1 year @ goal - ridiculously long, but with pics!

I'll make you a deal: I will order and eat all that crap when you and I go out for Italian, as long as you and your skinny little azz order the same thing!

But, dude, if you really want to get me, take me to Cold Stone! I am the stereo typical German-American Boy: Give me meat, potatoes, ice cream and cookies. That's the stuff that really sings!

And, as always, thanks for the continued support!

The Hulk....mamma mia!!! You look amazing!

Great post!  You have been someone that I've looked up from the beginning!  And may I just say your body looks ridiculous...it looks as if you've never had a weight problem.

Holy schnikes!  You're a freakin stud!  **** the BMI chart.  Your body is bangin'.

On a more serious but no more sincere note, thank you for this post.  I have massive sugar issues, and sometimes I feel like you're holding my hand when I'm having a day that working out seems like the last thing I want to do and cramming sweets into my mouth seems like the best idea.  It makes me feel stronger knowing how successful you've been, how you're still fighting the good fight and learning and growing.  I love your bolded truth statement.  I'm working on accepting that as well.  I'm a hard worker, so this should be no different and doesn't have to be death sentence.  It is what it is.  Thank you for you being you.  Thank you for your perspective and always sharing your truth.  I just adore you

Hey, didn't know about your sugar demon, too! Sucks, huh? I will tell you that the more I embrace this truth about sugar the easier it gets. There is still a part of me that wants to be able to have a cookie every day or a bit of chocolate. I'm just not wired that way and I've come to accept that and be okay with it. I simply don't do moderation all that well. So, after years of trying to be moderate, it finally dawned on me that screw it! You took 80% of your stomach out and moderation still doesn't work, so give it up. So, I did. Some days I want it, but most days I don't.

Just keep working on it. You will never, ever be perfect - no matter how hard you try. Once you get that in your head and get to that place where forgiveness of self lives, you'll be just fine. It's not a pretty trip to get there, but I know you will. You and I are a lot alike. I have faith in you.

You always make me misty-eyed and I'm not a very emotional woman!  Thank you for having faith in me and always encouraging me either directly or just by being you.  The lack of perfection thing is a tough, tough pill to swallow for me, and I think learning & accepting that I will never be perfect is a life long journey for me.  I don't know how to be moderate.  Most days I accept this.  I'm learning to forgive myself, and I'm learning to be proud of my accomplishments instead of always downplaying them and focusing on what needs improvement.  You can constantly work towards your goals, but you need moments of pride for what you've already accomplished.  It's healthy, I think.  You're fantastic, and I do think we are a lot alike and I'm happy to be in such inspiring company :)

Oh my!! Just how hot are you?  Congrats

Nice! and that is no plastics?

Honest to God - no plastics. You have to remember, I was a lightweight. I lost 108 pounds from my very highest, 98 from my initial visit in April of 2011. Genetically, I think I was pretty fortunate with skin elasticity. I do have extra skin, but it's mostly centered from the waistline down to the upper thigh - fairly easy to hide, even wearing just shorts or swim trunks.

Devon, congratulations on a fabulous year. I just kept nodding yes to all of the lessons you've learned about yourself. Last year after a Decmber romance with flour and sugar I found myself up those "come to mama" pounds For the first time in three years. It took a few serious months of sugar/grains abstinence to get back to my comfort zone of 142-144. I know I learned a lot during that process. Mostly that it's just so not worth it. You're right, we aren't like everyone else. My surgeon told me to make peace with my calorie zone being 1000-1200 with a lot of exercise thrown in. Not fair? Life isn't but we know what to do with it regardless.



Great outfit, even better shoulders and arms. You continue to be awesome! Hope to see you soon.