Almost two years

I tried to post this a couple of weeks ago. Now that we are all at the almost two years out milestone, what do you have to say for yourself? Me--grateful to have lost 100 lbs, grateful to be moving again, grateful my lab work looks so much better than it did, grateful that I'm not hurting in my feet, knees, ankles, and back like I was before the surgery. I physically feel years younger. I would like to lose about 20 more lbs, but I am very happy with my outcome so far. Without the surgery, I think I'd be on a walker or in a wheelchair by now. Now, I have stamina, I'm no marathon runner, but I can shop till I drop now. What do you have to say? connie

9/11/05 As I sat today remembering 9/11/01 watching a show about that day I sat and cried for that loss of life. I could not imagine living in a tragedy that immense. I did not know anyone who died that day. I would guess I would have to say I was a lucky one. But there were many that were not. I also thought about my life in the last few years, and this is what I found. Sept 16th will be two years. I am down 170 lbs which is "INCREDIBLE" and I will be always grateful for the surgery. Some things I have encountered have been so odd for a woman who had no teenage years from thinking she was a huge balloon... and no social life. It has been odd to adjust to having one. I love that I feel so free to do things and that I can move about, fit on airplanes, don't have to use the handicap stalls in the public restroom, can fit into movie seats and the booth at the restaurant. I can wear an XL shirt and size 18 pants. Two years ago I could only fit into STRECHY cotton size 32 and was close to size 34. I have a good job that I physically could not do two years ago. Because of that job I was able to buy my first home (condo really, but it is mine) and I got the keys just this last Friday. While I have struggled with a few medical issues, the last month especially, if I was told what the last two years would hold for me before I had the surgery I would still jump at the chance to have this change in my life. I also do not love the bathroom issues I have but you take the bad with the good!! I still want to loose about 65 pounds. I have been at this same weight for the last 8 months or so and so I am worried that I will never loose that last bit. Any tips to jump start my weight loss again would be happily accepted!! I just wanted people to know that this can really change your life -- It made me really step back and see what I wanted and where I wanted to go. It literally saved my life, and in retrospect gave me a life. A life I can be happy in and proud to say "I LIVE THIS LIFE" and I can only say to that is that God is good to give me this 2nd chance at life.