Here is a link to my latest picture: http://villagex.com/marypics/compare.jpg I never had a chance to do my one year update, so maybe I can do some catching up now. To date I have lost 122 pounds which is an amazing feat to me. I thought I would be one of those that the surgery wouldn't work for. I try to follow the rules set by my surgeon and I am probably 98% or more compliant. Nobody's perfect! I have not had a dessert, candy etc since before my surgery. I want to assume that I dump, and as long as I don't know otherwise I can work under the assumption that I do dump. Sweets were a major problem for me before the surgery and I don't want to start back down that road. I haven't really even had a craving for them. I do have a new vice to replace my sugar habit. I am now addicted to Starbuck's Lattes! My drug of choice is a Grande Non-Fat Latte. It makes me very happy! I figure there could be worse addictions and at least I am getting in some protein. I am really pleased with my exercise. My muscles are really starting to take form I love them - LOL! I work out with a trainer 2x a week; focusing on upper and lower body weight training. I also have joined a running program. I am training for a 1/2 maration at the end of April. I am planning to do the Country Music 1/2 Marathon in Nashville on 4/29. It has always been a dream of mine to do a marathon, and I can't believe that I am actually working my way towards making that goal! This surgery has been a God-send for me. Lately I have been super busy at work. In the past I would have ate my way through the stress. I can't do that now thanks to my tool. It is a wonderful gift. I do find that there is an emotional component that is rising to the surface now that I am not dealing with things by stuffing them down with food. This is a very interesting development to me and quite an eye opener to see just how much I actually did deal with things by eating. It was quite the coping mechanism for me. Now, in place of eating, I am becoming more vocal about my feelings. I find I am not worrying quite so much about what people think of me. Following are some of the great things this surgery has given me: -Some freedom from food - my thoughts are no longer consumed by when I will next get to eat and what will I eat -The ability to move. My mobility has increased. I was getting to the point where my weight was started to impact my ability to get around. Now I am actually training for a 1/2 marathon. -Buying clothes - need I say more. I love to buy clothes now and I am busy making up for lost time! -Not worrying about what people think when I meet them for the first time. This really struck me recently. My company took over another company. I had to go to various sites of the company we took over to do training. It was so wonderful not to have to worry about what I was going to look like in front of everyone doing the training. The other thing that was great - I didn't have to worry about asking for a seatbelt extender on the airplane when I was traveling with co-workers. I don't have to tell you how wonderful that was. -I weigh less than my husband. -My husband can pick me up - this is a first since we have been married. -I went on a cruise in May - and actually worked out every morning before breakfast and lost 5 pounds. -We went with friends to Hershey Park last July and I felt comfortable enough to get on some rides - including water rides. Last year (2004) when we went, I pretended that I wasn't interested in going on the rides. That wasn't true - I figured I wouldn't fit on the rides. -A co-worker called me a "skinny *****" on Friday. I imagine not everyone would think that was a compliment - but it sounds good to my year. -Wearing a belt - I love being able to wear a belt. Hopefully work will slow down some and I will be able to post more. I have been reading and keeping up with everyone, I just haven't been able to post. Take care, Mary 302/180/1??

You look gorgeous Melissa! Wow, it is wonderful to be thinner than we were in high school! Ain't life grand!! I am glad you posted your picture - you should be very proud! Impressed! Terri 358/175

Hello Donna, You and Ron are in my prayers. Please keep us posted on how he is doing. Take care, Diana

down 90 lbs with the LapBand. 40 to go. jayme

I posted on the Texas Board last night, but I wanted to post here too to say I now have an updated pic of me on my profile. It was taken last Saturday night at a semi-formal event. It was the first time since surgery I needed to get all dressed up. It took me two days to find the right outfit, but man it was nice being able to fit into sooooo many nice clothes. Anyway, I just wanted to share! Hope everyone is doing great! xoxo Melissa 324/172/159 5'7"