1. How much weight have you lost total? I have lost approx 100 lbs since surgery.... 116 since my first consultation. 2. How many years ago were you at the weight you are now (how old were you)?? The last time I was at this weight was the end of high school... over 30 yrs ago... I was 15. Mind boggling when you think about it. 3. Has weight loss made a difference in your career?? the way you get treated by strangers??? by friends???? by family???? Yes, I do think it has made a difference in my career. I have a new job - an opportunity that I am not sure would have come my way otherwise - and perhaps not as well received as I am now. Strangers do treat me differently... I am taken more seriously, listened to more often, and even have had my books carried, doors opened for me more frequently... amazing. Friends have been mixed... most of my longstanding friends have been wonderful - just a little concerned - anytime someone loses this much weight there is always a concern that you are sick??? I have lost some friends who just don't respond anymore to my requests to get together - others who have shyed away - others who have gotten vindictive. Most of my family is not aware that I had surgery... and none of them have seen me since, except of course my six year old son who loves me no matter what... I am constantly learning from him. 4. If your total weight loss now is all that you achieve... are you satisfied with that??? disappointed??? pleasantly surprised that you have achieved what you have??? If this is all I achieve, and are able to maintain... this would be good! I would be a tinge disappointed now that I am really here... but I had always said that anything under 200 would be gravy for me.... here I finally am!!! Shopping is finally fun again. 5. When you sit down to eat, if you serve yourself, do you take up a portion that is very close to what you will eventually eat??? overfill your plate??? have to go back for seconds?? I still have difficulty figuring out what I can or will want to eat! I guess 30+ yrs of habits die hard.... my eyes are always bigger than my stomach... and I am always surprised when I start to feel full, even though mentally I cut a meal in half before I even start to give myself an idea how much I will probably eat. One night my six year old ate more than me at dinner... I was amazed!!! at me!! and at him : ) Happy Anniversary to you all B

Congratulations! Keep up the good work!

Thanks George. I am very much looking forward to the losing side..... How long has it been since your surgery?

Erica, Happy Re-Birthday to you! I am also a Nov 19 girl! Congratulations on your fabulous success - you look GREAT. Even better, I know you FEEL great! I updated my profile today - the difference from 1 year ago is astounding! I am so grateful - how fitting that our Anniversary will always be around Thanksgiving, as I will be eternally thankful that I was able to take this fabulous journey to a new life! Dawn H North Carolina

HEY MATT, GOOD LUCK ON MONDAY AND ALL THAT YOU DO FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. SEE YOU ON THE LOSING SIDE AND REMEMBER " LOSING IS WINNING !!!! " GEORGE STERGION