I'm feeling so sassy!!!! My doc said I was doing quite well and pretty much on target. He did say that instead of my goal of 150, I should look to 160 as an ideal weight. I'm 55 years old, so an extra 10lbs are extra insurance against osteoporosis...this is what he said. And I don't think the additional 10 will be that bad. I'm at 190 right now, with a 3lb up/down play. I hit the Stillman diet for a week or two as a plateau buster and I exercise every day -- walk/jog on my treadmill and I also do Pilates every other day. I'm just so amazed at myself every single day. WLS has been a godsend for me. It's changed my life in so many ways. Freda 304/190/150 (160)

Cheryl, Congratulations!!! I too celebrated my 1st other birthday on Aug. 21, 2004. Today, I rode my bike (not a stationary bike, either) 11.5 miles in my WV hometown. What an awesome way to celebrate!!! It just keeps getting better and better, huh? Keep up the good work!!!! Lovin' life now, Nancy

Hi everyone, it been a while since I've been on, but I just wanted to tell everyone Happy Anniversary. Life can't be the same for any of us. Whodda thought last year around this time that I would be weighing 176lbs. (was 303lb), in a size 14 from a 26 and loving every minute of it. I wouldn't change anything. My life is so much "lighter". I never realized how much the weight weighed me down, but now sometimes I feel like I'm floating on air. My EX-husband, told me the other day that I looked like I did when we went on prom (1986). I told him thanks, but what I really was thinking was "eat your heart out!!!!!!". Again, to you all, take care of your selves and continue to enjoy your new lives. Way to go!! Susette

I just celebrated my other 1st birthday!!! Let me tell you - it is WONDERFUL!!!!! Thanks the first time to my parents. Thanks the second time to Dr. Shin and Medabolix. You are sooooo wonderful!!!!! Nancy

This has been the best year of my life. I am down to a size 6 and I would have never been able to do that on my own. This last weekend I took my boys to the park and climbed a huge tree with them. Never would I have done that before, but now I can and I can encourage my boys to try everything, even if it scares them. I have hit some speed bumps along the way this year but it has been such an amazing journey. I encourage everyone who considers this surgery but I also remind them that this is not an easy out. You have to work it and continue to work it. Eating has been a problem for me since day one. I am learning and will continue to love and enjoy the new life that gastric gave me. This is a blessing that I did not deserve but that by the grace of God I was given. Thank you