4 year anniversay!!!

Yep, 4 years ago today I was on my way to surgery to change my life forever. I can only say that was the BEST decision I have ever made. I not only lost 150 pounds of unwanted fat, I have gained many friendships throughout the 4 years, I have learned how to love myself, I have learned how to love others, I know now that I deserve to have love in my life and that if I want to do something for "ME" that it is okay. I have learned that food isn't the cure all I always thought it was. I have learned how to deal with what is going on in my life rather than shove it behind that donut or bag of potatoe chips that I think will help me feel better. I have done things in the past couple years that I never thought I would do or never even thought about doing. I have been kayaking, bike riding, horse back riding, dancing, and have fallen in love. I have been battling with 20 pounds that keep popping back up on my butt and thighs, but I am working on getting rid of them and not letting them come back so easily. They are not welcome and it is my goal to banish them, yet again. Thanksgiving is almost here and I have so much to be thankful for, I won't bore you with them all but my greatest thanks go to God for getting me through this surgery 4 years ago and showing me that there is life out there to be lived and enjoyed. I thank God that he helped my little brother through this surgery and the next six months of Hell that he went through with a leak and infections and all the pain and misery that went along with it. He is healthy and doing great now and doesn't regret having the surgery at all. He is loving life also. His 2 year anniversary is just two weeks away. Happy anniversary Danny! I want to thank all of you here on the Grad board for your support and words of wisdom, I don't write on here much, but I do read it every day, just to keep the topic fresh in my mind and my goals in line. There are days I actually forget that I have had this surgery, I feel that good. May god bless you all and all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season!!!! All my love and appreciation, Carla

Contratulations....Happy Holidays and much continued success.... Hugs from the beach Charlie

Hi Carla, It's always nice to hear about people like you that have gone the distance and are still thin, healthy and happy. Since in the past we've all taken off the pounds just to regain them over the next few years it's nice to know that it is possible to keep the weight off this time. You've made me realize how much I too have to be thankful for having taken this incredible journey. Continued success to you in your new life! Terry Coles 276/123

Conratulations!! Look how far you've come!! Not just in mind but in spirit--and that's the best change of all. Here's wishing you a wonderful Hloiday season, and many more wonderful years!! Bek

Congratulations on changing your life in a positive way. I'm impressed that you've been able to maintain the weight loss for 4 years. Ok so you have a 20 lb regain but you can lose it again if you think it's important. Back to the protein routine. Thanks for sharing your story. It gives those of us who aren't as far out hope that we can maintain the weight loss long term. Have a wonderful holiday season.

Congratulations Carla! Sounds like you have learned much over these past 4 years. I am right behind you....my 4 year anniversary will be in Feb.

happy anniversary to you I just had mine one month and 6 days before you and yes like you I am so grateful for the new things I enjoy in my life and that includes new relationships with my old friends and loves... again congrats Gratitude is my Attitude AmandaDS VG-DS October 2001 highest >350/start of wls journey342 /156@goal and after ps