Linda, I have been going up and down with the same 2-4 pounds and this week i lost them and am at the lowest i have been. I have lost 114#'s. Im afraid to get too happy because it might go up a couple of pounds next week but i did up my cardio ( ive been lifting weights and ive lost inches but the pounds weren't budging!) and ive started drinking my protein drink for breakfast again. Good luck. michelle

I am starting a new support group in Phoenix, AZ serving the metro Phoenix area in June. Location is still be acquired, but I should have that finalized within the next week. This is an Obesity Help chapter. Each meeting you will learn something new about pre-op or post-op process, tips and tricks, recipes, exercises, dealing with unsupportive people, living with WLS and so much more!! If you live in the Phoenix Metro area or ever visit this area, you are welcome to attend!! Online support is great, but face-to-face support is even better!! "Those who attend support meetings and support gatherings will have a higher success rate in their WLS experience" ------ Colleen Cook, WLS author. No matter how far out you are, what stage you are at now (gaining/losing), etc. you should come!! ALL are welcome! Go to website below for more information or to join the online support group!! (http)://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OHphoenix/ Hugs, Trisha -56 lbs

I'm starting the process of considering plastic surgery now, as well. I've passed both my surgical and personal goals, and I think I'm done now (the scale hasn't budged in almost a month). Whew! What scares me most is the price tag, and, that I now have different insurance than when I had my GB (I had BCBS CareFirst before, now I'm on Kaiser Permanente, ugh). I really don't think Kaiser is going to cover it. Is there a secret to getting the green light from insurance? I'm having horrible back pain, rashes, etc. My primary care physician (a non-Kaiser doc) is documenting all of this, but will it be enough? Do I need to start seeing a dermatologist and stuff too? Just not sure which way to turn next... Kathie

I do the same thing. I am constantly asking my husband "Am I that big?" "Is her butt bigger or smaller than me?" and alot of other questions. I drive him and my kids nuts. But i really believe that we can not see ourselves as we truly are. I still see that 308lb person in the mirror. I feel odd in pants and shirts that i know fit, but i alway told myself before only looked good on small people. So i think it is normal to ask those kind of questions. not obsessive. I also compare food intake with other people. so smile, and relax...you are not alone Christina

I had my plastics done 5 weeks ago, a belt, brest lift and implants. I have to say it was much harder to recover from than my gastric bypass. I was 10lbs from my goal when i started looking for a surgeon since the surgery i am down about 20lbs. 13lbs of that was skin and the rest I'm assuming came from not feeling well and no appitite after surgery. I wish all of you the best of luck, it is another giant step to take. Caroline