Today marks 6 months since my gastric bypass surgery! It's also almost exactly one year since I attended the orientation class at the weight loss center that was the first step in beginning the surgical program. I came home after the class and took a "before" photo. I had just weighed in at my highest weight ever. I was on blood pressure meds and my A1c put me in the prediabetic danger zone. My joints ached every morning. My 50th birthday was looming and I felt so old.

The day after that photo, I started making changes to my diet. I lost 13 lbs from August until early February. I lost an additional 13 lbs on my 2-week liquid diet. I had my surgery on February 21 and since then, I've lost another 45lbs, for a total of 71 lbs down! My blood pressure is normal, and so is my A1c. The aches and pains are gone, and I'm hitting my 10k step goal several days each week. I'm nowhere near perfect, but I'm improving steadily.

I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I was this weight. It had to have been when I was around 22 years old. Like pretty much everyone says, my only regret is not doing this sooner.

Congratulations! You look great! All your hard work has paid off!

Awesome. Keep it up!!

Absolutely wonderful @NickelChip. Lots of big wins for you. Congratulations.

Many, many congratulations on your wins and successes @NickelChip???

You have blown it out of the park, boom. Looking amazing

AMAZING!!! YOU LOOK AMAZING AND YOU MUST FEEL IT AS WELL!! well done lady!

Well done!! You look amazing!

Congratulations!

Congratulations, you look fantastic! What a great result, so well deserved!

I agree with everyone......you nailed it and look fantastic!!! Keep up the great work!!