Long time reader, first time poster.

Hello everybody!! I've been reading the postings from here for quite some time, but never actually posted myself. I thought I'd finally share my experience with all of you, as you had done the same for me. I had my surgery, open rny, on 6/9/04. One day before my 26th birthday. Dr. Smith was my surgeon at St. Luke's Hospital in Northern Kentucky. The surgery went fine. I spent my birthday doped up on morphine. Can't say that I remember a whole lot about the hospital stay, only little flashes. To date I have lost 57 lbs. I started at 354 and am now uner the 300 barrier at 297. I can really see it in my face and legs the most, and my t-shirts actually fit..woo hoo!! Unfortunately, I don't feel good yet as I have had a seroma that has kept me basically inactive for the better part of 4 weeks, with no showering allowed. I have to bathe out of a sink. But, it iwll al be worth it when I go back home this Thanksgiving a completely new person. It may sound stupid, but my goal before this surgery was to go to King's Island Amusement park and ride the rides. A few years ago I went as too fat to ride the Flight of Fear, I cried like a baby and never went back. I can't wait to conquer that mountain as soon as the park opens next year. I wish you all the best of luck and hope everyone's life is better than what it was.

Wow Josh thanks for sharing your journey with us!! Congrats on your weight loss, way to go!!!! I started at 298lb and had my surgery may 24th. I am now down to 250lbs. I am thinking about going to Kings Island next year too, depending on if we can afford it. My son is only 5 going on 6 and loves roller coasters and the parks. I can't wait to go spen my time in the water park part, while my husband and son go a get their thrills on the roller coasters. Keep up the good work, and keep us posted on how you are doing.- Melissa

Congratulations Josh. I am just beginning the procedures before surgery but I went to a family reunion yesterday , and two of my male cousins have had the surgery. They are both doing extremely . Just to give you some encouragement. They both have lost so much that they have to eat as much as they can to maintain their weight because they are so active now that they feel better. ..........congrats again. Im glad your doing so well.