Welcome to the Good, the Fat and the Hungry. I'm Karla and I have been -- or am -- all those things. Here, I will share with you my lifelong struggle with my weight and I hope you'll follow along on with my determined attempt to lose nearly 40 pounds. I promise to tell you every win and setback along the way every Tuesday and Friday.

Drain, drain go away, please come back another, NEVER! I am happy to announce that I am completely drain free. I had the last one removed today and needless to say, I am ecstatic. The final drain held on for four weeks and two days. I don't know that anywhere along the way I was prepared to have a drain for this long. but I'm just glad it's over.

Overall, I cannot complain. As strange as it may be to say, the experience with my wonderful surgeon, Dr. Olivier, and her staff nearly outweighs the results of the surgery. They have really held my hand and answered every silly question I've had throughout this process. Believe you me, there have been some silly questions. I guess because she specializes in breast reconstruction of cancer patients she posesses an extra element of care and concern that I've missed in other New York City doctors. I've not only seen it with me but with every patient I've witnessed. It feels good to be in an office where I'm a person and not just another number.

I am slowly noticing a return of feeling in the area below my navel where it was completely numb. I'm no doctor but my best guess is the itching and tingling that I feel deep below the skin is some form of healing. These are the areas where feeling is beginning to return. The tingling only lasts a few seconds but can be aggravating because there's no possible way to scratch. My navel has healed very well and is starting to lighten in color.

Despite all of the good signs, it is not lost on me that this surgery is a year long commitment. Everything I've heard and read has prepared me not to expect full results or return of sensation until the one-year mark. I am happy about where I am today and patiently await all that is ahead. Now that the surgery is over, the fun of maintaining this new physique can begin. I started my weight loss journey in a size 36/5X. I am now a size 12 and the x's in my former size have been x'd out.

Somebody else said this long before I did, but I'll say it again: If I can do it, you can do it. Weight loss and fitness are a continual journey. Let's walk the walk together. We're on our way.