Hey everyone!!

I'm all smiles because today I have lost 100.2 pounds!! I had wanted to "give" myself a birthday present of losing 100 pounds by my birthday but the present came 10 days early -- not that I'm complaining!

Here's a link to my YouTube celebration:

(Dance with me)

I hadn't posted my "Tell Your Story" up until today because I felt it was much like everyone else's -- but here goes a hopefully short, but sweet version:

I was always a thin kid -- I was active, but loved reading more (still do). I went off to college weighing 135 lbs at 5'9" -- soon gained the freshman 15, but that wasn't a big deal -- lost 10, then gained 20, then lost 25, then gained and graduated from college at 185.

I married my husband at age 23 at 175 pounds, and proceeded to continue to gain. We moved from Wisconsin to Washington, DC where I had no family and friends except for food (mainly ice cream and pie) -- by the time we moved to Venezuela, I weighed 220 lbs. and I was 25 years old.

Fast forward to 28 years old, I lost a bunch of weight, weighing about 170 and promptly got pregnant with my oldest son. (I had PCOS but didn't know it -- drs. thought it was a miracle I was pregnant at all).

Gained 70 pounds with my pregnancy. Daniel weighed in at 10 1/2 pounds when he was born. I started law school when he was 5 months old -- and ate my way through it -- I was a size 24 when I graduated.

Because of PCOS and my weight, I was unable to have any more pregnancies. But, we moved to Guatemala in 1997, and we adopted a little girl (Susana) -- and then in 1998, we adopted a little boy (John). When John was about 2, I lost a bunch of weight, getting down to about 190 lbs.

Then my oldest was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome (on the Autism spectrum) -- he had been previously diagnosed with ADHD too. So that kind of sent our family into a tailspin. (In other words, I ate through it).

We came back to the States in 2002, and I worked as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill -- ate my way through the stress.

We moved to Nicaragua and I started to lose weight again, but not much -- I think I got down to about 240.

Then we moved back to the States in 2007. I began taking graduate courses for my teaching certificate and my husband was sent to Iraq. I ate again.

Then my husband came home, he was immediately posted to Paraguay, but I had a job, my oldest was a senior in HS, and so we decided to live in the States for one more year. It was then I ballooned up to past 300 (I really don't know how much, just that I was 304 when I went to the dr.'s office for my pre-op visit).

So in Sept. of 2010 about 2 months after moving down to Paraguay, I decided to get surgery -- as many of you have experienced, I tried everything: Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Slimfast, even the cookie diet! The only thing I didn't try was pills.

This was my last chance to be healthy and I'm almost there -- this is probably the greatest gift I have ever given to myself -- I have ME back again -- I haven't seen this Julie since I was 18 or 19 years old -- I am sooo thankful and I can't stress enough how having the surgery has changed my life!! And if you haven't had it yet, don't even hesitate -- it will change yours too!

Happy, beautiful day!

Congratulations!!! I just did the happy dance with you.

I'm elated for you and all of your success ! ! ! I know this sounds crazy, but I get this overwhelming sense of pride when people I adore (YOU) are so successful, and so excited to embark on this adventure. I know it was a tough decision for you, but I never doubted that you would find victory with the sleeve.

Many cheers to you, and I am so proud of you ! ! ! Keep rockin' your sleeve chickee ! ! !

Wow! Congratulations!!

Thanks for sharing your story.

You have done fantastic.

genepha

gastric plication 2-7-11

Congrats! That is AWESOME. I am only five days out but have lost 8 pounds so far. I am hoping to be just as successful as you have been. Keep up the good work.

You always have positive comments and very thought out replies for those of us that are not where you are yet. You have done the work and you deserve all the happiness I just saw on your face as you were dancing. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!

I both giggled and cried with joy watching you dance.You look so alive and beautiful. And I subscribed to your vlog too- as I go through my pre tests and keep my eyes on the prize you inspire me so much.

I was jealous of that sunshine- is it warm there? We seem to be having the winter that wont end here in No CA.

Anyway- you go girl! I thought of you today when I ate a cookie- one- and found it did not taste that good now that I am indoctrinating myself against carbs. I think you are lucky to be changing that long love affair you had with food to one of mutual respect.

YAY, Julie!!!! I'm VSGandMe2011 on YouTube, but wanted to tell you congrats again!! You are an inspiration! I'm being sleeved on Tuesday (3/8/11) and my birthday present to myself will to be in onederland (by 8/19/11)!!! I'm going to do what you are doing! Protein first, water, water, water and workout!! Thank you for sharing your story!!

You should be so proud of yourself!!!! Good Job!!!!

Congrats and you look GREAT! what a wonderful gift to yourself

Might I add you have GORGEOUS hair. was it affected by the surgery at all?