Katy - great post! So happy for all your success and learning!! God bless you as you continue to become all that He designed you to be!!

I am slow in posting my one year update. My surgery was January 9, 2007. I have put off making my surgerversary post because I am just not satisfied with where I am. I had hoped to have lost 100 pounds and am only at 90. It sort of makes me feel like I have failed. But, I've been reflecting on that and I know I have come a long way. I am under my doctor's goal of 160. But my personal goal of 135 - 140 is still 17 - 22 pounds away. This morning I revisited my library which holds several books on the subject of WLS that I purchased before surgery as research material. I am going to re-read "The Success Habits of Weight-Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen Cook. She focuses on six success habits: 1. Personal Accountability 2. Portion Control 3. Nutrition 4. Fluid Intake 5. Regular Exercise 6. Vitamins and Supplements I know I am week in all those areas and know is the time to develop those habits before the weight starts coming back on! So - in looking back I have much to be thankful for . . . I have had zero complications, the weight came off very easy the first six months. I started at a size 22 pants and am now in an 8. Shirts 3XL and now L or M. I have no more knee pain when I walk. No more back pain. Blood sugar has leveled out. Like most things in life - I am still a work in progress. I hope to lose the last 20 pounds or so in the next few months. I am dreaming of a TT but will probably wait until 18 months out per the advice of the plastic surgeon that I've visited with. Life is good. People compliment me all the time on how I look. However, I very much identify with Lori M's One Year post. It is a difficult process to adjust to who people perceive we are now. Really I am still me, just a different package. I don't feel near as different as people seem to react like I am. It is all very strange in a way and takes some adjustment! Well I'm looking forward to year two, to more improvements, to better health and to just a lot more fun in life!!

Lori- can't believe you're from Humble... and that I didn't notice it before... Prior to Colorado I lived in the Woodlands. My brother is one of the pastors at Fellowship of the Woodlands- it's a big church- you may have heard of it... Holly

Suz- Congrats on your amazing transformation!!! You look fabulous!!! A special thanks for all of your positive thoughts and consistency each week. You are a neat lady and would love to join you guys on the cruise too... CONGRATS!!! Holly

What a success you are!!! Congratulations on your one year anniversary. It's great to hear your health is so much better- and of course- you look great too!!! CONGRATS!!! Holly