Thanks to all who have been there for me on this journey. Here are my stats and thoughts on my journey: Weight Start - 292; 1 year post-op - 190; 2 years post-op - 188; 3 years post-op - 185 Inches Bust Start - 53" 3 years - 39.5; Waist Start - 49.5" 3 years - 34"; Hip Start - 57" 3 years - 43" Blood Work Pre-op: Cholesterol - 192; LDL - 95; HDL - 56; Triglycerides - 205 2 years post-op: Cholesterol - 166; LDL - 90; HDL - 62; Triglycerides - 72 From Surgery Letter 12/04: "Most of my life, excess weight has not stopped me from being fairly active. Sure, I never liked the way I looked, but most activities were not off limits to me. In the last 8 years that has changed. I now must look at a chair before sitting in it and decide if it will hold me (some have not), I dread going on amusement park rides with my kids because what if the safety bar won't close (they almost haven't). When I go up and down stairs, I must brace myself for the pain and grinding in my knees. When I wake in the morning, I must shuffle like an old woman (I'm 40) because the plantar fasciitis flares up during the night. I'm too young to feel this old." Well here I am three years later and how's it going? Pretty darn good. My health has been great, I have few adverse reactions to food and I have kept the weight off! I can sit on any chair, I have no "will I fit" fear of roller coasters, my knees and feet are happier. No, I am not perfect in the foods I choose and I need to exercise more. I am starting a 10 week walk-to-run clinic on my anniversary and I am hoping the accountability will help be get it entrenched as a habit. I also plan on running a 5K at the end of it! I have walked in two Breast Cancer 3-Days since my surgery and that is something I NEVER would have done at almost 300 pounds. I have more confidence and that is reflected in my work and in the volunteer opportunities I have had to courage to take part in. This was not the cure-all to my life problems, nor did I expect it to be. I have met some great people and received so much support from OH and Park Nicollet. WLS does not define who I am today, but it has helped me be the person I was meant to be. I still have goals to meet in all areas of my life and, Goddess willing, I will be around for many years to keep working on them. Take care. J

Happy Surgiversary! Congrats on a successful 3 yrs. Where are you in PA?

Hey Jane-Please keep me posted. I'm in this go around.

Just testing to see if my photo got added to my post.

Hi Carol, I emailed you a response. Did you get it? A group of us are starting again this Monday. You should check out the California message board to see what we are doing. We post there daily. You don't have to be from Cali, we are all in this together. The web site is www.5daypouchtest.com and it will give you all the details. It has helped me get back to portion control and protein and yes that evil...water. You should try it with us MOnday. I look forward to hearing from you. Jane