What a year...

Hi Everyone! Well, I guess better late than never... Last Thursday was my 1-year anniversary for my weight loss surgery! What a year it has been! I have gone from 295 pounds to 152 pounds. I started out in size 26-28 and now wear a size 12. I can't say it has been easy but it has been an adventure. I still constantly keep up with my food and weight on a daily basis but it is second nature to me. (Not bothersome or a chore, just something I know I have to do to take care of myself!) I have come to realize that this is definately a lifelong commitment. For those of you who are researching this surgery, good luck to you. If I can help in any way, please email me. For those of you who are newly post-op, hang in there, it does get better! Gail -143 pounds PS...all blood labs look good still! I take 1 multi-vitamin daily, 1 calcium chew daily and subligual B-12 daily! I get in a minimum of 60 -80 g of protein a day and still have a hard time getting in all my liquids! For those of you who want to see my before pictures taken at my surgeons office before my surgery... http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=8b8dq97.183cj6if&Uy=-ayk10j&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0 I don't have the after pictures from his office yet, should get them soon! They have been done, I just don't have them yet!

Wooooooooo Hooooooooo Gail! You go girl!!! Your at my stopping point...LOL... My goal is 151, my surgeon hasnt set any goal for me so far. I started at 295 however I was at 302 on day of surgery. I betcha one thing, I ate enough "last suppers" for all of OH How tall are you? I am 5'9" and just can not envision a size 12 at this point. It seems like the impossible dream. Im STILL buying large size tops, knowing they will be too big, okay they are tee shirts in different colors, not actually tops but WHY do I STILL do this? I need some clothes that fit, so Im just going to have to go try some on I guess. The only problem is I always bought larger sizes so they would be long enough to cover my tummy. Tops that actually fit, hit you at the waist and I cant stand that. I need length in my tops to cover this wide load in back so I guess i will be wearing tee shirts for awhile WHEN does this stop if ever? Congratulations! You have done so WELL! Love, Sandy

Hi Sandy and thanks! I am 5-6", not tall at all, everone says I seem taller but I am average I think. At 151.2 pounds this morning, I think I am done loosing weight. My face is way too thin and my ribs, chest bones, collar bones and hip bones stick way out! I said I wanted to get down to 138 pounds but I think that is out of the question. I think this is a comfortable weight for me as long as I stay under 154.5 pounds. (That is the weight that puts me back at being overweight on the Body Mass Index. I want to stay in the normal range.) As far as clothes, it took me awhile to get used to wearing clothes that actually fit. I always wore baggy clothes and t-shirts as well and now I can't stand it! I love my bikini undies and tight shirts. As far as tops I wear fitted shirts that hit right at my belly button. I guess the more wieght you loose the more comfortable you will become in better fitting clothes. It did take awhile to get used to it but now if it is too big I can't tolerate it! Shopping is now fun and not a chore! Gail PS...I will be getting a thigh lift sometime next year and I think that will probably take about 5-6 pounds off so I will probably end up somewhere around 145-150 pounds if I play it safe. Dale, my husband, says I better get ready to add another 4-5 pounds of boobs back on as well! I went from a 44 D to a 36 B and look like a tube sock!

WOOO HHOOOO Gail You've had an incredible journey my friend You are such an inspiration to us all Kim

Thanks Kim! This has definately been the experience of a lifetime! Gail