To all the new folks...

be encouraged.  Surgery is dangerous, nerve wracking, and the first few months are hard.  But with all that being said, it's worth it.  At least it has been for me.  Today is my 34th birthday.  I used to approach every birthday with "I'm gonna have this weight off by next year".  It never worked.  I used to blow out those candles and "wish" (cheesy, I know) that I could find a way to get out from under the excess weight that had plauged me for as long as I could remember.  I found it, in March of last year.  Truly in the top 3 as far as best decisions of my life. 

The family and I went to a large amusement park yesterday for the first time in about 3 years.  The last time I visited this park I was 320 pounds.  I had to sit down every few minutes to rest, I sweated profusely, and had to sqeeze into the seats of the roller coasters (one of which I simply COULD NOT ride).  Yesterday, I walked all day, rode whatever I wanted with no thought about weight limits or seat size, and overall just had a great time.  I'm a better father to my kids, a better husband to my wife (in more ways that one!), and hopefully will live healthy enough to see many/many more birthdays. 

Good luck everybody. 

Jason

320-198

then-now

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an amazing way to celebrate. It's been incredible to watch you transform on this journey. I for one would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I agree with it being one of the top 3 decisions of my life. 

Congrats!!
- Iris 

Happy Birthday.  That is wonderful.
I hope it works as well for me.

Kelly

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday! Your post brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad you are doing well and being more active. I so hope my experience will be the same. I pray you enjoy your active and happy family life for many,many years to come! Glad you had a fun day! Jackie

Wow what an encouraging post. Happy Birthday! I felt when I was reading that as if it was the story of my life. Not much quality of life these days. I don't even look forward to theme parks anymore for the very same reason. I know it was a great feeling to not have to size up the rides and wonder while you were in line if you could fit or if you were gonna be hugely embarrassed in front of the entire line when you sat down and had to get up cause you can't be strapped in. I don't even try anymore. Better yet I just avoid amusement parks all together. Not fair to my children. My parents are taking them to Kings Dominion next week so at least they get to go. Hopefully the days of living like that are very numbered. Keep up the good work. So proud of you.

Michelle