Update at almost 9 mos.

Dear Friends, I saw my surgeon's nurse practitioner on 3/23 for my "almost" 9 month check up. I was at 128 lbs (-97 from the start of this journey). My BMI is 25--normal!!! No longer officially overweight. I hadn't been to my surgeon's office since just after the feeding tube was removed, home health care was just finishing up and I was about to undergo another EGD. I wore a size 6 pair of pants/medium shirt to the appointment (had been at a tight 20 pant/xlarge shirt). The office staff was floored. We somehow "missed" my 6mo. pic update (which was fine by me!) since I still had tubes and bandages, etc. Well, we didn't miss this picture. I hope they will email me a copy so I can send it in for OH. I plan on getting "glamour shots" done when I reach my Century Mark (only 2 lbs to go as of today). But, then again, I keep thinking I should wait until I reach goal. Either way, I promise to try to get a new picture up soon. (I only hope mine looks as good as Melissa Mermaid's does--WOW) My doctor still has 110 as my goal weight but I think my "original" goal weight of 118 is more realistic. Who knows! After all the struggles I have been through these last 8 months I do understand how hard it is to accept the compliments and look forward to even better days. Some (so called) friends have commented about how much "older" I look since they can now see lines--translation: wrinkles that were filled out by my fat--that weren't noticeable before. It's almost like waiting for the "other shoe" to drop with some new struggle. But, each day my mood improves and my outlook is better. I am seeking professional counseling for issues that are and aren't related to my weight/weight loss. Body image is a real bear no matter what size we are or how we got there. Thank you to everyone for the interest and care you have shown me over these past several months. Rhonda 225/126/110

Wow Rhonda! You are doing GREAT!!! You must be a "tiny little thing"!!! I am 5'2" and my goal is 135 which is 7 lbs. higher than you are now!!! I can't even begin to imagine weighing 110. I am SOOOOO glad for you, and so glad that you have finally gotten healthy after all your struggles!! Congratulations!!! Hugs, Pam

Hiya Rhonda! Congrats on the amazing loss!! Can't wait to see your new picture!! See you May 7th!