Hi August Buds! I just got back from seeing my PCP and oh the difference between him and my surgeon. He is just thrilled with what I accomplished and said all my labs came back great. I am still on some medications, but they are lower doses and we will see where I am in 3 months for now. He told me I looked amazing and so much happier then I was before. He took my blood pressure and used a regualar cuff for the first time in my adult life. I was amazed that it didn't pop off! That was a real moral booster for me. I never thought that would happen for me. Another wow moment to treasure on this journey. Isn't it amazing what little things like that mean to us all. Well, I wanted to be down 100 pounds by this visit, but I am almost there with 2 more to go. I weighed in at 195 which is -98 pounds since 8/3 last year. Life is grand and I am so happy these days. I love the new me and as Tammy said, Wow, the energy!! Thanks for all your support this past year. You all are fantastic!! Lori 293/195 (2 pounds from century club)/135

Vegas sounds like fun, but I have a trip with my parents planned for the beginning of Feb for their 50th anniversary. I also bought a new house, so I don't think I would be able to make it this year. However, I would love to know the details and maybe, just maybe I could somehow find a way to come. November would be best for me to come up with the funds though. Great idea, Donna! Lori

Hi Torrey, I too am cheap when it comes to making my buck stretch. However, the one area that I don't skimp is on good bras. I will pay more for a good bra to keep the girls looking perky then get one that's cheap that lets them down Although I don't skimp with bras, I do get good ones on sale and outlet malls and even found my favorite at Target for around $10. I have had to get new unddies, I was trying to make due, but found out that I am now a size 9 from a 14...although my big unddies should have long gone by the way side at 11/12s. I have gotten rid of all my old clothes with the exception of the largest pants and top I had in my closet to compare as I down size. It is amazing to see these clothes and know I one time they were tight! I have 5 pair of dress slacks for work, five skirts, one dress, and about 8 tops. My pants for relaxing in have to go, they are too big now as well. I could pull them off without unbuttoning and zipping at this point. I haven't gotten rid of them because they are so cute. But, they are size 20 and 22 and I am wearing 18 reg now or 14W/16W. I am smaller in the tops and can wear med and lrg now. In my entire life, I don't remember ever wearing regular size clothes. As a kid it was the chubby section for me and as an adult it was Lane Bryant and women sizes my entire life. This is so new to me. It is hard going into regular stores and not heading for the women's size section. I still feel fat at times, but my body is shrinking all the time. Well, I won't be buying an entire new wardrobe just yet. I'll continue to shop at Beall's Outlet and the Outlet stores and have even found some nice things at our thirft shop in town for pennies. I am still getting smaller and just can't seem to waste the money for good clothes that I will be out of in 2 to 3 months. Hope you are better at treating yourself then I am. TAke Care and here's to the journey (one year out!!) Lori 293/195/135

Happy anniversary

August 16th is my one year anniversary!! I am doing really well, I have lost 150 pounds! It has been an exciting year! I am looking forward to the coming years!