Thank You all..

This weekend was a full of big Happy moments for me. As you know I am 3 and a half months out and have lost 107 pounds. My brain hasnt quite caught up with my new body yet and I am still full of uncertainty and full of fears of the unknown. I want to thank each and every one of you on this board, and who attended the conference for the inspiration you have given me. I have gained so much knowledge from you all. I was so nervous about leaving the security of my little one traffic light town and venturing to Cincy alone. I was afraid of so many things, my car would break down, I would get lost, no one would talk to me, I would make a fool of myself. But I got with you all and I felt so at ease and able to be myself ( silly and goofy as I am). We have all shared so many of the same struggles and victories. I felt on top of the world from all the support and encouragement that you gave to me. I just wanted you all to know how life changing this weekend has been for me. It was a complete miracle that I was able to come at all and it restored my faith in those miracles. I got to meet the most genuine honest loving caring group of ladies and gentlemen on this planet. I discovered that I can do anything that I set my mind to do, but I sure dont have to do it alone. And its more than okay to lean on you all for support. Because at one time or another, we all help prop one another up. You all inspired me to work harder, to make myself a better person, and to never give up even if I stumble and fall from time to time. I am just so proud to be part of this Ohio Group.. I hope you dont mind me sticking around !!!! I Love you all, Laura

You are amazing. I remember when you were having your down time. Just know that I will always be there for you.. Good and Bad. I am so happy and proud of you.. you look so good. You even look confident in the things you are doing. So much different than the scared lady I met at Dr Mikami's office that day. Keep up the good work ... Hope to see you soon! Hugs, Julie

Julie, I think God puts people in our paths who are our angels on earth. I think it was no chance that you, Elizabeth, Tabitha and I had our appts at the same time and same day. We met for a special purpose!!! You looked Beautiful on Saturday as well. Everyone told me how this surgery made people look gaunt and old in the face after they began losing weight. I learned this weekend that is most certainly not true. Every person I met looked younger and more vibrant than in their Before pics.. Who needs botox when you have WLS!!! I am so happy that we got the chance to meet in this life!!! Hugs, Laura

I have to agree with you that having this surgery takes years off of peoples looks. You looked MUCH younger than in you pic here. You need to update with something more current so that people can see how you glow now! As for the WLS people who look older and gaunt, I have met a few of those. They are the ones who are bad about getting in thr right amounts of protien, water and getting in all their vitamins. As long as you do those things you will look healthy and vibrant. I am so glad we met this weekend. You are a very special lady and I am proud to call you my friend! Luv ya bunches, Jaimee

Lorraine you are doing an awesome job at your weight loss. Congrats to you. Your brain will catch up with the weight and then look out your confidence will triple. You are such a support to everyone here on the boards always there for some nice word. God Bless you. Tammy O