I have been surprised at how my personal lifestyle changes and weight loss has inspired my friends, coworker and even my boss. Many have started eating healthier and have begun their own weight loss journey. Some are even researching WLS. This is a blessing I did not expect but it's way cool.

I'm in the same boat - my co-worker is really watching what she eats and I've got three girlfriends coming to the gym with me on different days of the week - so I've helped them get back into the gym - LOL - that is astonishing.

Albeit I've hit a plateau in my weight loss - I feel really good and I'm exercising 4-5 times a week which is the best anti-depressant I can take... now all I need to do is fit in 5 minutes of meditation each day (Just saw a clip of Dan Harris from ABC news talk about it and interviewed all of these very healthy people who ALL meditate, gotta be something to it...)

Cheers to INSPIRATION!!!

One of my co workers is having the lap band surgery in May. Since the weather is somewhat getting warmer in the mid west. We have started walking during lunch! I am so happy for her.

Last night I was with a big group of co-workers (some I know well, some I met last night). At the event, we were offered a celebration cake. I stood there for the pictures and the clapping and quietly walked off without cake. One of my new friends said "You have totally inspired me to not eat that cake!" And she walked off with me and we had a great conversation. She had overheard me talking to some old friends about my journey, so she knew I was making better food choices. It was a little inspiration, but one just the same

My sister and I eat out quite a bit. She's making better choices because that's what I'm doing. Even last night, though we ate rich...French onion Soup and Croque Monsieur, I suggested we share it along with a salad. I know without a doubt that she ate less because we shared. Was a time we would have both eaten our own soup and sandwiches. Even with adding the salad, I know she ate less that she would have before I was banded. And I surely ate less. Even with sharing, I couldn't eat as much as she was able to. They cut the Croque Monsieur into five pieces and I took two....and ate 1 1/2.

One year and 90 pounds given away I have been asked 3 times in the last month to speak before a group of new comers at the weight loss clinic that did my surgery. I tell them what I was like and show pictures and then share the journey. Don't have to show current pic because they can see. Hopefully, I have inspired some of them to look into surgery.