I hit the 70 pound mark this morning and am inching closer to my first major milestone of 100 pounds. As each pound drops I feel like I am gaining a mile of self-confidence. I am no longer hiding behind people or furniture when meeting new people or chatting via video messaging and do not run when someone pulls out a camera.

I am refusing to purchase a new wardrobe until I am close to reaching my goal. I am trying out my domestic skills and am utilizing my sewing machine to take in certain clothes (work pants, etc.). Despite my middle school home economics sewing skills, I discovered the key to keeping my clothes staying up is a belt. I have never needed a belt before so this was something new to me. I thought I would have to get a pair of those rainbow-striped suspenders that old men wear but a belt works much better!

Me the month before surgery.

Me today (4.5 months post-op)

Congrats on your success! You're looking great! Keep working hard and I'm sure you will reach your milestone soon!

Way to go! You are doing great!

Thanks. I feel awesome!!!

I had to modify my original post so I could include a recent picture. I just had the Hubs snap a quick one for me.

Woot, Woot! Congratulations on all your hard work. You are really looking great.:clap2:

you look really good! keep up the excellant work!

You look great honey!!!! Congrats!!!!

You look so different already.... celebrate. Congrats on making that sleeve work for you!

You have done so well. Congrats!!!!!!!!!

Looking great!!! Congrats!!!

Wow, there is already such a huge difference congrats!

YAY for 70 lbs gone!! You look great!!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!! You look great

AWESOME!!! Great job so far!!!

Thanks everyone! This has been (and continues to be) the BEST journey I have ever been on. I can't wait to see what the future brings.

Rock it!!! Doesn't it feel amazing?? Now the next time you are at the store pick up a 50lb or 75lb bag of dog food... it is an eye opener. I can freaking run on the treadmill now... at my starting weight there was no way that could happen!!!