To all the new folks...(xpost)

be encouraged.  Surgery is dangerous, nerve wracking, and the first few months are hard.  But with all that being said, it's worth it.  At least it has been for me.  Today is my 34th birthday.  I used to approach every birthday with "I'm gonna have this weight off by next year".  It never worked.  I used to blow out those candles and "wish" (cheesy, I know) that I could find a way to get out from under the excess weight that had plauged me for as long as I could remember.  I found it, in March of last year.  Truly in the top 3 as far as best decisions of my life. 

The family and I went to a large amusement park yesterday for the first time in about 3 years.  The last time I visited this park I was 320 pounds.  I had to sit down every few minutes to rest, I sweated profusely, and had to sqeeze into the seats of the roller coasters (one of which I simply COULD NOT ride).  Yesterday, I walked all day, rode whatever I wanted with no thought about weight limits or seat size, and overall just had a great time.  I'm a better father to my kids, a better husband to my wife (in more ways that one!), and hopefully will live healthy enough to see many/many more birthdays. 

Good luck everybody. 

Jason

320-198

then-now

Happy Birthday!  And congrats on your success!

Jason,

Great success on your journey!  Wasn't a GAS fitting on a roller coaster!

Happy B-day. Life seems to have a lot more to offer you this year.
David

Happy Birthday!! Thanks for the encouraging post. I can't wait to go to the amusement park and ride the roller coasters again.

happy birthday and great job...i feel the exact same way....