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

Wow !! You look amazing. Thank you for sharing. I am in pre op now. I am nervous but I am moving forward with the surgery.

Incredible...fantastic and amazing....congratulations! Thank you for sharing!

You are awsome for sharing your beautiful story of hope

This will motivate me even more for my surgery in October

You a huge inspiration! Congratulation! Thank you so much for sharing.

You Look FABULOUS, I hope I do as well as you have.. and yes its been quite a journey.. im only 4mo out and have a ways to go.. I do go to the gym now and work out 3days a week.. thats all I have time for with 2 full time jobs.. my wt loss has slowed up some.. but thats ok.. I eat right and dont eat a lot of sweets.. I do every now and then cuz it is ok... im down 85lbs in 4 months so I must be doing something right.. my stomach wont let me eat the crazy fast food stuff.. ive tasted it..and my tummy is like yuck.. Im like YaY tummy... so my tastes have changed so very much.. nothing is really appealing to me at all.. so I like that.. and im not ever hungry..and I dont ever drink soda or carbonated anything.. I drink my water or crystal light lemonade.. I love that.. and I dont miss any of the foods I used to eat.. even at work they are all eating donuts and cinnamon rolls.. I pass them up.. and I think to myself.. you didnt need that anyways..and it doesnt really sound good cuz its bread and the tummy doesnt like bread.. lol but thank you for being an inspiration for those of us still in the newby catagory.. we have but only good things to look forward too.. thank you for that.. Bless you.

Congrats, you look amazing!

Oh! Wow... incredible! Your must be so thrilled! Congratulations!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this!

My surgery date is coming up and I have been struggling with fear and doubt! I'm planning to push through and go ahead with the surgery - but your post, your pictures, and your testimony are all such an encouragement to me! You hit on some of the exact issues that I have been struggling with spiritually!

You and I don't know each other, but God just used you to touch my heart and encourage me.

I so appreciate you sharing!

So happy you proved your PCP wrong! Congratulations on your new life!

WOW!! I am so impressed with your accomplishments! Congratulations!!

Wow you are such am inspiration. I'm 6 weeks post and 52lb down and can't wait for my 1 yr now x well done you. You look fabulous

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Well done all the way from Scotland couldn't have typed the words ....however your so right well done this life is no dress rehearsal so just grab it before it grabs you .....congratulations inspirational woman :-)

Wow! WTG!! congrats!!!

You look amazing! Thanks for sharing!

Amazing congrats

Just beautiful! Great job!

Sent from my iPhone using VST