It feels like it has been longer than that. Not sure why that is. This feels "normal" to me now, and when I see the pictures of what I looked like before, that seems like the exception. I guess its true that inside every fat person, is a thin person screamiing to get out. Recently I heard the opposite can be true as well, that inside every new thin person is a fat person wanting back out again. That's what keeps me on track most days. Without the surgery, I know I would have regained all the weight I lost and then some. I went on vacation recently, and several things reminded me of the incredible gift of this second chance. First, that I was able to fly and sit comfortably in a seat, with room left over, and not feel the pain and humiliation of bumping into everyone on my way to my seat, and then having to wedge myself in, and pretend I could buckle my seat belt. To be a regular sized person, traveling. Thank you Dr Webb! To be able to pack light first because my clothes are much smaller and take up much less space, and second that my girlfriend and I are the same size so I could wear her clothes while I was there. To feel comfortable being in pictures and video that I took of my life there, to put in a journal to leave for my newest grandbaby. It was great to see my sisters , as we have all had the surgery, but not been together for 12 yrs. To see, the differences, and know that we are each ok with where we are at. My oldest sister, really tiny, a "smurf", me comfortable but still could lose 20 lbs to be a tiny "smurf", and my other sister, who started out at over 400lbs, now just 200 lbs, being absoulutely happy. I felt so blessed!

Hello I must say it has been a wonderful 3 years...success being what we make it, I think we all have done well each in our own way. I have posted some thoughts on my profile if anyone wants to read them. I also have loads of photos on the www link covering the last 3 years. Be good to yourselves you deserve it! Darrol

Three years ago today and almost this very minute, I was having my weight loss surgery. I'm gradually learning to accept myself physically....it's been a long mental haul. I remember the emotional pain and sensitivity to my obesity....I don't think I will every forget that. It's a happy day! I've maintained around 125, I've graduated my RN nursing program earning both my AA and AS, (a goal I would never have started at 56 being obese), I feel great and I'm going to be a grandma again. Someone pinch me to see if it's a dream? I hope all you "Decemberites of 2003" have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. luvitsunnyv

Hi Sunny, You and Lorraine look great! Are you going to work in a hospital? My brother is a PA down there in Flordia. Maybe you run into him sometimes. I too think it was the best thing I have ever done. I feel so much better since that surgery. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We got our house, finally, on Monday. It is really ours now, even though we had to pay $50/rent until we finally got paid for our old house. Someone reported my daughters for living out of the school district (this was before we got the house) I thought if you paid taxes in the city you were allowed to go there. They are still allowed in the city though, because they are both seniors. Hey Lorraine, I am praying for your recovery and for the pain to stop. God bless you all and I know we will have a great Christmas this year. Allison

Hi there Sunny, I am celebrating my 3 year anniversary on the same day as you.. 12-15-06. I will be 55 this year and feel wonderful. Sometimes I forget myself and try to eat like before and wind up . Life has sure changed in all ways for me. I am out of work now and had my hammer toes fixed. This surgery has really showed me what pain is. I did not suffer with my Gastric Bypass or my Hernia Sugery nearly as much. I will be out of work for about 3 months. I am still living with my boyfriend who is very good to me. I find I am a hard person to live with since I was alone for so long. Good news................"I AM A FREE WOMAN" As of October 23rd I am "DIVORCED" I don't know if I will every remarry, but living with my boyfriend first will be the test. Imagine I am "SLIM" & "FREE" I go from 145 to 150 and no higher. I am going for my 3 year check-up on my anniversary date. My Doctor wamts me between 135-140. At 5ft6 I don't feel so strong at that weight. I am still wearing a size 8 tall which Old Navy carries. I have lots of energy and thank "GOD" for leading me to this wonderful decision I made and with his help he has led me the right way. "NO REGRETS" Take care Sunny, and Congrads on your great accomplishments! Lets all sign in and say for our December Anniversay. Lets see what everyone will be doing. Happy Turkey day to all!!!