reflections too! I had my first year anniversary yesterday as well. I too had no complications and went thru surgery and all very easy. I started at 286 and am now 191 lbs. I have lost about 16lbs since July, weight loss was real slow for the last 6mths. But two months after surgery I started working out at Pick up the pace (like curves) I never took my measurements pre-surgery (wish I had) but from march to date I have lost 5'5" =65 inches, thats what got me thru this plateau, like you all protein didn't work my weight, but all those months I lost over 30 inches. Sometimes our body loses inches instead of pounds, I quit weighing in at tops except for only once a month, I was weighing 2 / 3 times a day.( not good) focusing to much on lbs. So started looking at inches and now I feel alot better about it. I have 6 lbs to go to my first goal and wish to weigh about 170, at the end. You never said if you were excerising ? This is so great for stress, as well. If you don't know about pick up the pace, it has 20 stations and each station you do for 30 seconds, 3 times a week for 30 mins. I find it great, you can even visit with people while you workout. I hope this helps you, I know it did me. Isn't this the great tool ever, I will never regret having this surgery, always look at where you were and where you are now. Life is so much better now!! wouldn't you agree !!! Like you said patience, is a key, just don't pray for it! HA, I feel better finding this site, we live 200 miles from the place I had surgery and it hard to find someone here to talk to, that has gone thru the same thing.. surgery...and such...

I hope I am not being too nosey, but if you don't have a hernia, how did the insurance company approve it? They usually call anything like that Cosmetic Surgery and won't touch it. Maybe I can convince my insurance company too!

Kristal- Congratulations on a super year! Keep up the good work! Kimberley 248/236/124

One year ago today I changed my life forever and in the best possible way! It's been an increditable year! I have gone from 248 lbs. to ... are you ready ... 124 lbs! I made it! I'm half the person I was! That was my goal! Amazing isn't it! I was wearing 22/24 and now wear 4/6! I'm much happier and healthier! I just love my new way of life! I'm training for a half marathon; which is 13 miles! I'm walking not running. I'm actually going to do two of them, one here in Canton, and the other one in Ottawa! I have my yearly check up with Dr. Hill next Wednesday and I'm going to ask him about a tt and breast lift. Hope all you other Januaryers are doing and feeling great! I know I'm just beaming all the time. People tell me that all the time. Best of luck to all of you on your continued WLS journey!! Kimberley 248/236/124

Ok everyone just wanted to let yall know. Tricare approved My lower trunk tummy tuck with a little extra to be done. My plastic surgeon in Jacksonville is awesome and goona do my Breast lift along with skin removal there and give me some saline implants at the same time he does tummy tuck..He described the tt and what the lower trunk lift will do basically take care of the fat on back as well and lift my butt too..Im so excited. The surgery date is 2-23-05. So im down to counting down the days.I also wanted to let everyone know of a promise I made to my wonderful kids and husband and the the plastic surgeon. I promised once I had a surgery date I was gonna QUIT smoking..It will aide in the healing process from the tt and boob job and its dangerous anyway with anthestics.I have 4 packs left then im done. I gave up food and sodas...Let me rephrase that I gave up my food addiction and learned to control my food instead of it controlling me.I learned moderation in the last year and could not be any happier with myself. Im asking for everyone to pray for me and my family cause I know the smoking thing is gonna be hard and basically quitting cold turkey with no help..My kids promised to be good till all the nicotine is out of my system, but god help my nerves...My first Bday is coming up on the 27th and I have worked so hard this year to become healthy its time to dump the last bad habit I have. This will be hard for me since most of friends smoke and so does my husband which btw is not ready to quit. He will start smoking outside for me.Im officially down 138 lbs as of yesterday and getting ready for this year.Im a work in progress and cant wait to get all this skin removed, and actually see the size in clothes difference right now im in a 17 juniors but only cause all the skin on tummy...so there will be a huge change after the surgery.1 year ago i was 323 lbs size 30 in pants and a size 30/32 top which was very snug and a size 50 DD bra. My tops are now large and bra is a 36 c which i cant fill up anymore but not for long. Anyways keep me in your prayers and gl to all in their journeys to a healthier happier life. 323/185/150