Hello everyone - This is Jo - I ;ve feel off track but am trying hard to get back on it - just wanted to drop in to say I am officially giving myself a second chance - I have not gotten to my personal goal yet but I am working on it - I just bought a tony little gazelle today and will begin my own second chance - I have 40 lbs to go and I will do it - thanks anyone *****ads - I just needed to write this down lol

Angel.............. I am so glad you are here! It is a long road to make our lives better. It is wonderful to hear about your journey. Stick around and keep in touch. Lets help each other through the rough days! Merry Christmas to the new YOU! Vicky

Wow! It's hard to believe two years ago today I was in Munroe Regional Medical Center waiting for my turn for surgery. Wow! I was 337lbs at my highest with high blood pressure, borderline diabetic, sleep apnea, a size 26/28 with overall poor health at 24. Fast Forward I am misses 12 thru 18 depending on how its made. (Gotta lotta what, gotta lotta booty! ) I no longer have high blood pressure, hell sometimes I have low blood pressure. Blood sugar is normal, and I can sleep just fine. Thru the past two years, life has had its up and definitely its downs. I have battled depression, excessive drinking and even attempted suicide. However, thru it all I survived. Dammit I am here! As I head into my third year, I am stepping up my A game, I have refocused on my eating and getting back into my exercise. I must say I am very proud of what I have accomplished. This morning and everyday this week I have taken the stairs to the fifth floor where I work, not only for the exercise, but b/c I can do it without falling the fugg out...lol 2008 will be a better year no and's, if's of but's! I will maintain! I keep a picture of myself the weekend before surgery on my fridge, that way I am constantly reminded of where I came from and where I don't want to go back to. Happy Holidays!

Good morning friends, This time 2 years ago, I was being wheeled into ICU, just out of surgery and with a partially collapsed lung and developing pneumonia. After 6 days in the ICU, a total of 9 days in the hospital, and 4 months of total misery, I began to feel like a human being again. Today, I celebrate the decision I made and the path I took! I am almost exactly half of my former self. I've gone from 17 prescription medicines per day plus oxygen and a Cpap machine to 4 meds, no oxygen, and no Cpap. My blood sugars are perfect, my cholesterol and triglycerides are perfect, my blood pressure is perfect, and all of my blood work is perfect. I can walk, dance, and just generally move. True, I have a lot of loose skin and many more wrinkles than I had 2 years ago, but after all, I'm about to have my 61st birthday and I've earned every one of those wrinkles. For all of you newbies out there and for all you folks trying to decide or waiting for a big date, I encourage you to be courageous and patient. It is well worth the journey! Thanks to all my OH friends for your continued support. I don't post often, but I still read the boards every day and still draw strength from you all. Have a wonderful holiday season and be good to yourselves!

I'm totally thrilled with my life changes since having surgery. My profile has all the details. I'm going to see my surgeon for my 2 year visit. I lost about 140 lbs total and then gained 45 lbs while pregnant. I lost all but 17 lbs of that weight without trying. Now it's time for me to go for the goal. I was within 30 lbs of my goal when I got pregnant so I have 47 lbs to lose. I'm planning to see my dietician next week so I can get back on track! I was running prior to getting pregnant and it's my goal to get back to running but living in Ohio it's not the time of year to be outside running so back to the treadmill. Santa, a.k.a. DH, got me the Apple Nike iPod monitor to use when working out - a new toy to get me interested in working out! Maybe I'll get a mommy and baby workout video. Anything to keep it interesting.