Hello everyone! Today is a big day! It's been 10 months! Whoohoo! I hope everyone is doing well! Here's my update: To date, I have lost 136 of the 148 I want to lose. Just 12 more until goal! I went from wearing a size 30/32 top and 4x pants to now wearing a large top and size 12 pants! I had been going to the gym religiously 3 times a week up until the past 3 weeks or so. In this time, I have been getting overloaded with school work (but hey, I'm on the dean's list!), family stuff, and preparing for yet another surgery. On June 13th, I will finally be having a total hip replacement! I needed it done in high school, but they wouldn't do it because of my age. When I tried again a few years ago, they said my weight would just hinder my recovery and make the replacement not last as long as it could. That was the main reason for the WLS. I will be recovering for 10 weeks which is about 4 weeks longer than the average total hip replacement patient. My orthopedic surgeon wants the bone to start to grow to the metal in my thigh before I put any weight on it at all! Yeah, having 2 kids, a 40 lbs dog, and being on crutches for 4 weeks followed by a walker & cane for another 6 does sound like a crappy summer, but it's all for the best. After I get my degree (probably in another 2 years), I'll finally be able to get off of social security and get a job! I have been on it since I was 22 (8 years now) and I am SO READY to get out of this house, work, and just be around people again! I'm going to put 3 picture links in here. The first is the one taken before the WLS. The next two are from today. Before WLS http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/shellymoe/before_WLS.jpg Front View http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/shellymoe/60305shelly10mospostopf.jpg Side View http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/shellymoe/60305shelly10mospostops.jpg Again, I hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to summer as much as I am! ~Michelle

Thanks Norma!! I am only 3 lbs. away from the onederfuls and I can't wait. I just know that will be the best day so far!!! Christie

Congratulations!!!!! You're definitely a success story. Pretty awesome high, isn't it Oh, wait till your weight starts with a 1...you'll flip Best of luck - you'll be there in no time

Wow Guess I didn't realize it's been 9 months. I didn't lose near what yall lost but I am still very proud of my loss. I have lost a total of 86 pounds. For a few months I had only lost 1-2 lbs but just these past 2 weeks I dropped 15 pounds. I don't know if that's good or bad, but I won't complain. My goal is to get to about 172. But anything under 200 would be just fabulous. I've got a big frame and feel that that would be a good weight for me. great job everyone!!! 309/220/172

Thank you Kathryn!! Those 16 lbs. will be gone in no time! Keep up the great work! I agree with your exercise post. I think our bodies get stuck in ruts and sometimes just a change in routine will make the biggest difference. Have a great day, Christie