243 then, 151 now, nearly 1 year out. 21 pounds to goal! I still can't believe it! I initially had a goal of 145 which I am so close to, and now that I am there, I realize goals can change! Now that I'm in control of my weight, and not the other way around, I decided to aim higher----or in this case lower. I've had such fun throughout this entire process. I met a lot of really good friends along the way that I will cherish until the end. Thank you soooooooo much Dr. Carlos, Dr. Miguel, Dr. Covarrubias. I know I tested all your patience whining and complaining about all the problems I encountered with the mis-diagnosed gall bladder up here in the states. I thank God everyday for getting me back to you all and finding the real problem. I"m feeling great and loving life again.

This summer was my dream. Last year my deciding factor on this surgery was when I didn't fit into a ride at Knottsberry. I saw I was missing out on so much with my kids. I swore this year would be different. This year, we had to stop and rest at the San Diego zoo because my daughters legs got tired. On the beach, she needed to rest after we walked 3 miles. I've been out bike riding everywhere. I quit driving the car, partly from high gas prices, and started riding my bike to do all my errands. I found some awesome biking trails here in Orange County. Last week I was grumbling to myself as my legs were tired after a 6 mile bike ride. Coming uphill I realized this time last year, this would have even been impossible. How quickly life can change for us. Any regrets? YES! That I didn't get my band done sooner. Back problems, gone. High blood pressure, gone. Constant fatigue, gone.

I'm having so much fun training again. I hit the gym again a month after my gall bladder surgery. This last fill is absolutely ideal. Not too tight that I get food stuck, but tight enough where I'm full very quickly. Im in good control of my eating choices so my band is doing exactly what it's suppose to be doing. Between the gym, biking, weight training, I'm in good control of my weight. My activity level is back up where I love life again. I feel like a key player once again, and not just sitting on the sidelines observing life. As with all us "Bandsters" I have days where my band get finicky, and even though I've nicknamed him the "Monster Band", I love him!

Once again, thanks for the wonderful care, concern, dedication, and most of all my life back again! You all are the best.

Lori S.