Let's put it this way......ONE YEAR AGO SIZE 22 PANTS..............TODAY JUST GOT MYSELF INTO A SIZE 8 !!!!

Boy do both of your stories sound like mine. I've come so far in a year. September 19th will be my one year anniversary. Last year at this time I was on a cpap, taking blood pressure meds, avoiding taking meds for my gout, not breathing, I could keep going on. But, now, I have energy. I can breathe and I can do things. I can't believe it has only been one year. Was the path from there to here easy? No, but I guess nothing worthwhile is easy. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. I can honestly say it is the best thing I ever did for me. I too see people differently. I see people who used to avoid me, now talk to me. People that used to talk to me are surprised at how far I have come. I hope that I can encourage someone out there who is considering the surgery. Did I get sick, some. I would still do it again. My health is so much more important to me now. I don't want to take any meds other than my b-12 shots and vitamins. consult weight 305 surgery 279 current 185 goal 150 dr's goal 170 I am close. Peggy M. Parkersburg, WV

I'm offically a wls graduate, right? I can't believe that at this time last year I was just coming home from the hospital. I'm at goal...on a day when I'm not retaining water, I'm a couple of pounds below goal (today is not one of those days!). I never thought I would get to this point...but here I am. The year flew by...seems like it anyway. So, my question to the rest of you....How has your life changed in the past year? Mine has changed tremendously! Mostly in the self-confidence department. I finally got the courage to believe in myself and landed the teaching job I've wanted since graduating in 2005. I'm dating again! I've also noticed that I'm selective about who I date...I feel like I don't have to "settle" anymore. I'm friendlier...that goes along with the self-confidence thing...but those are just a few of my changes. I'm really interested to hear from others ;) Oh, and Happy Labor Day!

I haven't been on here for a long long time. Just stopped by and read your post and thought this is me. I understand exactly what you are saying. I work in a large office. I have men talking to me now, just saying good morning when they pass you in the hall that last year would have ignored me. I have lost 115 lbs so far and am down from 24/26 to 12/14's. I too am tall, 5'7". I have always tried to dress nicely, but find that the clothes I find in my size now are not the same. But I can say there is alot more to choose from. I still find myself going to the plus size side of the store. I love to shop at Cato. It is divided one-half plus sizes and one-half regular sizes. I usually buy clothes on the discount racks. I go to a store called Gabriel Brothers, they are a very big discount store and shop there for bargains. I wanted to have clothes that fit, but I can't wear the clothes I bought last fall. So until I stablize, I don't want to spend alot on clothes. I turned 50 in March, so I don't want to wear real "young' clothes. But, I don't want old lady clothes either. I never worried when I got dressed to go to work, I just picked something out of the closet and got dressed, now I change several times before I go to work. Everything considered, this is still the best thing I did for me. I can now walk and get around and enjoy life. Peggy 305/287/190/175/150 preop/surgery 9/19/06/current/dr's goal/ my goal

What's up kids, 11 months out, check me out!