A new year is almost upon us and I'm looking back on the highlights of 2014. So many wonderful things happened and although I have been discouraged by my recent weight loss I cannot deny that going from 205 to 153 in almost 8 months is amazing. This was the best decision I could have made but I also know I have a tough road ahead as my goal is 115lbs and it feels really far away...how are you looking back on 2014?

So much has happened, so very much:\\

Sorry, the computer got away from me!

-Lost three old dogs, very best of friends to me

-Moved to a new house!

-got two new puppies!

-Lost a sister

-Found a long, lost friend (over 30 year ago)!

-Diabetes went out of control

-Sleeve surgery!

-Lost 30lbs!

-Diabetes nowhere to be found!!!!!

-Found lots of new friends on this site!

I'd say it's been....eventful, wouldn't you?

There are definately highs and lows, but I would do this all over again!

It's been a crazy year! The company I work for was sold, but everything worked out good. I'm getting a promotion and moving to a new state soon. I met my surgeon on 10-15 and had my surgery 12-18 and things are looking great! I'm down almost 40 lbs from my highest weight and couldn't be happier!

I moved to Africa! Abuja, Nigeria to be exact and realized that I love traveling but my heart belongs to Michigan

I had a miscarriage for the first time after having had 6 successful pregnancies. I realized how blessed I have been and how ungrateful I'd been for being able to get pregnant so easily and have such healthy children with no problems. It was a very rough and thought provoking exeperience. Alhamdulillah(Thanking God)

I'm going into the New Year with a bit more experience and (I'd like to believe wisdom) and going home with a bit more appreciation for "The land of the free, home of the brave"

@@AR40 -- Congratulations on your success so far! You are even shorter than me, so your weight loss has to be a significant change for you. On paper I have a long way to go myself (although I may revise my goal, might be too low for me now that I'm working out like a demon and building muscle), but I'm not worried about it. For the first time in over 40 years of being obese, I know that this time next year I won't be. It it a completely liberating feeling.

For me, even thought the sleeve is just a tool, it is the key that has unlocked the true me. I have never been the size I am now since jr. high. Yesterday I was going through my closet and found an old handbag and in it was a Weight Watchers record book from 2008. My starting weight was 316 lbs! I had no conscious memory of being that big. I had completely blocked it. This past weekend I purchased a pair of size 14 dress pants. No X, no plus size department - a far cry from the size 22/24W I was wearing in August. It's hard to fathom this. I am getting wrinkles around my mouth - not from the weight loss -- but from the constant smiling. I wake up early and happy - every day!

I do understand that I am luckier than most. I have had zero problems since the surgery. Never a bit of nausea, can tolerate everything I've tried. I read some of the posts on this site and my heart goes out to those who are struggling. My wish 2015 is that everyone in this WLS community has a smooth progression towards health and fitness!

Ellen