With my new complication with the sleeve. And repeating several tests and having work done to fix the newest complications. I have become a topic of conversation in my area of the medical profession.

I have been asked out of the blue by at least by 6 people who work at the hospitals and clinics how much weight I have lost...Stunned that that is the first question out of their mouths and instead of me keeping it close to my chest I tell them 200 lbs. It is only after that that they ask questions regarding the surgery. The next most asked question is would you recommend it? And then, would you do it again?

Most that have found out how much I have lost, scream you must be proud. You should be on a poster in the hospital telling everyone there is hope. You must feel so good about yourself...I have thought about it a lot and I don't think proud is the word I feel...I feel a great sense of relief and a huge weight lifted off me literally.

I feel that this is a life long journey for all of us and that pride has nothing to do with it. I did not win a contest or a marathon or the lottery or save millions of lives. I am working to save mine and it won't be done until I breath my last breath. A work in progress. Not to allow myself to get complacent over this new adventure and turn back to my old life...

I am thrilled that I finally had the opportunity to get this gift of the sleeve. But there is no inner pride. There is satisfaction that I have gotten this far. But pride no. I still have so much work to do!!!

Very well said. This could be me minus the complication. Its very strange and left me sort of puzzled.

You summed it up for me perfectly.

I'm glad we were able to connect the dots you and I.