WOW One year ago I didn't know if I or my husband would be around to see our beautiful daughter get married. He had heart surgery and I had RNY within 2 weeks of each other. Our daughter was considering moving her wedding date up because the drs were not sure how long either of us would be here. Isn't that a h*ll of a thing for a young girl planning her wedding to have to face. Well I am prode to say that she had a beautiful wedding on the day that she had picked that meant so much to her and her new hubby. And her father and I got to at her wedding. My husband and I now have a new life and enjoying every minute of it. We work out together and eat together. My food choices have helped his heart problem the dr says. Because I just don't bring the bad things into the house neither of us can eat them. I As for me it has been a tough but wonderful year. I deal with depresson alot and lossing food really made it worse some days. Don't get me wrong I would do it again tomorrow and it is the best thing that ever happened to me. When i started 2 years ago I weighed in at a wooping 450+ now I weigh in at 260 and enjoying life and looking to have a long one. Had to either make or mail order all my clothes in a size 48 or larger if I could find them. Now I can buy off the rack in a size 22-24. Am no longer in pain and not looking at double knee replacement, or back surgery. Oh ya also was able to fly to FLA to see my dad twice this year and only had to buy one set and no belt extenion, could walk down the middle of the plain without turning side ways. I guess what I am saying is that thank God, my family and all of you for giving me a secound chance at life. highest 450+ day of surgery386 today 260

It has been 1 year since I laid down on that cold table, looked into Dr. Reyes face and said "Remember, I have two small children!" He smiled and said "You'll see them again, soon. Remember, you are doing this for them, too!" I am now 115 lbs. lighter, and although I have more weight I need to lose, I am happy where I am. Thanks to everyone on this messageboard who stuck with me through it all (including nasal surgery four months after the GB!!!) You are all BIG LOSERS!!!!!!: ) Love, Lou Ann

1 year ago Jan 31, 2005 I got my life back, I am almost off all meds now. Very big relief. Still concerned with vitamin deficencies and hair loss, but feel much better. I went from 257 to 136 as of today. (1 pound less than the day I graduated high school). Not bad for a 44 year old grandma of 1 and a half. Need a tummy tuck, but still losing. Will see later, if exercise doesn't finish firming me up. I am beginning to finally like myself again.

Peg I think you have done awesome so far! What an accomplishment for you. I know it is hard to see some people on here already having reached their goals, or even surpassed their goals. I have not hit my goal as of yet either. I am however only 7 pounds away but I still see some of these women that are into a size 3 and knock myself up a bit because I am into a size 12. I think a lot of the time our minds definately play tricks on us. We need to focus on how much we have accomplished within ourselves and not focus on what the others are doing. Remember when we were extremely fat and all we wanted to beb was a size 16 or 14 whatever it was in your head. I hit that and said OMG I want to be a size 8 now. It is really a constant struggle. Keep your chin up and remember tat we are always here for you. Keep coming back and vent to us anytime. Feel free to email me off the list if you need too. Suzanne 300/157/150

Beautiful, beautiful prayer!!! I feel the same!