May 7 was my 1st year anniversary! I am down 80 pounds. I look and most important, feel great. I did think I would lose more weight by now, but I took a good look in the mirror at this brand new person and reminded myself how far I have come. I was squeezing into my size 22 and now can fit, not squeeze into a size 14. I am off all medications (diabetes/hypertension and arthritis)! That in itself is a miracle. Every morning when I take my vitamins, I remember just one year ago I was taking 5 different, very expensive potent pills and feeling lousy! I exercise at least 3 times a week and really exercise, not just sit on the bike staring at everyone else in the gym. I can walk, what seems like forever, without thinking about my knee pain. Everyone I meet compliments me on how great I look. I am very, very pleased with the results of my surgery. I do want to loose about 30 pounds more and know that if I keep up the way I am going I will definitely do just that. I am so grateful to God for bringing me through this and supporting me as I continue on this journey to health. My family (husband and daughters) have encouraged, cheered me on whenever I was a little down. They are almost as proud as I am of the new me! I tell them each day, how important their support was, and is to me. To them, I say For those who might be considering surgery, please know this is definitely not the easy way out, as some may think. It is an excellent tool that will allow you to finally make some progress in the right direction. You must use the tool wisely to get the results you want. Good luck and God bless to you all. This past year has been one fantastic ride, and the best part is that it's not over yet. Looking forward to plastic surgery, came this far, there's no turning me back!

Beautifully put by a beautiful young woman. Break out of that cocoon....rediscovery is wonderful. Take risks, move out of your comfort zone...one baby step at a time; it is exhilarating & leads to real growth. Just remember not to leave those around you in the dust as you begin to soar, include them in as much of this journey as possible. Help them to understand and celebrate your changes and growth. Help them to see that while you have changed....they are positive changes. Congratulations & Wishing you continued success, Pam RNY 5/13/04 268/155 below goal & maintaining

L's see. B cc smoothie L 1 taco and 3\4 bean burrito D chicken stir fry or baked chicken, baked beans, broccoli steamed with butter

WOW that is so awesome i started at 47.7 and now iam 23.5 for the first time in my life NORMAL. Maggie

Well, I'm not exactly where you all are, but I went from at BMI of 72 to 48 and I am THRILLED. I went from Super, Super MO, to just MO. More work to do....I keep plugging away. Ms. Healthy -136