I had my yearly followup, one year to the day, Oct. 23rd. WOW WOW WOW. I have lost 88% of my excess weight. The doc was just pleased a*****h! My body fat index is 16%, although I am still fairly high in the weight dept, currently 185. That is a direct result of exercise. I cannot emphasize the benefits of exercise enough. He said I was ready to pursue plastics anytime. "Lauri, there is very little fat left, its all skin now" WHAT??? ME??? Yes, I can tell, my clothes sizes have dropped dramatically the last month, even though I lost very little weight. Gosh, I am in a solid size 12. I bought a beautiful form fitting skirt in a size 10 today. It looked beautiful on. I cant wait to wear it somewhere! LOL I get a kick out of telling people my size now. They get this little look of surprise.... I hear and bask in their comment...gosh, that is the size I am! My other wow today, I bought a size 6 undies. This from a former 420 pound size 14 undie gal. Still shaking my head in disbelief, that it is really me. I am so shocked to see how slim I am getting. I dont really notice to much until I go shopping. And I cant seem to take my eyes off myself when Im trying on clothes. Thats sounds so self indulgent, egotistical, self absorbed. But good golly, it is such a thrill! Anywho, I had a fabulous appt. My new sizes give me the motivation to stick with my exercise/diet plan. Heck, who knows where this will take me. I loved getting everyones cards this month. It was such a treat to open the mailbox, and have one waiting for me. Thank you all for letting me participate. It was so much fun! Lauri

Oh Lisa!!! Good for you!!! I am very happy for you and proud of your accomplishment! This is only the beginning! Dawn

Michelle, I hope you had a fabulous anniversary! You are looking absolutely fantastic! Way to work that tool girl! What a year we have had! I am sending wishes to you for a great upcoming year! Big hugs to a great friend, Melissa

I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to everyone for their cards this month. They have been so fun to get and all the well wishes inside bring me to tears. Not that it is very hard these days mind you But seriously THANK YOU to everyone for their kind words and special notes about the baby. My cards are headed out tomorrow. I was trying to wait as close to my surgiversary as possible (the 30th) to have the most current picture but if I wait till then they will not be Oct cards. I thought about sending a picture from when I was not pregnant or rather just like 2 months along but then I decided a TRUE 1 year picture was the more joyous way to go and it is all part of the memory for every as well. I was so pleased to see the pictures of those who sent them. You all are truly a blessing! Huge hugs for a fabulous upcoming year! Melissa (and Fred and baby Jacob)

YOU GO GIRL!! That is wonderful! CONGRATS!! *huggles* Felicia =0)