Well VST, here it is. I thought I would have so much more to write about when it came to and I probably do, but I want to go out and enjoy life its a beautiful day. My one year surgiversary is tomorrow. I couldn’t have imagined what life would be like a year from then and now that I am here today, I still can't believe where I was and where I am now. There are so many things that have changed for the good and a realization of so many things in my life that have come clear. The ride was fun, it wasn't always easy, it’s the best thing I have done for myself yet, it still takes work every day, and I wouldn't ever change my decision to have surgery. A of the simple things that have changed in my life:

*I can walk up a flight of stairs (and choose to now) without losing my breath

*I can jog nearly 3 miles

*I don't have a debate with myself whether I should get down on the floor to play with my niece because I can't get back up without some help of something to push off of (soon to have a nephew in just a few days!)

* I can shop in the regular section of all the clothing stores; Lost over 10 dress sizes and a shoe size

*I can see each side of a chair, noticed this in my car

*Seat belts fit without pulling them all the way out, haven't been on a plane since surgery, but I almost needed an extender on the flight I tightly squeezed it over my legs. Today I am sure that wouldn't be the case

*I have found a new love for cooking, gardening, and exercise

* I can see the pendant on my necklace that now hangs 2 or more inches lower

* I have lost 93 lbs AND counting, over 76 inches off my body (10 spots)

**I feel beautiful, healthy, and happy! I am ready for the future!

*** I feel normal; I have respect for myself and now so do others

This is a journey and this is only the beginning of the rest of my life. I still feel like I have more work to go to reach my own personal goals, but in my heart I felt (didn't believe) and in the eyes of my boyfriend and close friends I was always a winner. Now I can truthfully say I believe them and myself.

Thank you to my surgeon Dr. Ramos Kelly and to my wonderful coordinator Christi Beardon for making the process so simple. I want to also thank this site and the many of you that are a part of it that share your stories. I couldn't have done this without your support. Thank You!

Please feel free to check out my blog it has all my stats if you’re interested. Plus I have a gallery full of pictures from before all the way through to now. Here are a few. They are still shocking to me.

This was February 2011, 3 months before surgery

Before in San Diego exactly one year from today

Two days after surgery, shopping in Tijuana

Now....

11 Months

First ever swimsuit without boy shorts

Two Dresses I would have never worn before; well I've never worn a lot now I have a dozen

You look great. Congratulations. How often did you workout and what type of work out did you do? Also, did you have lose skin.

I just started slow and walked on a treadmill 3-4 days. It was no specific distance just as far as I could go in 20 min. All aspects gradually increase. First my time moved up 5 minutes at a time then I moved the speed and the incline. As it got easier I just increased my workout. Yes, I do have a lot of lose skin. Its just a reality. I had 280lbs on my body the skin had to cover it and no matter what its not all just going to snap back young or not. There isn' anything I would change though the skin is just a battle scar.

Thank you all so much for your kind comments.

You are beautiful! Congratulations!!

You truly look phenomenal! Congratulations on your success! Any advice for people like myself who are just starting this journey

congratulations , you look incredible... i sooo cannot wait for my surgery now.. go in this thursaday 10th May,, and looking forward to looking as amazing as you..

I'm so happy for you and also sooo happy I have chosen the same doctor!!! I am scheduled to see Dr Kelly on June 14th. Now I am really excited and know I made the right decision! Thank you!!!

Congratulations!!! You are beautiful!

Congratulations you have come very far on your journey! What a fabulous gift. You look amazing!

This is such an inspiration! Thank you for posting!!

Thanks for posting. I go in with Dr Kelly this thursday May 10th & getting quite nervous now. But you inspirational story makes me feel so much better!

I want to be in your shoes in 1 year!

Well done & keep up the great work!

Wow! You look amazing! Congratulations on your surgiversary!!

You truly look phenomenal! Congratulations on your success! Any advice for people like myself who are just starting this journey

It will all come in time. Sometimes it feels like it is taking forever, but it is just what you said "a Journey". Enjoy every step and learn from it. The downs are what makes the ups feel so good.

Thanks for posting. I go in with Dr Kelly this thursday May 10th & getting quite nervous now. But you inspirational story makes me feel so much better!

I want to be in your shoes in 1 year!

Well done & keep up the great work!

I wish you the best of luck and healthy recover with your surgery. Believe me I was nervous too and you should be. Your about to make a huge life changing decision and ITS WORTH IT!

Looking FANTASTIC! Your hard work and determination has really paid off. Enjoy yourself!

You look great!