Hello Vera and others of the December Crew. I know that we are all doing well. This surgery has been such a blessing. I have lost 122 lbs and now weight 208. I am loving it so much. I feel wonderful and I follow the rules that help me be successful. All my labs are good and I am followed and checked every 3 months by my Comprehensive Weight Management providers. They are thrilled with my progress. My starting weight was 330 lbs with a BMI of 58.4. I could barely walk a few steps, I was constantly short of breath, I never felt clean after using the toilet, I did not want to be intimate with my spouse, and I felt like Jabba the Hut - the immense slug like creature in Star Wars. I existed, a prisoner in my own body, not really living. I explored this surgical option/tool in 2001. But did not follow through with my efforts since my family was so against the surgery. Finally I could not stand my life anymore. My diabetes was always giving me problems, the year long attempt at weight loss with Weigh****chers was a dismal failure, the gym and personal trainer did not produce results, my blood pressure was up, my thyroid blood tests kept fluctuating, my lipid panel was grossly elevated. I was in a tight size 32/30 for bottoms and tops. I was miserable. One day in May 2004 I made up my mind, called the surgeon and went home to TELL my family this is it, I am going for the surgery, they could support me or shut up and leave me alone. My surgeon helped me decide on which hospital I would go to and my decision to go to Mercy was very wonderful. The surgeon referred me to the Mercy Comprehensive Weight Management Program. These professionals embraced me, helped me get the tests and paperwork done so that my 2 insurances concurred with their and the surgeons decisions. My surgical birthday was on December 6, 2004. I have lost 122lbs so far on my WLJ. My BMI is now 38.9, I am only Obese (HA HA). I can walk without my cane; I can breath with deep full breaths; I always feel clean now....what joy to not have to twist and contort myself to clean my ass; I can contort, twist, and get into many various positions during love making; I feel trim, sexy, self confident, and I GLOW. I hope to lose another 40-50 lbs, but as my weight management doctors tell me, I am already a winner, a success. I feel successful for the FIRST TIME IN MY ADULT LIFE...and this is a global feeling for me, not a feeling I have ever had. Sad that even with my 36 year marriage, 3 children, a great medical administration career, and other life accomplishments I can admit that I never felt successful because I was fat, fat, and fatter. I have a new thumbnail photo and have asked that they post my before and after photos. I also applied and received a Century Club card that is on my profile. This is a wonderful journey for me. I take my vitamins everyday; I take a little pink pill 3 days a week - B12 ; my blood test results are fabulous!!!; my bone density normal; I drink at least 64 oz of water daily; I still have a protein drink daily; I try to exercise on a regular basis, but admit that I am not always doing this. I have learned from my mistakes and the information supplied by the other wonderful members of ObesityHelp.com. I help my weight management providers with insider information that they pass on to others going through the process. Monica.....healthier, happier, and sexier 330/208/160? 12/06/04 32/30 to 16/18

While my weight loss has slowed to a real crawl, I am still losing inches. Don't dispair, you are probably losing inches too. Thanks for your support. Karen G Happy Valentine's Day

Wow! Congrats! I'm jealous. I've been sitting at this weight since November and I becoming a crazy person. Sue O.

I'm going to get a new picture taken this week. Hopefully, I will have it up soon. Thanks for your support ! Karen G

Yeah, I'm constantly complaining about being a slow loser, but there are some benefits..... such as the fact that my skin has caught up to my loss. I could forgo the tummy tuck, but I still need a breast lift ! Thanks for your support !! Karen G