I often wondered why people become less involved in the forum a few months after surgery, I now understand.

I am a few days after my 9 month anniversary (22nd Sept 2012) and pre-surgery I could not imagine how much my life would change, while staying pretty much exactly the same.

I see the physical change, loosing over 130 pounds with just over 35 pounds to go, which i should be at by the 1 year mark. I am constantly (and i have started counting avg 4-5 times a day) being told how good I look. This is nice to hear and see that society sees the change.

But for me the change is so much more than how I look. It is the confidence that I have in how I approach my life, the positivity I feel for my furture. I enjoying feeling great. Exercise is an initrisic part of my life. I feel weird if I dont exercise regularily, it definitely helps with my stress levels. My life just feels balanced. My eatting is balanced, I do eat Desserts (a couple of bites is enough) when I am with friends, but I manage keep a balance in eatting Protein, veggies, good carbs. Dont get me wrong isnt always easy but my body tells when the balance is off, either by feeling unwell or lacking energy. I am learning to listen to my body.

I am a person that people want to know and be around, my social circle is growing. It feels nice to have company, good people are coming into my life and staying in my life. I have lost some friends from my old life and some have become better friends that I thought.

I ran my first 8km the other weekend, with my good friend cheering me on and keeping me going. I did in 63 mins tho I wanted 6 mins but given the amount of people I had to navigate I am ok with 63 mins. I am working towards a 14km in August.

My life is still the same, I still do the same job, live in the same house and am still single. But these are all my choices now, not something that I am feeling trapped into.

Life feels good....I hope you all feel this and get to feel this.

There is a rather bad pick of me from after the 8km run in what I now call my "snuggie" a sweater from pre-op which keeps me very warm but can now wrap my body in a few times

Lol..that is the best snuggie I've ever seen....thanks for the input and excellent job! The hard work does pay off doesn't it! You look fabulous by the way!

inspirational(:

Thanks guys

Hard work definitely does pay off.....it is not always easy but it is worth the effort.

Congratulations! What exercise did you do? Did you get a personal trainer?

U look great...!!!! Niceeee!!!!

I have had a trainer from about 5 weeks out, once a week. But most of the workouts have been on my own or with friends. I usually do cardio and weights in the morning and then 5km run/walk in the evening.

Thanks for living fabulously! I am really inspired by your update.

Girl, you need a new sweatshirt And I'm not just saying that as a Packers fan!!!

Love seeing your success... great job!!!