1 year appt.

I had my 1 year appointment yesterday, even though I wont celebrate until the 27th. I can't believe how well I have done: 5'8" present weight 170.5 preop weight 278. The clinic I went to changed scales three times. I go by my scale which just before I went to the hospital had me at 281 and yesterday at 166.5, So I look at my surgery loss as 114 they have it at 107.5 either way I am beyond thrilled. measurements: shoulders 51 -- 40.25 chest 52.5 -- 40.75 waist 49 -- 34.5 hips 57 -- 41.5 thighs 24 -- 23 biceps 15 -- 11.5 Total inches lost : 56.75 wow I am shocked...... My body fat% at 240 lbs was 46.8% (that was at 3 months out) today it is at 29.3% - the desirable range for fat % in my body compositions is between 23-34%. I am right in the middle. I am 11 pounds lighter than the average american 43 year old 5'8" woman. I am still 26.5 pounds from my ideal weight of 140, but only 16.5 pounds away from my maintaining goal of 150. It has been an incredible year. There is so much more that I do in life as a whole. I love to shop. I may not be a girlie girl, but I love classic cloths and enjoy a good hair cut and make up. I am learning slowly and with the help of everyone here to love myself more. Though I have always been independent I have learned not to be a hidden, angry type person. You know that goth looking pissed at the world biker type. I have mixed up my wardrobe and wear color now. I have CONFIDENCE in who I am..... Thanks for everything- you my friends are a big part of my success. If I didn't have people who like me have struggled with what I have gone through I would have been so alone. Nobody knows what we are going through -- even the biggest supporters we have get tired of it. sorry I rambled it has been the first time I have been able to get on in a long time..... lve donna

Congratulations Donna I still haven't heard from the new surgeon that replaced my doctor. Guess I'll have to call to see what is happening. Hopefully he is acredited with my insurance. Can I join you in your Happy ? Sandy

Congrats Donna, You have accomplished so much in just one year. Enjoy it all. I go for my one year on Monday Sept 18.. Surgery was Sept 16. I am excited every time I go. Best wishes to you for this next year!! hugs, Jacqueline

donna, sweet friend, and sassy biker chick!! You are doing so well. I am so proud of you. Hasn't this been just the best year of your life, it has mine!! You're so right, we all know what each other is going through. Like yesterday when poor Courtney had a bout with rice, -- I could just feel for her so much. And the ulcers some of us are struggling with -- the grazing, the discouragement at stalling, the very slow weight loss, the sags, all of it -- we all know it. love you donna!! donna

Congrats on your success...i couldnt beleive what ive acomplished in one year with weight loss and self esteem and still struggle with self esteem but you hit it right when we all need to LOVE ourselvs more...my hubby said i always put someone else before me and needed to do somethings for yourself...sooooooooooooooo why dont you go celebrate with a new hair do or maincure...or something just for you...YOU deserve it...im so happy for you...and all of us who took the leap to have a healthier happier life...YEAH TO ALL OF US... well you know theres nothing wrong with the pissed biker look either...i think its rather cool hahhahaha...just be the seen pissed biker chick who holds her head up high!! Ive actually worn more black lately...maybe im the goth chick at heart...but they have so many cute clothes...i tend to go for the black t shirts hahah with like a band name on it or something...im 37 but still dont *dress Up* too much...but am working on it... babbling..sorry have a great day!! Im so proud of you! jen oh ya how about your labs...all is well i hope!!