Today is a very special day for me. It's my 2nd year anniversary for WLS. Yesterday night, I reflected on my life since I had the surgery. My life has totally changed. I am not the same person who I was two years ago. I've lost over 200 pounds with the surgery and over 300 pounds including my loss with weigh****chers. I've done so much in the past two years and have taken many trips. I've had multiple surgeries, some urgent and others to rid of my excess skin following my weight loss. My health is the best it has ever been, except that now I am anemic. That I will address with my doc this morning. I started to date and that's something I haven't done at all in my life. I've been brave and adventurous. Parasailing, snorkeling, taking a hot air balloon ride and a helicopter ride. Tubbing down the river into rocky caves. Next month I will try zipping in the forests of Ketchikan in Alaska. I think that will be my ultimate adventure. I've gone from a size 5x to a small and sometimes an extra small. The physical change has been phenomenal. In my head though I still feel like and see the 485 person I once was! I know that will take some time for me to get adjusted to my new body. I'm wearing bikinis, something I would have never thought I could or would! This second year presented with many challenges for me in terms of my increasing appetite and controlling my eating. Some days were better than others. I have not been able to lose very much more in terms of weight. I think my goal weight will be 155. I was close last October at 158. Now I am around 167. I feel like I let myself down. I know that I am a success but feel bad about this. Starting my journey into my 3rd year, I am going to focus on not being so hard on myself and find a happy medium with my eating and appetite. I definitely can eat a lot more food and don't dump on anything. If I do dump, it's like a hypoglycemic reaction. I don't throw up anymore. I've been too rapped up with the numbers instead of how I feel. I feel marvelous! I have to learn not to be so hard on myself and take things in stride. Yes, I want to lose a few more pounds but I'm not going to drive myself nuts about it. This obsession has to stop! I miss all of you and hope that during our anniversary month, you too reflect on all the positive changes you've made in your life since two years ago. Tonight I will be going out on a date for dinner. This will be my celebration. Being able to socialize and go out on a date is my reward! Hugs, Lucy

Congratulations!! You have done wonderful. The difference in your before and after picture is hard to believe!! I will be following right behind you on the 13th. Susan

Wendy, my dear friend! I was thinking about you today because of the low iron! I got my 2nd year lab results and my iron levels are way down. My total iron is 18. I was at 64 last year. My hemoglobin and hemacrit levels are down too. I will be seeing my surgeon on Friday. But I wanted to ask you at what point did you have to get iron infusions?? I hate IV's. I am happy to hear that you are enjoying your new life. I can't wait to go out dancing! Hugs, Lucy

Hi Kerri. It's been a long time. I can't believe that 2 years ago today it was my last day at work before surgery. I had to take Tuesday off because of the bowel prep. I am so happy today, I could cry! My life hasn't been this good, ever! I will be seeing my surgeon on my anniversary date, this Friday! I'm hoping for a few more pounds off since I saw him last December. It's been a tough second year, with my appetite going way beyond my expectations. I finally got it in check. Talk to you soon! Thanks for your message and "Happy Anniversary to you, too!" Love, Lucy

Hi Kathy. Congratulations on your significant weight loss achievement! I am so proud of you as well! We'll both share our stories on the 8th, only 1 week away! YAY!!! Lucy