Hi everyone. It's been a long time since I've dropped by, but I just want to give an up date and a word of encouragement. I had my one year post-op yesterday. It was a bit late (2/14/12 surgery), but anywho. I was down #160 (335-175), twenty dress sizes (28-8) and over 252 inches. If I can do this, anyone can. I had my toes in the grave. I was on 21 meds and the doc told me I would die that way...whether I lost weight or not. Because of my problems he (my PCP) didn't think I would lost a huge amount (50-60#), but he encouraged me to have it do so I could 'feel a little better about myself.' Well, I'm glad to say I proved him wrong. I did lose weight and a lot of it. I also lost all of the meds and the cane/walker/wheelchair. I am a WALKING miracle. I give praise to God for my healing. Now because I was instantly miraculously healed, but because he allowed me to find the path and the means (insurance) to get what I needed to be healed. I do believe God instantly heals somethings in some people, but I also believe he uses the hand of good physicians to administer healing. This is the way he chose to give me mine. I encourage anyone that has had a long, unyielding struggle with obesity to talk to a doctor about WLS... Sleeve in particular. If you are on the edge trying to make up your mind, take my advice. Do it! You are sick? In pain? Lonely? Depressed? What are you holding on to! You have nothing to lose, but all of that. Are there risks? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. But come on. We all know the fat has a 100% chance of causing complication/death. Is it really that much of a gamble to take a 1% chance with a surgery. You're more likely to get killed in a car wreck on the way to get your next fast food burger. Do yourself and your family/friends a favor and choose life. I did and I would do it again and again.

Before surgery (28, 335#) and on my 1 year Surgiversary (8/10, 178#)

At my 1 year post op (8, 175#) holding my old size 28 skirt.

Side view. Now a size 8.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

You look amazing! Congratulations!

What an inspiration you are! Thanks for sharing. You look AMAZING!!!

Very inspiring. Great work by you and God.

Wow! You have done amazingly well. I am SO GLAD you followed your instincts and had the surgery done, despite the lukewarm reception from your doctors!

Your life now must be completely different......and as you mention, the small risk of surgery is nothing compared to the nearly certain risk of disability and death from morbid obesity.

Enjoy your new lease on life BenisaMartim4, you worked hard to earn it!

You look fantastic! Congratulations on your success, you are an inspiration.

Awesome!!!! Congrats. You look great.

Wow, just wow!

Revision 1/31/13 by Dr Cabrera and Venezuela in MX

EXCELLENT JOB!!!!....You look Fabulous!

EXCELLENT JOB!!!!....You look Fabulous!

Wow! Praise God. You look amazing. Thanks for that testimony.

OMG- God bless you....you look amazing!!!

Thanks for your great post! God is good!

Wow! Congrats! You look amazing.

God can move mountains ... but bring a shovel.

Thank you for sharing this. Amazing!

Congrats you look great! I was/am very scared about having the surgery but your testimony just removed all doubt! I can't wait to get sleeved!