Meet one of my new support friends, Nellie. Nellie lives in Reston, Virginia. I was introduced to Nellie through a cousin of mine who works with her.

I have never met Nellie in person or even heard her voice, but Nellie is on the same journey to success after weight loss surgery. I draw encouragement from just knowing she travels alongside.

Nellie finds encouragement through the Miles To Go Blog and I have enjoyed getting to know her. Nellie has no ideas that I’m receiving just as much encouragement from her as she is from me.  

Nellie had weight loss surgery at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital on Feb 27, 2008. She fondly refers to this date as her new birthday. Nellie says that the most amazing change she has seen since surgery is the very rapid improvement in her medical conditions and her sense of well being and energy level. Nellie was taking several medications before surgery including: Amaryl, Metformin, Insulin (all for diabetes), Lipitor (for high cholesterol), and a prescription for high blood pressure, as well as Aspirin (to prevent stroke) HCTZ (diuretic for water retention). All of those conditions, including her sleep apnea have resolved.

Nellie is so glad that she had gastric bypass surgery. Nellie shares, "Gastric bypass was the right decision for me.” “It's really the journey of a lifetime. I can't imagine how good I'll feel when I get to my goal. On the morning of my surgery I weighed 348 and now I'm 261 and it's not quite been 6 months yet.” Eighty-seven pounds in less than six months. And Nellie is still trimming down. Way to go Nellie!

Nellie is now able to do things that she has always wanted to do, in addition to improved health and feels as though she has been given back the gift of life. In June, Nellie did a one mile Walk From Obesity, Walk on The Capitol in Washington, DC to raise awareness of obesity and its effects to Congress. She has plans to do two 5K walks in September and looking forward to many more marathons. Nellie has discovered she has some extra energy…ya think?

Her advice to others who are considering surgery is to educate yourself well before hand. “Learn all you can about the surgery and the process. I highly recommend the book "Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies". You have to make sure you are mentally and physically prepared for the surgery.”

Nellie realizes just how important support is to her success and attends two of her local area support groups. We all need support, not just when the road get bumpy, but to cheer each other on, to share the good times and the success. Weight loss surgery is not an easy road…but Nellie is doing all the right things and soon we will be seeing Nellie at the finish line of success, at her goal weight.

Can you hear the cheers Nellie? We are all pulling for you!