Way to go Kimberly Have a fantastic Vacation you deserve it.

All us Jan. surgery people seem to be at the same place with weight lost... I feel so in place I feel like I fit right in, I was wondering how I compared to other people who had the surgery around the same time as me, now I know just right. thanks to everyone for the replys , It helps so much to hear what other people have to say... Alberto

Well, I weighed in today, as I won't be able to tomorrow, as I'll be on my to sunny Florida. Finally, I've reached the 150's! My scale said 158.5! I haven't weighed this in about 15 years! That's 89.5 lbs. gone forever & ever! Oh what a feeling!!!! I can't put into words of how happy I am. I won't have access to scales while I'm on vacation. That'll drive me crazy! Keep up the good work to all you folks out there and have a great next three weeks. I won't have access to a computer, so I'll check in when I return from Florida! Hugs to all!! Kimberley 248/236/158.5/135 By August, I hope!

Michelle, You hit the nail right on the head with that one little lady!!! Congrats on the weight loss - but even bigger SUPER KUDOS for recognizing that change takes more than surgery - and permanent change means change in the way you think and behave. To do that alone and without professional help - you have to be one super hero! While I do not have ANY statistics or data to back this up other than my talking with other post-ops who have been in varying levels of successfulness (if that is a word...), the best way to combat permanent, life-long obesity issues is to help you figure out why you got there in the first place. Many of us had mitigating cir****tances (children, injury, medical issues, etc.) but we all took it one or twelve steps farther by turning it into a disease itself. Like any other behavior associated outcome (bulimia for instance), one needs to redevelop behavior patterns in place of food or eating. I have sought counseling, but was seeing one for bipolar and severe depression before considering surgery anyway. However, we have discussed my food issues at length, and the self-esteem issues that have surrounded my food issues, etc. I could go on forever and forever about the benefits of counseling - but I'll spare you. Counseling is not admitting that you are weak, but acknowledging that you want to change your life for the better. Pick up the phone today & call a counselor! You might have to try one or two before you find one that you are comfortable with. Your local support group might be able to offer good references. Good luck & keep us posted! Barbie 281/210/150ish

I had my surgery on Jan 6 and as of today I lost 83 pounds, and feel great