Hello Everyone my life is doing so well Im able to walk work move and live normal healthy life. Thank you all for your love support and have a happy gobble,gobble. laurie

It's been one year ago today that I had this life-changing surgery. At that time I was so miserable. My knees and hips hurt so bad from osteoarthritis and the extra weight I was carrying. My foot hurt so bad that I would sit and cry (plantar fascitis). I just didn't want to live any more in that condition. Exercise was not even a consideration because of my condition. Food had become my best friend and comforter. In general, I was a mess. Today I'm 170 pounds lighter and feel like a new person. Exercise has become my friend and I look forward to it and have made it a priority in my life. I strength train 3 days a week for an hour. I also walk -- and plan to start swimming soon. My knees and hips are SO MUCH BETTER. Although I have to be careful with my activities, I generally am pain free. My foot doesn't hurt any more either. And food is no longer my friend. For the first time in my life I can say that I eat to live -- instead of living to eat. For the first time in my life, I live like a normal person. Has it been easy? No way! Changing 50 years of bad habits is never easy. And it's not easy to be a new person in the old world. The people around me haven't changed and I can't expect them to change. They still reward with food. In the beginning my mom made me low sugar/sugar free treats (pies, sweet breads). But I had no desire for these. I would eat a few bites and the rest would be thrown out if she didn't eat it. So, now, although she still asks occasionally, she's stopped surprising me with treats. At work, people act almost offended when I refuse the donuts or other treats they've brought in. They say "you've gotten so skinny that one won't hurt you". Well, they don't understand "dumping" and the fact that those foods were an addiction for me for too many years. I was a foodaholic and I never want to be that person again. Having WLS was the best thing I ever gave myself! Every day I am rewarded by something good that's new in my life. It doesn't have to be a big thing, just some small thing that I couldn't have done before that I can do now -- or just feeling good about myself. I still have about 30 pounds to lose, but now I'm confident that I will get there. I never could have said that a year ago. WLS is more than just a surgical procedure -- it's a gift and none of us should take it for granted. Use it wisely and you will get the best gift you could have ever wanted -- the gift of life without obesity. 374/204/175

Today is my anniversary. I started out surgery day at 329 pounds. Today I am 167 pounds. And in a size 10. And I feel great! I thank GOD everyday for WLS. I am waiting for OH to get my new photo up on my profile. I will let you all know once it is there. The one there now was when I was at 201 pounds. AND Happy Anniversary to ALL of us! Love ya all.

Kristin, Congratulations on a great year! I had my surgery the same day and I feel great too. Yay us (and all the other people who are doing so well). I know what you mean about the loose skin, but I hope it all goes away eventually. LOL Carolyn

Congratulations Kristin! You've had a great year! Don't let a little skin get you down -- you've come a long way girl! Deb