Hard to believe it's been over 10 weeks since surgery. Before surgery, it saddened me how fast time flies by. Now, my whole outlook on life has changed. I have nothing but excitment over what the future holds, and it's an incredibly peaceful feeling to finally have that joy back. I look forward to the coming months and years with great expectation...at long last.

Obesity is a true joy stealer. The dispair and embarrassment of being overweight has permeated the last 10+ years of my life, consciously and subconsciously. It affected where I went (and IF I went), what I wore (usually black), my confidence level and social interaction (or lack thereof), and virtually every other aspect of my life.

Before I got (really) fat, I was always very confident, optimistic, and happy. I finally feel those traits re-emerging, slowly, but growing stronger daily. God is faithful if we'll just ask and believe!

I'm now 73 days post-op and have lost 35 lbs. I had my 2nd fill on 11/3/08 (1.5 ccs). I no longer have the insidious cravings (and haven't since surgery!). I'm actually right on track to lose 50 lbs. by Christmas. I have no doubt that I will reach my goal early in mid-2009...and maintain it.

As I was saying above, I now look forward to the future with great expection! Amen to that.

Carly,

You are great! I am so happy for you! I can't wait to be where you are. There are so many just starting the journey by finding out about this tool and how to change their life. I posted on my blog that I fell off the wagon last night and I am so happy I could jump right back on instead of blowing it for the rest of the day or week or month or year. It is people like you that share this fight against the monster of obesity that keep others going and I hope we do the same for you. I know just what you mean about your weight affecting "where I went (and IF I went), what I wore (usually black), my confidence level and social interaction (or lack thereof), and virtually every other aspect of my life." I could have written that myself. Keep working on this great new life we have been blessed with!

Lots of love.....

Hi Carly, thanks for the post. I am having surgery on Dec. 15th and am excited and very nervous. It is great to hear you are so happy and feeling free of the food obsessions.

Best,