Turning 40 this year was somewhat fun...

Well, I suppose that I'm over the hill now. I turned 40 a few weeks ago, and I have to say that I honestly don't feel mature enough to be 40. I'm still that same immature kid who enjoys going to Metallica concerts with my friends (and family members), spending countless hours playing on facebook, and downloading the latest tunes on my iPod/iPhone. I guess the old adage must be true: YOU ARE ONLY AS YOUNG AS YOU ACT!

Turning 40 for me this year was a lot easier because of how I feel and how I look as a result of my WLS. I feel like a new person (and some people have told me that I look like a new person). I suppose that made it easier to swallow hitting this big milestone of my life.

Last night, my friends and family threw a surprise belated 40th birthday party for me (and, ironically enough, also a surprise for my best friend Lisa who turns 40 today). Even though it wasn't a huge surprise for me that something was going on, it was a surprise when I walked into my own house and saw tons of family and friends there. My father took a few photos of the evening's festivities and, as I looked at them this morning, I really couldn't believe my eyes.

Here is a picture of my best friend (Lisa) and I five months ago:



Now, here's a photo of us both five months later after having WLS:



Combined, we've lost more than 130 pounds in just five short months! What an amazing way to restart our lives!! I think we'd both agree that it has been (and still will be) a long, hard journey, but it's been worth it all along the way.

Here's to us both -- looking good and feeling healthy as we turn 40 years old and start the next chapter in our lives! Happy birthday Lisa!

Until next time, peace out!

Four months out!

Wow, the last four months have flown right by. I can't believe that summer is already over and school is back in session (my kids started back today).

All this has given me the opportunity to reflect on my weightloss over the summer. I had my surgery on April 30, 2009 and weighed in at a whopping 271 pounds!! I look back at the pictures now and all I see is something that resembles the Staypuff Marshmallow Man!!! Seriously.

Anyway, we were taking photos this morning of the kids on their first day back at school. My daughter wanted to take a photo of me. In the past, I would have easily dismissed the idea and run hiding from the camera. For some reason, she caught me at an "off" moment this morning (not to mention that it was 7 a.m.). She snapped the photo and I didn't think anything of it until I came home from work and uploaded the photos. I was blown away. For the first time, I was looking at someone that I didn't know. I barely recognized myself.

See for yourself the transformation of me:



In just four short months, I've somehow managed to lose 81 pounds. I never even thought that was possible. This WLS has most definitely been an incredible journey for me, and I'm so damn grateful that I undertook this. I feel great, have a little more confidence, and feel much healthier than I ever have!