1 year out today!!!

wow!! i can't believe it's already been a year. the time has really gone by so fast. i'm at goal at 5'7 135 and wearing a size 8 from a tight size 28-30!!! if you would have told me i would be wearing size 8 last year i would have thought you were nuts. hahaha i feel so much better in so many ways. some mornings when i wake up i have to just look in the mirror to make sure i wasn't dreaming. my highest weight was 350 and when i had surgery i was at 278. i feel like i have gotten a second chance in life. i haven't had any complications or problems because of my wls. i have also already had my tummy tuck and inner thigh lift. next month i will be getting the invisiline removable braces and in march i will get implants and my arm lift done. ohhhhhhhhhhhhh and after that i hope i never have another surgery for the rest of my life hahaha, but it really is worth it. not only am i happier, but my family is happier too. i feel like because i feel better about myself i'm able to be a better wife and mother. i no longer feel the self-hate that i carried so long with my excess weight. i have healed my mind as well as my body. i wish anyone who is going thur this process the best of luck. sometimes you might feel like you will never get to goal (i felt that way too read my profile). things will change and move faster than you think. i remember waiting to hear if i was approved, i remember being afraid i wasn't and then getting the good news. i remember making it under 200 pounds. don't give up and if you feel down make sure to talk about it with someone. everytime i felt down i would read profiles and i realized i wasn't alone. this site and the people here have been just as important in my journey as the surgery itself. if you ever need help or just someone to listen please email me anytime you feel the need. good luck on your journey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fran, Congratulations!!!! What an inspiration!!! I am so happy for you. at 4 months out and down by 70 pounds, I have a glimps of the improvement in life that you are talking about. Thanks for sharing !!!! Ken

Fran, congratulations, you are a terrific inspiration for others. I sometimes wonder what life will be like after plastic surgery - etc. I simply have to have my arms done and need some boobs in these bags Then the tummy/ thigh thing too. I may do the reverse because I want to wait until I am sure I am done with pregnancy before doing the stomach & since they will probably do that & the thighs at the same time.. well it may have to wait. But I am really starting to think about doing my arms and chest asap. I think I will set a weight goal for myself and when I achieve that then start looking to plastics. Of course - that will have to be after I move to the beach & start working for the same company you do so insurance will cover all of that!! How did you decide when it was the right time to have the plastic surgery. I want to make sure I wait long enough so that I don't need to have it done twice but I also don't want to wait SO long that I regret not having it done sooner. Does that make sense? I'm glad you lost you "leftovers" and are moving forward in such a positive light. I am excited for you, myself and the others on this site that have found a new life, a new quality of life becasue of this surgery. ~Kathy V.

Kathy, I go to HUP, but my doctor recommends not having PS until 18-24 months after surgery. They say that by that time your weight should have stabilized, so you won't have to redo the work. ~ Renay

Fran, Congratulations! This time in 1 year, I'll be in almost the same place and can only wish such good things for myself. You are truly an inspiration, especially to those of us who are almost to our surgery dates and I'm sure you are to the newbies as well. Continued success. Way to go! Valerie

Wow,...you are so encouraging to us still in the process of getting to our goal. Thanks for giving us an update and how this has changed your life! Like you, I have no regrets..and I hope at 1 year out..I'm feeling as wonderful as you! Thanks!!! Hugs, Kimberly

Fran, What a remarkable weightloss year you've had!!! And plenty success stories to share with others. What an inspiration you are... keep up the great work and thanks for sharing and offering help unconditionally! You deserve a big

Hi Fran, One year out and such wonderful progress, you have come a long way. Congratulations! Linda

Hi Fran! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! What a milestone you've reached! You're standing somewhere (in a size 8) that I haven't been in over 10 years. I've almost forgotten what it's like to fit into chairs, shop in "regular" stores and to just feel good about my body! Thanks for reminding me that there is hope and freedom after the surgery! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Please remember to celebrate your milestone!

Congratulations Fran! You've done an exceptional job, and I'm most impressed with the mental transformation! Good for you! I only hope that I can go half as far. Take care and be PROUD! T