I have spent most of my life feeling defeated and feeling like I could never change that. I had come to accept that success and feeling good about yourself only happened to other people.

Yesterday, I reached the 100 lbs. lost mark. I weighed myself 3 times, cuz I just couldn't believe it. Even though I had been given this wonderful tool, I guess in the back of my mind, it still seemed like more of a dream than a reality.

Trust me when I say that I have never been any type of motivational speaker. But, folks, I am here to tell you that I was given a chance to live my dream life. Healthy and fit. I am not 100% there yet, but have come such a long way, that now I have no doubt that I can be successful. I am living my dream.

For those who think that WLS is the easy way out, you're wrong. It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. I have been through some tough times, but it's all worth it.

When I first started this journey, I remember saying that I would be so happy if I could sit on the floor and play with my grandkids. I am able to do that and so much more. Yes, I still have restrictions due to my back problems, but they aren't half as bad as they used to be.

My pain is so much less severe, I am off all blood pressure meds, off the CPAP and for the first time in my adult life, my cholesterol is NORMAL.

Through the good and the bad times, I counted on the support and advice of the folks on this forum. You guys have kept me on track and were a safety net for me when times were tough.

I still have 17 lbs to go and then I have to ease into maintenance, but I now I know I can do this. For anyone having 2nd thoughts or doubts, hang in there. We can all do this and we are all worth it.

I have spent most of my life feeling defeated and feeling like I could never change that. I had come to accept that success and feeling good about yourself only happened to other people.

Yesterday, I reached the 100 lbs. lost mark. I weighed myself 3 times, cuz I just couldn't believe it. Even though I had been given this wonderful tool, I guess in the back of my mind, it still seemed like more of a dream than a reality.

Trust me when I say that I have never been any type of motivational speaker. But, folks, I am here to tell you that I was given a chance to live my dream life. Healthy and fit. I am not 100% there yet, but have come such a long way, that now I have no doubt that I can be successful. I am living my dream.

For those who think that WLS is the easy way out, you're wrong. It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. I have been through some tough times, but it's all worth it.

When I first started this journey, I remember saying that I would be so happy if I could sit on the floor and play with my grandkids. I am able to do that and so much more. Yes, I still have restrictions due to my back problems, but they aren't half as bad as they used to be.

My pain is so much less severe, I am off all blood pressure meds, off the CPAP and for the first time in my adult life, my cholesterol is NORMAL.

Through the good and the bad times, I counted on the support and advice of the folks on this forum. You guys have kept me on track and were a safety net for me when times were tough.

I still have 17 lbs to go and then I have to ease into maintenance, but I now I know I can do this. For anyone having 2nd thoughts or doubts, hang in there. We can all do this and we are all worth it.

Maddie, how very proud of you I am! You are an inspiration to this forum! You have defeated the negative of the world of fat and you have exchanged it with the positive . . that is so wonderful! Keep up the good work, because 17 lbs is just around the corner and girl you can do that! You've come all this way and by gummit you will finish the race!!!!

I can't thank you all enough for the wonderfully kind replies. It just reinforces the fact that we are all in this together, and I couldn't be more delighted by that fact. (((hugs)))

Wow congrats! I weighed myself today and I have officially hit the halfway point already. I am down two sizes and am lighter than I have been in over a decade. I no longer have to see that dreaded X on my clothes. Junior midrise pants fit???? I hold them up and still can't believe that I can step into them and zip them up with no problem Enjoying the ride and can't wait for part two of my journey. This is the best thing I could have ever done for myself.

Thanks for the inspirational words.

My New Life

">

Congrats Maddie. I just now ran across this thread and knew I had to respond. You have been truly inspirational to me. You are one of the first people I can remember when I joined this forum. I have been following you from the beginning of your journey and have been so impressed by you.

Damn.... 100 pounds is a BIG milestone. I am sooo happy for you. You definitely have had some very tough times,but have come out a big WINNER. I am very proud of you.

{{{{{{SUPER BIG HUGS}}}}}

Deb

I'm waiting for the 100 lbs mark myself.

What an AWESOME accomplishment! I know I still can't believe my weightloss. I debated buying some pajamas yesterday to the point I did not buy them because I just did not believe I would fit in to an xl even though I just bought that size in two sweatshirts last week. My mind still says "You wont fit into that". So the pJ's are still on the shelf at the store.

I have to ease into to believing too!

I am so happy for you. What a great holiday present to yourself, right? I'm sure last Christmas we were all pretty different. I'm trying to remember last Christmas, and honestly I haven't a clue. Seems like a lifetime ago. But one thing I know is I was FAT lol. It feels good to have done something truly magniicent in one year.

WOW!!! 100 pounds! You have made such a big accomplishment. Congrats to you and your family. You are such an inspiration!