Happy re-birthday to you Michelle, You are an inspiration. I read your post and it gave me goose pumps.Congratulations on your rebirth and becoming the person you want to be and do things without considering your size. I had WLS about a year ago and know were you have been and know some people think this is the easy way out. WRONG!!!!! I lost 108 lbs my type 2 diabetes is non excisting at this point and my life is so good I thank God everyday for my wonderful husband, My great surgeon Dr Wittgrove in San Diego. My life has been so awesome this past year. Continued good health and a long happy life, God bless you. I will do the happy dance for you! and pray after you have your plastic surgery you are able to do and be all the things you want. Have a party Hugs, Margaret in Las Vegas

Keep your faith and positive attitude. It will happen for you.

Member ID: H1054681711 PooF! 06/27/2004 UPDATE! Happy Birthday to me! 1 year ago the new Michelle was born! 150+ lbs GONE FOREVER! From size 28W to size 6 8 petite! I never thought I would ever see or hear those words! I thank God for the guidance He provided to the doctors, for me, for my family. It is never an easy battle going through the 1st year! You are constantly on an emotional roller coaster. People who never acknowledged you before when you were fat (yes I said FAT!) now recognize you and some treat you very well, others treat you badly because of ignorance (lack of knowledge) or jealousy because they think you have taken the "easy way" out. This is no easy way. Be prepared and ready to experience feeling wonderful being able to do things you have not done in years, to feel alive and born again! Thank you Dr Mattar and all the support staff at UPMC Magee in Pittsburgh for saving my life! All in all, it was my decision that allowed this to happen and I would do it all again in a minute if ever I needed to. The next step: I meet with the plastic surgeon on July 14 2004. Dr Rubin & I will discuss the options I have as to remove excess skin from my abdomen, thighs, arms & breast augmentation. Imagine that, to have the body I always wanted. We will see next week. I thank those who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers throughout the past year. I will continue to pray for you as well. I also thank the folks who attend the support group meetings at UPMC Montifiore in Pittsburgh. (1st Weds of every month 7:00 pm) May God Bless you and keep watch over you! Michelle H. www.touchedbymagic.com

Congratulations Kathleen, You deserve a pat on the back. It must have felt wonderful to get up on the horse and enjoy the freedom of riding. You have released a beautful buttrfly from the cacoon. I did the happy dance for you. Continue to work your program and you will meet all your goals. This is a wonderful site and thankful for all the support and information we can find here. Have a party and coninue on your journey. God bless you. Hugs, Margaret RNY Lap 6-24-03

Charolett, That is soooo great. I had surgery on 6-3-04 also and have lost 161 pounds. lol.....you are right sometimes I don't know who I'm looking at. Congrats.!!!!!!!! Judy W.