I haven't posted in a while but wanted to share how I have been feeling recently. Nothing could have prepared me for this journey I embarked on this past May....I am amazed and feel rejuvenated, invigorated and ready to take the world on head on!! I have gone from wearing 20-22W pants and 2X tops to wearing size 14 pants and L tops. Not a day goes by that someone from the gym, work, party....doesn't recognize me or if they do, marvel at how much weight I have lost. Would you believe it if I told you that I still instinctively navigate to the plus section is stores and that it is not until one of my besties brought a full length mirror to my home and had me take a GOOD look at myself that I actually connected my brain with my body to align on the fact that YES I have lost 73lbs!!!!

The health benefits are immeasurable: all my blood work came back great - pre-diabetes: gone with the wind; blood sugar, cholesterol, Iron, Vitamin D: all back to normal levels. My knee pain which once had me living by bengay and icy hot is non existent (so yes, my PCP was always right when he gently told me that I did not need to have knee surgery nor therapy but needed to lose weight). This is coming from someone who had to spray or massage bengay ointment on her knees religiously at least 3 times a day and most importantly before going to bed. A girl that could not go up a flight of stairs without cringing. A girl who could not sit comfortably on a plane seat and the list goes on....Today is a better day as this girl is WINNING!

I am beyond stunned and thank my family and friends for all their support and encouragement EVERY single day. I miss my old girl ~ she was spunky, classy and always jovial but she hid behind her great humor. I love the brand new me ~ she is doubly confident, still classy and has added sassy and doesn't turn down any outings anymore cause now she has a problem whereby her clothes don't fit because they are TOO big!

So for any of you hesitating out there, know that this surgery changes your life forever. This new way of life is by no means easy. It is challenging every day as you have to make sure you don't slip back to your old ways with slider foods etc. BUT it's so worth the long term benefits. You have to find WHAT works for you and stick to it.

I know I still have some pounds to lose and am ready and determined to meet my personal goal.

Thanks Alex for setting up this great site as reading personal stories every day is inspirational! Thanks my bariatric family and wishing everyone continued success!

Wow! What a great testimonial. Congratulations on your wonderful success, and keep it going!!!!

This is exactly why I keep checking this site! I love to hear positive people!!! I know it's not a magic cure, but there are so many people that have succeeded with this, and those are the people I want to fill my brain with! So many negatives out there in the world - we certainly need to hear the positive!!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us.

@@Rogofulm - your stats are amazing! Great job! @@NavyMom2006 - I see you have a week to go and wish you the very best of luck! I am positive you will be successful!