Hi Carla! Glad to hear that you are feeling good. As for the weight gain, I know how it is. I had been down to 166 at one point, but somewhere along the way I gained some and have been staying around 175 for quite a while now. I'm sure that if I were to go back to basics and really be conscious of what I'm eating - and maybe even exercise some, I would start to lose weight again. I just don't have the motivation right now. I'm feeling pretty good and am so pleased that I'm in "normal size" clothes, so I'm really not unhappy! Having lost over 120 lbs, I now am starting to live life more. I've joined the Red Hat Society where I am making some new friends, and I'm also learning how to make beaded jewelry. My life may be more than half over (I will be 56 in August), but that doesn't mean I can't do things to enjoy my life! I don't think I'd have this attitude if I hadn't had the WLS. My next thing is to decide about is if I am brave enough to have a tummy tuck and thigh lift - that is, if I can find a way to afford it! Well, I hope everyone else is doing well. ~~ Ilene Rachel

Way to Go Pattie CONGRATS ON YOUR SUCCESS!!!!!

Hi all! Im almost 2 years out and doing good. Not many problems i am down 100lbs was down 110 but put 10lbs back on when i quit smoking in January. Thats ok i need the weight even though i am 147 i am a size 8-10 and am happy with that. Pattie

Thank You Terry, You know...come to think of it unless I look at a picture it's hard for me to remember those fat days. Never thought that would happen because I still saw the fat me up until these past 4 or 5 month. Best of luck on your journey and CONGRATS on your success!!! Sharon

WOW - 2 years really flew by. Life has changed so very much and I am absolutely LOVING it!!! I've met many many new people and shared many happy moments, laughs, tears and fears - and it's been so so worth it. I've been trying to shift through my feelings upon reaching this point in my WLS journey and I find that they are all over the place. First, I feel so greatly blessed to have had this surgery work for me. In 2 years I have had no complications, no major issues and I have been able to stay physically grounded and spiritually uplifted. WOW - that's a miracle all by it's self. Secondly - I feel Proud of myself. I actually set out to do something and I succeeded in a major way and hopefully helped a few others along the way. That just has me beaming with pride and satisfaction. Thirdly I have met so many wonderful people who are on the same mission. Our attack plans may be different but our goal is all the same - to live a healthier, happier, longer life. The people with whom I've really connected in these two years (you all know who you are) have contributed to my success by their kind or funny words of encouragement. The swift kick up the butt during the times when I have been off track. And the many shoulders to lean on, cry on and reach for strength - You never know how your experience positively affects another - so keep sharing the stories because you never know who you touch. I would strongly encourage anyone who is walking this road to DO THE WORK. Really understand that you have been given a 2nd chance in life - don't blow it. None of us got cut open and rearranged to fail. Your success is up to YOU. Do what you were told. Eat right, get your protein and vitamins in, get plenty of rest and GET YOUR BODY MOVING. Exercise is the key to you reaching your goal. Some said I was a fanatic, I don't think so - but if I was IT WORKED and it was well worth it. I lost my most weight in the first 9 months 110 pounds. It has taken the next 15 months to lose 30 more. SO what does that tell you? You must work like HELL in the beginning to get off to a great start. And then you MUST continue the work. Don't get discouraged - every pound lost will be hard fought for and will get you closer to your goal. Fix your head - understand that it is what will make or break your success. Whatever emotional issues you had prior to weight loss surgery will quickly become compounded with the rapid transformation you will go through. It will either help you to become a stronger more well rounded person or it will destroy you and your relationships. I found that ever so often I have to pull back from people, from the routine and the fast pace and put myself in check. I need the solitude and the peace of my own company to make sure that the woman I am becoming is a woman that I enjoy and like being. I believe in doing the head work and because of that this journey has been an enjoyable one. I have now entered into the second phase of this journey...maintenance. I feel good, I look good and my body is in the best shape that it has ever been in. The mission now is to keep it here. I have reached my goal and am now trying to find a routine that will keep me here. The right balance of food, exercise, vitamins, rest, and protein. This is just as hard as the original battle. I am determined that I will win this one as well. You know that when I get it down I will share the secret. Anyway, enough ramblings from a 2 year post op. Please know that I love, respect, and appreciate you all - where ever you are in your journey and where ever you are in my life. I thank you all that have supported me and assisted me in my ventures. Look out for great things to come from me, as I have a lot more to bring as far as weight loss support, physical fitness, my newsletter, C & L and all my many other ventures. If I can be of assistance by all means seek me out - I am never hard to find. To all my Angelettes, BabyPhat, Lexxie, MzShoeGoddess, GBetta, and Platinum - I Love you all and am so very proud of you. I appreciate the faith that you all have put in me and will do my best to continue to be the best Angel I can. I promise to do a 2 year photo shoot and get them up soon. I am still in class and moving onto another phase in my life so while you don't see me as often I am still always here. Stay determined, stay focused, remain positive and let no one deter you from your dreams. Sharon 275/135/135 "Living and Loving Life to the Fullest"