OMG Debbie I didn't even recognize you with the new pix, what a difference, you must be thrilled! -BJ

I don't have a mirror in my house except for the one in the bathroom medicine cabinet. So I don't "see" what I look like on a regular basis. When I was so grossly overweight, I didn't WANT to see it and I avoided looking at any reflections when I'd go out shopping. Anyway, every now and then I catch a glimpse of "me" in a shop window or mall mirror and my first question to my husband or daughter (which ever one happens to be with me at the time), "Do I really look like that or is that image distorting the way I look?" They assure me most of the time it's "yes", I do look like that. It is taking me a while to get used to the newer me and yet, I still see flaws. I'm MORE self conscious of my body now than I was 100lbs ago. Even with seeing the apparent difference the weight loss has made, all I seem to focus on is the left over bulges and flab now that I have excess skin and gross puckering where the skin is sagging. Hmm --in my head I think I still look like I did 100lbs ago. In other ways I'm more confident and not so resistant to go and do things and been "seen" in public. I was so ashamed of how I looked that I was basically becoming a hermit and avoided doing things I once loved. That's changing -- I'm back to "DOING" the things I'd given up and I LIKE IT! I think eventually my head image will catch up with my true body image, it's getting there. Regina

Hi, my 11 months is 5/28. I started at 313 and have gone down to just under 200, depending on the time of day(you know how that is.) I started in a size 4 or 5x shirt, and 28/30 pants and now wear a xl top and 16 or 18 jeans. This is due to my alien(hernia). And as soon as tt is allowed by surgeon, I will be down a lot more. Went from 46DDD to 40DD, and there is so much hanging skin from belly and inner thighs that trying on a swimsuit I dont know whether to laugh or cry. It is pretty droopy. BUT, I would not trade this for the world! I am enjoying this ride so much! Sheri

Barbara, Your day sounds like my Saturday! Although I don't have boyfriend and husband refuses to let me get into his pants! He has a thing about other people where his clothes LOL. The garden is looking good. Today we do plants and seeds! I can't believe we did 5 yards of soil in less than 3 hours! It would have been days and today would have been a hurting day for me...lots of muscle relaxers. Not me! I feel good and ready for the second round! Debbie

Hi Patty, Everyone who has responded before me is absolutely right, there are so many variables to each person's success. Instead of focusing on the numbers, focus more on the things you can now do that you could not do before. I know for me, sitting in public chairs such as those at a movie, folding chairs, airplane seats, amusement park rides aren't a problem anymore. Walking is easy now where before it was always a struggle for me. I no longer drive around the parking lot at the store looking for the closest parking spot because now it's not a problem to walk the distance in and out of the store. I love doing things with my friends and family that I would never consider doing before... like a game of basketball or softball. I'm having so much fun in life. Once you start focusing on the new joys of life, you will begin to forget about the numbers and get on with loving life and experiencing it. I wish the best to you and everyone else here. Terri