I am not even sure where to start my life is so different. I have to say from the first information session to the day or surgery to one year later I am very confident that I made the right decision to have surgery with Dr. Peters and CHRIAS.  The classes at PMRI and the information from the specialists was invaluable.  I was not nervous about my surgery at all until they came to take me back from surgery, but one of the nurses (Gerry, I think was her name.) asked if I was ready for the rest of my life.  I timidly answered yes, but if I would have know then what I know now I should’ve leaped up and yelled absolutely.

         Every year we have a birthday, a chance to celebrate the past year and look to the future.  I have been blessed with 35 birthdays, but none can compare to the way I feel today (my surgiversary).  I never imagined in a year I would:

• Lose over 100 pounds (still working on more)
• Run a 5K (34min. 10 seconds) the day after my surgiversary
• Drink a protein shake every morning and LOVE it.
• Be able to sit sideways in a student desk (with room)
• Wear a size 12 pants (from a 24 or 26).
• Snack of freeze-dried fruit.
• Drink water w/lemon and not miss my soda or sweet tea
• Wear a medium top (from XXXL)
• Have 14" of excess seatbelt on an airplane
• Be able to sit comfortably in a booth
• Stand on a table/shelf without thinking it would break
• Need an alarm to remember to eat.