and then I'll be looking at plastic surgery to deal with what's left of this body. I saw from your profile that you're not feeling well the past couple of days. Take good care of yourself & let us know how you are doing. I hope you are feeling much better by the time you read this! Kathy

Amen! Today is my 1 yr anniversary. Look how far we have come! It hasn't been easy, and it is still a struggle to make healthy choices, but we did it, with God's help.

Hey Becky!! I am 5'3". Yeah kinda short...lol