I just thought I'd do a bit of sharing...

Today is my 6 month surgiversary (I'm just lovin' that new word!) and have lost 85 pounds to date. I'm lost three pants sizes, two blouse sizes, 1/2 a shoe size, three bra cup sizes, and two bra band sizes. Enough about what I've lost, what I've gained is so much more important: I've gained confidence, the ability to make healthy food choices, renewed admiration from my husband, better blood pressure readings and an all around better attitudes. This was the most amazing experience of my life, second only to the birth of my child. I don't mind answering anyone's questions, I believe knowledge is power. Maybe if I tell someone a piece of information, they can tell someone who needs it and they can take steps to have this (in my humble opinion) life saving procedure. As with all April patients here, I've experienced plateaus. I also experienced anxiety, depression, dumping and the feelings of why, in the name of all that is holy, did I do this to myself? I wouldn't have changed a thing...I learned lessons from it all, as have all of you. Be healthy, my friends...we're all in this for the long haul!! L*

Yep! I agree with everything you wrote.. I have people stopping me at work saying how proud of me they are...(Like I did it for them). I also have people asking me about my insurance process and if I had a hard time.. I tell them chew chew chew.. Swallowing something to big is my main problem! I have gone from a size 28 to a size 18 (so far) and from a 54D to a 42DD that is getting a little big in the cup...(darn it should only be in the band size) from a 3X shirt to I wear from L to 3 X epending on how I want it to fit for the day.. the outfit... It is a mood thing.. mostly L and XL. I have gone from 296 where one more twinkie would have put me over the 300 mark and am now down to 216.5.. I go to my 6 moth check up Monday. I say way to go to all of us that have made the decision and are going thru our own little journeys!! Linda

Laura, Thanks for sharing. I feel all the same feelings you do. Isn't it wonderful to feel this way? My only regret is that I didn't have the surgery earlier. Are you close to your goal weight? I still have alot to go but it is coming off one lb. at a time. I had surgery on 4/5/05. To date I have went from 345lbs to 239lbs. Life is really good. I feel so much healthier and am not ashamed to look in the mirror anymore. One thing I have found out about myself is that I am more aware today of the discrimination that goes on with obese people. I was aware of it before but my eyes are really open to it now. Take care!. See you lighter. Joanne

To answer your question, I'd like to lose another 19 pounds. My goal is 150, I'm 179 as of this morning. And I got some of my bloodwork back and everything so far looks very good. I'm still waiting for my results for B12, folic acid, and my insulin and lipid panels. I'm still so exciting. Clothes get me excited, sure, but what really gets me going is the health factor. I feel 10 years younger than I did before surgery (I'm 35, was 34 when I got on the table) and I try (with much more success than ever) to only eat what's good for me. When I find myself reaching for an unhealthy snack, I ask myself, "Do you really want that?" And many more times than not, I put it back in the fridge/cabinet. I don't want to ruin a good thing!!