Happy Surgaversary to me!!!!!

I am celebrating my 1st year as the new and improved me. People always ask if I could do it over again would I, HELL YES! In a heartbeat, I just hate it took me to get to 286 to realize I was ready. I am still working the plan, weight still coming off (yeah). I will update soon with new pics.

Pros- 1. No longer in plus size clothes

        2. Under 200lbs.

        3. I work out 4 days a week

        4. No longer get short of breath easy

        5. I finally was able to get back in thigh high boots (I have several pair and I rock the crap out of them)

Cons-1. Diagnosed with Lupus and RA

        2. On a whole new set of meds that I can't change

        3. Wearing ankle braces daily (due to Lupus and RA joint pain)

I love reading about everyone's journey, let's keep this going folks.

Congrats!!!

I've been to Mableton several times and grew up in East cobb county!

The RA and Lupus weren't connected to the bypass right?

No I carried the gene.

As an RA patient for 30 plus years,I am sure the lupus and RA were there already and would have shown up much more painfully without the surgery. Both diseases are often not diagnosed for a long time,but because you were focusing on your health now they were caught now. Once meds are regulated and more weight comes off you will begin to feel better. I'm glad it was caught so you can stop joint damage early. Mine was found after both knees were shot and misdiagnosed because 3 specialists were sure I had pain because I was obese. They would not even do any testing just wrote it off as a weight related problems.

Congrats on everything you've accomplished!!! That is so exciting and inspiring. Sorry to hear about your RA and Lupus.