Dream the impossible dream!!!

Dear reader: You have stumbled upon a rare and precious thing: me, in a GREAT mood. You may want to take a few pictures to sell to the Weekly World News. You will be telling your grandchildren about this day. Future generation will learn about this in school, and will be reading about it in Time-Life books. I had weight-loss surgery in December of 2003. My eventual goal (after several smaller ones) was to reach the last weight I could really remember being in my adult life. I was 195 when I had the physical required for college entrance (that was around the time of the Norman Conquests.) I picked 195 as my target, and hoped to reach it within 18 months of my procedure. Well, I woke up this morning at 194 pounds. I have lost 186 pounds, over 90 inches - the equivilent of one pretty big person. My god, that's almost half of my body weight. And I'll confess: I'm not someone who is often proud of myself. I don't have the self-esteem nor ego for that. But right now, I'm pretty g-d proud of myself, too. I reached that impossible goal, and in four fewer months than I had ever dreamed of. All the food cravings, and all the groaty protein shakes . . . all the times I got sick, and all the damned nights at the gym have paid off. And, good GOD, it was all worth it. I'm so happy that I just wanted to share. And so, to bed, with visions of new celebratory tattoos dancing in my head.

Hey now.... There's a reason to celebrate!!!!! You should be very proud, because you have accomplished something worth cheering about. Reaching a goal like that is awesome!! CONGRATULATIONS!! Mike

Bette You are awesome I just checked out your new picture......one sexy babe!!! There are many sucess stories at this site but not too many people who are banded. You deserve a new tatto or maybe two my goal is a celebratory tatoo when I lose 100 lbs .....are there geriatric tatoo parlors? Will they give me a senior discount? only 75 more pounds to go Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!! angel

Awesome job!!! Congratulations!!!

Bette, I would be so proud if I were you. I can imagine that there were times you felt it would never happen, and times you just knew it would. Congratulation on a job well done. It takes time, energy, dedication, fortitude and downright perserverence to get where you are today, so enjoy the elation. Lise

Hi Bette, Congratulations on your wonderful weight loss and for meeting your personal goal. I know that it took a lot of hard work and a commitment to excercise to be able to use this surgery to help you out. You are truly an inspiration and I applaud you! Sandy

Bette Congratulations! You are truely an inspiration! Blessings Joanie

Congrats to you Bette! That is soooooo awesome and you should be so proud of yourself! All your hard work and determintation, look where it got ya! I love looking at all your pics you have come a LONG way baby! Go treat yourself to a new tattoo! How awesome is that! You have truly been an inspiration, I have been following your WLS journal and updates since before my surgery! JOB WELL DONE! Best wishes now and always! MaryJo

You are doing so good. I am so happy for you. What an accomplishment. You have given me something to dream for. I just had lap band surgery on 2/9 and am in the healing process. I read your profile and know what you mean about wanting some meat. I feel the same way. Your success will give so many others on this board hope. Congratulations on all your hard work. Joanne

Great news all around. You've worked hard and it shows. I would be pretty g-d proud of myself if I were you. Congartulations!!!! You know we want to see pics of the new tat(s) if you get them. Hugs, Maggie