WAY TO GO!!!!! It is so hard to face that scale, but you are doing the right thing.  So proud and happy for you.  Please know we are all here to support you!  YOU CAN DO IT!

Well I'm coming up on my 6 month anniversary.  I had my gastric bypass  Dec. 19th 2011.
 
Stayed at Portsmouth Hosp. for 3 days. Took 3 weeks off from work.

    Currently total lost at 130 lbs.This has been awesome. I'd do it again in a second. Notice now I can eat more but I'm very aware of this. Still no sugar in my diet and not going to try to add it any time soon. 

   My biggest weakness is maybe having coffee 2-3 times a week.

  I'll be attending the support group this month....only made it to one so far.

After gaining back more than half of my loss, I met with my WL surgeon and Nancy at PRH yesterday. I was so embarrassed to go in and get on that scale. But they were wonderfully supportive and not at all defeated like I felt. They removed a small amount of fluid from the band and started me back at phase 3 of the post op diet. So far so good. yogurt and protein shakes.
I will see the nutritionist and restart the support groups and I finally feel encouraged to get back on track and shed this weight. Send all your good vibes my way! I'm getting back into those cloths that I got after my initial weight loss of 100 lbs!!
 

Is it legal to make my own Will, Power of Attorney , etc. from an online kit?
Legal Zoom says they are legal to use their forms in NH.

Anyone know if this is true or another place to buy the forms?
Thanks

 Oh my Goodness!  Has a year gone by already?  I can hardly believe it!

After going through the process, it took about six months from starting the program with CMC to my surgery date date with Dr. Campbell on May 3, 2012.  I had the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and have absolutely NO regrets!  I only wish I had done it sooner, but "when the pupil is ready, the teacher appears".

I am only 11 pounds away from being in the "normal BMI" weight range.  It's unbelievable!  My new life is so foreign in some aspects yet is my new normal in others.  It's still hard to believe that I'm in a size 6/8 from a size 24/26 or 3X.  I still walk over to the Plus Size section of any clothing store, that habit was formed for 25 years, it's going to take some getting used to having the entire rest of the store to choose clothes from.  I haven't ventured into trying on and buying a new bathing suit this year, but that should prove VERY interesting.  I went to go swimming this weekend and realized that last year's suit was a 18!!!  Unreal progress!

I feel incredible.  I have SO much energy.  I use food as a way to fuel the machine and not as a way to comfort or reward myself.  I can still have a treat here and there, but I just don't want them as much.  I crave fresh veggies and fruits.  I wan****er over anything else.  I don't really care about alcohol or candy or sugary foods and although I do occasionally indulge in fried food, it doesn't feel so great after and just isn't worth it.  I can't tell you the last time I went through a drive-thru for something for me other than a beverage.  Coffee is probably my only vice.

It still amazes me when I fit so easily into seats, whether it's at the theater, airplanes, cars, amusement rides, whatever.  Things are so comfy and roomy now!  I don't have anywhere that I go where I'm ashamed or embarrassed or worried that I won't fit or belong.  I walk with confidence and a smile on my face.  I get winked at, flirted with and complimented.  I have JOY!

There are so many positive things that I didn't know would come as a result.  My increased stamina and energy has resulted in a cleaner house, better finances (less food consumption and eating out) and organization.  A clear mind and focus and I feel unstoppable.

What is amazing is that I've started my own business.  Ironically, I opened a bakery.  The funniest comments I get are: "How can you bake such delicious things and stay so small" or "oh my, you're such a tiny thing, don't you eat what you make?".  If they only knew my secret!!!

I love to move and exercise now.  I run places, even when I don't have to.  I dance, I sing, I go to the gym without groaning or feeling like it's a punishment.  I WANT to go.  I get angry if I can't go.

The last thing for me to work on is the issue of extra skin.  Yes, I have considerable "bat wings".  I didn't notice until suddenly the weather got nicer and I'm in short sleeves.  As I'm mixing something, I can see the flapping out of the corner of my eyes.  It's annoying, but I'd rather have "bingo wings" than those extra pounds any day.  I also have extra tummy skin and a little on my upper thighs, but those are easily hidden.  

Breasts?  Yeah, they're a disaster.  They are constantly killing me.  I used to have really big ones and they've lost volume and between that and age, it's not pretty.  I wouldn't bother with surgery and would just continue to wear double sports bras, but because they always hurt, I am actively seeking help in that area.  I'm looking for a great plastic surgeon and any advice is welcomed.

It wasn't easy and the fear and insecurity was intense, but it was so worth it.  I love my new life.  I love that the positive changes have made other positive changes.  I love being happy and a good role model for my daughter.  Success feels amazing.

There are hurdles, obstacles and challenges.  There are setbacks and disappointments, but it's a marathon, not a race.  And before you know it, it's been a year since your surgery and you go out to lunch with your friends and suddenly you realize that for the first time in your life, YOU are the thinnest person at the table.

Life is sweet!