Thanks Faith, you ladies have helped me too. I've gained some wonderful friendships through all this. Hugs, Dana

Hi Lynne, it was great meeting you this weekend, my surgery twin. Can you believe it's been 9 months already, wow time sure is flying. My congrats go out to you too. Yes the weight loss is slower now days but continue to work your tool, it's all worth it. Dana

Wow thanks for reminding me - it's my 9 month anniversary too! Gotta get the kid over to take my picture! I'm at 209.5 - down 88 lbs since Feb. 21. Right now it is going SO slowly, but at least it's going. Lynne

Wow, what can I say time is flying by and I'm enjoying life, yes I am not merely existing but enjoying life, lovin life and oh so thankful for my surgeon and God giving me my LIFE back. As I reflect back to January 14, 2005, my first consult with Dr. W., I was depressed and a total wreck. When I stepped on the scale and saw 260.5 lbs. I just cried. Oh I knew I had gained even more weight but I didn't think I weighed that much, how disgusting I felt. I wouldn't let myself believe I had gotten so out of control, pictures heck no, I was always behind the camera not in front. I was in total denial. I started my pre-op diet the next day and on February 21, 2005 at 7:30 a.m. my new life began. And oh what a ride it's been. No complications, very little pain and I'm on my way to a new ME. Morning of surgery I weighed in at 239 lbs, yes I actually lost 21 lbs pre-op, you eat lean meats and green leafy vegetables 3 times a day, you'll lose weight too. Losing weight for me wasn't the hard part, keeping it off was. Now 9 months later where am I at? As of this morning I'm weighing in at 127 lbs. below goal and wearing a size 4-6 pant and small, medium shirt. NEVER, EVER did I think this possible. I still remember Dr. W. telling me that I'd probably be at goal before the end of the year and I'm thinking Yea Right, dream on. I'm there my friends, and before 2005 ends. This has been a wonderful, exciting year of reflection and anticipation. A year of wonder and surprises both good (my WLS journey) and bad (Hurricane Rita devastating my home town). To all of you that have supported and encouraged me this year, THANK YOU, I could not have done it without you..Tooter, Val, Gina A., Pam, Kathy & Rich, Molly, Faith, Steph, Mary Jo, Vickie, Sassy Cathy, Ramon, Cheryl, Erika, Donna, Jen, Christina, Princess Splenda (Candy), Kiki. I know I'm forgetting some of you, please forgive me, but I want everyone to know I love you all..thanks a million for the wonderful welcome and support you've given me, I couldn't have done it without you. THIS SITE IS AWESOME, YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!!!! To all those just beginning your research, preparing for insurance approval, surgery dates, and new post-ops..A key factor in my journey has been a POSITIVE ATTITUDE..Dream big and stay faithful to your program. All things are possible with the will and faith you have within you. To all of the older post-ops, thanks for your experience and help. You've been my rock, you've been there, done that, I value your knowledge and experience. I hope to one-day give to the newbies all that you've given me. It's been a wonderful 9 months, thank God, Dr. Wongsa and Yourselves, I couldn't have done this alone. Paying if forward in 2006 Hugs, Dana Lap RNY 2-21-05 260/239/127/130

you look great katie! congrats on the weight loss! you are a new person and you should be proud of yourself for your accomplishment!!