Happy 2nd annivesary to all my fellow WLS brothers and sisters who made a change in their lives on this date. Going into things I was still somewhat skeptical because nothing else that I ever tried worked and in the back of my mind I didn't really "believe" that this would either . Here I am 2 years out and I've lost 145 lbs and I now wear a size 10-11....it worked and I did it ! Finally after so many years of failure , I did it . We all did it and look at us now , we're doing the things that we could only dream of before. We're shopping for juniors size clothing , running , biking, swimming, enjoying the rides at the parks , eating like normal people do, learning to love ourselves for the first time in our lives , we're able to look in the mirror and see a beautiful image looking back at us , and our self esteem that once was non-exsistent has returned and has "soared up to the heavens !" " We did it and it's not a dream that we have to awaken from ..........we did it and we're so proud of what we've become. Shine on brothers and sisters , it's our day today and we deserve to "SHINE". Keep up the great job and God Bless us all ! !

I CANT BELIEVE IT , ON 01/15/05 IT WILL BE TWO YEARS SINCE MY GASTRIC BY PASS SURGERY. I FEEL GREAT AND OF COURSE I LOOK GREAT. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD EVER BE A SIZE FOUR. I HAD MY TUMMY TUCK ON 09/07/04 AND ITS LOOKS GREAT. GOD BLESS DR MURR AND DR BADDOURA YOU HAVE CREATIVE A NEW ME. YOUR ARE BOTH MY ANGELS

Hi Sheryl, I pretty much eat anything I want to. I still avoid bread, pasta, potatoes and rice. Junk food is scarce in my diet. For snacking (and I love to snack) I eat soy crisps, just the cheese snacks, glennys big crunch bars and adkins bars. Thats my new chocolate. I drink a minimum of 1 - 30 gram protein shake daily. In fact thats how I start my day, every day- no exception. I usually have a 20 gram protein achieve coffee drink in the afternoon. I get in plenty of fluids during the day usually 100 oz. or more. If I feel I didn't eat much during the day I'll have another protein drink before I go to bed at night. I also never forget my vitamins. This was a life altering event and it's up to me to maintain this new healthy lifestyle. For breakfast I'll have a cup of kashi go lean crunch cereal (no milk). mid morning snack is usually some type of cheese, 2 0z. cheddar, munster polly - o string cheese, etc. Lunch will be last nights leftovers or smart ones low carb meals, shrimp ****tail (home made) or a treat of a wrap sandwich. I always ask for a low carb wrap, most places have it. I also peel off the extra wrap. You only need a small amount to hold your sandwich together. Afternoon snack is something from the above list. Dinner is usually some type of meat or fish and vegetables. Occasionally a half of a baked potatoe. I usually have a smart ones pop for dessert. As you can see I eat pretty well. I don't really deprive myself. You're doing much better than than I am in the exercise department. After I am fully healed from the plastic surgery I plan on going back to the YMCA. Good Luck, email anytime! Chris

Kristi, I don't blame you for being tired of surgeries!! But let me encourage you about having your TT. I had mine in March and an inner thigh lift in July. I had no problems with either one, though I had had MAJOR complications following my RNY. I would say that I had no pain from either surgery, just discomfort. I was so blessed with the TT that I was able to stand straight from the beginning. Many talk about having to walk bent over. I trust all will go well for you! I have lost almost 140 pounds but also have not lost for a long time. I think about losing more all the time but I think I just feel so good and look so good that I can't get motivated to do anything more about it! I do get plenty of protein supplements, drink 100 oz. of water a day and exercise every day, so maybe this is the end of my weight loss but the beginning of a new life! Sheryl 343/208

Long Island, NY Well it's been an amazing journey. I started at 5'8" 330#. Size 28/30. Was down to 160 and holding on 9/9/04. Had a TT and BR with lift on 9/9/04. Weighed 151 on 9/10/04. Can't believe there was 9# of excess skin. Now wearing size 10 bottom and medium top. I no longer take pills for diabetes or high blood pressure. No more incontinence. Life is wonderful. I'd do it all over again in a New York minute! Chris