Suz!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy One Year Surgiversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! If I lived by you, I'd come get you and we'd go out and party!! You've done great and you are always so encouraging to others in this forum. I'm truly happy for you!

Suz, What a wild ride it has been! I am so glad that we in the group have found each other. Even the people who have been there and done that but are further ahead of us on the timeline don't remember exactly where we are in emotions and situations. It is so easy to forget the trials because the victories are so significant. But this group has been there all together and understands because we are in this together and because we have a great group here. I know I appreciate you and your experiences. I remember when you got to goal and I thought, "wow, I get to see what that will be like while Suz goes through it." We have to remember to be vocal and proactive for the rest of our lives so that we protect the precious gift we have been given. To do anything else would dishonor ourselves and all that we have done to get to this point! Hugs, Katy B.

Okay, my January Lovelies! Here is my obligatory one year surgiversary post. Let me start by saying that the support that I have received from this site, and this forum especially, has made my journey all the more bearable. Without people on our side who understand what we go through on a daily basis, I think that we would be lost. You ladies have given me and others unconditional support...something that I have truly come to rely on. This entire process has been trying at times, but it was so worth any effort that has been put forth...I feel amazingly blessed to be where I am today, with regard to both physical and mental health. It had been so long since I could look at myself and not cringe at what and who I saw looking back at me...there is no equal in the world to feeling at peace (mostly) with yourself. So, I will cut this short by listing some stats...they help to remind me where I came from and how far I have come. Perhaps they might give a newbie some encouragement to keep pushing ahead when the going seems tough . Starting weight/high weight: 251.5 Weight today: 142.1 Before surgery size: 22/24 pants, 2x tops After surgery size: 4 pants, M tops Health issues before surgery: arthritis, incontinence, pre-diabetic, high blood pressure, depression, menstrual irregularities, fatty liver, and of course, no energy 'cuz of the fat! I'm sure that there were more, but it's been a year of feeling so good that I think I blocked them out of my memory . Health issues today: None So, there you have it! I didn't take measurements prior to surgery, and now wish that I had. But, pictures say a thousand words...most of which were nasty, four letter words pre-op! Now, I can say that I am proud to see what I look like now...I'm no longer embarrassed. I can also say that I don't regret this surgery...not for one second have I wished that I hadn't gone through with it. You have all made this journey a fun and enjoyable time in my life, and for that, I thank you ladies from the bottom of my heart. ~Suz

Katy!!!!!!! Happy surgiversary to you! What an awesome ride we've been on!!! Way to go!!

Thanks Stephanie! It feels so good to be off all those extra prescriptions, to not be pre-diabetic, to have my hormones balanced, no high blood pressure and to just feel normal--no oversized chairs needed, sit in a booth, fit in an airplane, go to amusement parks, shop (WAY TOO MUCH) in normal sized stores, not have my legs and feet hurt and just to feel good and have energy! Hugs, Katy