Oh My Goodness.....

 Brenda, you're so right about feeling better this birthday than those in the past.  You're another Libra!!  :)

Gratitiude is a good feeling to have.
You look amazing, so much younger and happier than the first pic from preop.
Congrats on your success and keeping me inspired!
Congrats on being almost 60 years young!

 Thanks Maria!  It's so fun to watch you go through this process too!  

Lee, I am so happy for you!  Before you know it you will be in the 160's, YEAH!  It is so amazing isn't it!  I ran into some people at a part time job yesterday I hadn't seen for a while.  One girl was so excited she went and got another friend to come and see how good I looked.  I am embarrassed how I used to look and I remember hating it but feeling like there was nothing I could do.  I am so grateful to get to have this surgery and a second chance at life.  I am starting to see a thin person when I look in the mirror.
I think you look wonderful and you are such a great encouragement when I read your posts!
Sandi

 Sandi, you're such a sweetie!  You're right, we're so lucky to have had the surgery.  I know what you mean about being unable to do anything about it before.  I was on every diet, and just couldn't get the weight off,

 Lee,
How AWESOME is that !!!!! Thank you so much for sharing that and ditto what Beverly said!
Kinda takes ones breath away when everything happens for a reason, you recognize it, and are grateful.  I am so happy for you and these are the inspirations that help direct others' attitudes to stay the course!

 Karen, I'm so excited for you.  Just two more weeks and you'll be on the Loser's Bench with us!!

Lee - I've loved watching you on your journey.  You are SO inspirational to pre-ops as well as us old-timers that are in maintenance. Your spirit and attitude are unsurpassed - and when you hit the 160's I'll be jumping up and down with you!!

 Oh boy, does that mean you'll be coming to California for all that jumping around? I love all of the encouragement that I get from all of you that cleared the path for me to learn how to work this program. 

Ooooh! How will we celebrate your 60th? I think a trip to visit your son is in order...