I knew that finally deciding to take action and not be obese anymore was going to change my life. I was prepared for the lifestlye change, the new eating habits, the different wardrobe, and the better health. At 4 months out, I'm down under 200 pounds, somewhere that I haven't been since roughly 9th grade. All of the changes have be fought for,welcome, but expected.

What I never expected was that I would start to feel more confident in myself. I didn't realize how little self-confidence I had until after I started to lose weight. For years I've been the stay-at-home-mom shuttling the kids to their various activities, to school, to doctor's appointentments, to friends parties. I've let my hussband be the sole bread-winner, and we've always managed to "get by" but there isn't much left at the end of the month.

For the last year, I've thought about starting my own small business. I even began the process in September of 2010, and then something stopped me from following through. At the time, I wasn't sure exactly what was holding me up, but I realize now that I was afraid. I knew that I would have to market myself, talk to strangers, and make presentations in front of people (some I know, most I don't) to really be successful. At the time, I didn't realize that I didn't believe in myself, didn't think I was someone that people would want to buy from, and was really worried that as I was standing in front of people talking, all they would be thinking about is the fat chick in front of them.

Well, I started my business last week. I did my first presentation, and it went so much better than I dreamed. Everyone was listening to me, staring at me as I talked, and I didn't feel like I was the "fat one." If I can make an extra $100 a month, then my sleeve will not only help save my lifee, but get my kids the trip to Disneyland that I've wanted to take.

This had truly been a life changing operation, in so many ways.

That is fabulous! Keep it up ... you are doing GREAT!

You just made me cry!!

Good job and congrats to you and your family!!

Kelly

What a great success, not only with your weight loss, your new job venture.... but your CONFIDENCE!!! Such an inspiring story, makes me realise how my weight has also effect me in the same way!!

Well done! =]

Congrats on your success! What a great story! Good luck with your business and continued weight loss!

Amazing and inspirational NSV! Congrats to you!!

Thank you everyone for your support! It's truly a blessing to have found this site!

what a great story!! good for you and congrats on your success!! This site is amazing I must agree!

Fantabulous! You go GIRL!

That is an awesome NSV!!! Congrats!!!!!!!! I hope you get to take that trip with the kids soon!

WAY TO GO!!! Thatnks for sharing yor story! I agree, this site has been such a blessing to me already and I'm a pretty new member. Have fun at DISNEY! that's one of my goals when I lose weight....to fit on the rides again!

Awww sweet and inspiring! WAY TO GO!

That is so awesome!! What an inspirational story! Isn't it amazing what self-confidence can do?