Yesterday I hit the 92 pounds lost mark. I am so, so thankful. I really can't believe I've done it. Not just the surgery and good eating, but the choosing to really take care of myself. It's been 3.5 months since my surgery. I still have over 100 pounds to go, but I am almost 1/2 way there and I am so excited. On 10/20 I will be walking a 5K at Soldier Field in Chicago. When I think about walking all that way I scare myself. But I will do it. I am committed. I want to be the kind of person who can do a 5K - even if it takes me all day to do it!!!!

I think what I've learned the last few months is to just take it one day at a time. To not beat myself up when I blow it a bit. To trust my new tummy and that my body is working for me - wanting to get healthy. I have learned that life goes on - whether I am eating ice-cream or not. That dealing with stress does not necessarily mean overeating. That I can still find foods to crunch and enjoy but that I don't have to eat the whole bag, carton, plate. I am thankful for this chance... this opportunity. And I am committed to helping those who are not able to get the surgery, or who are not ready, to fight the lie that they are no good and that there is no hope.

I have been overweight since I was 7 and weighed over 300 pounds for the last 20 years. While I have had a fantastic job, great friends, active lifestyle, and strong faith through it all - I have also hated my body, judged myself relentlessly, and slept through many a party or activity due to exhaustion and embarrassment.. When I think of how terribly I have been to myself - it makes me cry. Hurting myself - hating myself - got me to 398. It was a step of love that had me endure through the surgery hoops, get my surgery, and worked on this food issue the past several month.

If you are someone who has literally hated yourself because of your weight (and other things), my prayer is that I can help you and you can help me not be mean to ourselves any longer. I want to care for me - and lead myself in a healthy, active, alive life-style. Please help me in return by sharing with me your pain, victories and journey. Thank you for your friendship and partnership on this adventure!

92 lbs in 3.5 months? Wow! Congrats!!! I just hit 64 at 3.5 but I am happy with that!

Wow... outstanding results!!!! Keep up the great job!

Congrats, keep up the wonderful work!!!

That's outstanding progress. I'm one month post-op, I'm trying to take it one day at a time too. I don't want to be disappointed if I don't hit big numbers, but it's so hard not to. I know I won't lose 90 pounds in 3.5 months, but you're an inspiration to me, just as well.

That is awesome!!! You've done an excellent job!!

Congratulations! You're an inspiration!

I cant wait for my big day 12/20/12!

Congrats and love your post and so much honesty....I'm 8 weeks and finally under 300! (56lbs lost)....I've been in your shoes, hating myself, hiding and being basically anti-social because of my weight....and it makes me cry too what I did to myself. Some days I feel like I'll never really get to the weight I want cause ive still got about 130lbs to lose, but like you said, each day is a new day and my body is working for me . Congrats again!!!