July 1st marked four months since I threw caution to the wind and joined this adventure. And, man, am I glad I did. I've lost 70 lbs. but the more amazing part is all that I've found. There was a confidence and self-assurance lurking under all the fat that was dying to come out! It's led me to apply for and get a crazy promotion, start running and most importantly, begin asserting myself in my private life. I've always been the one to "take one for the team". Not so much anymore.

Amazing things that have happened in the last four months:

1. I've gone from a 24 to a 16.

2. Got an amazing new job- I attribute this completely to the post surgery confidence.

3. I wrapped a normal size towel all the way around my body.

4. My wedding ring is now too BIG.

5. I took a picture with friends and I was actually the skinny girl in the pic!

6. I started running- I can now run 1.5 miles without stopping. This is HUGE for me!

7. I can now shop at all "normal size" stores.

8. I'm social again! I want to talk to people and have them talk to me.

9. I don't spend my entire life obsessing about food anymore!!!

I have attempted to attach pics- hope it's successful.

You LOOK GREAT!!!!! Congratulations and keep up the great work!!!!

LOVE IT! YOU GO GIRL!

Congratulations. You look fantastic and seem so very happy. Way to go and good luck on your future weight loss.:Banane08:

You should be proud of yourself. It's amazing all the things we have hidden behind rolls of fat!! Your photos are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing with us!

Wow, Gang. I can't thank you enough for all of your postive comments. It's funny. I know I am in smaller clothes and that the scale reads 70 lbs. less, etc. But, when I look at these two pics I still don't see a big difference. I actually posted these because my BFF mentioned she saw them side-by-side on Facebook and couldn't get over the difference. I couldn't see it as much, but I've known her for 15 years and trust her judgement.

I guess this is one of those cases where it takes the mind a little while to catch up. All of your comments really helped me to see that. Thanks for that!

Amanda

You look great and sound very happy!

Great job well done congrats!

Congrats on all your successes! You are doing GREAT!

Congrats and you look beautiful!!! Joan

You look GREAT!!! and your post is beautiful!!! You are very inspiring. Congratulations on all this wonderful progress!!!!

Amanda, what a difference... you are looking GREAT!!

I love your list too... keep up the good work! =]

Congrats....you look wonderful.

You look beautiful Amanda!!

GOOD JOB!!

Kelly