I can so relate Stephanie. I am glad 2007 is behind me. I lost my job after I had WLS. Financially, it has been a disaster. In addition, my father was diagnosed with cancer in the beginning of 2007 and passed away in October. For 6 months, my brothers and I provided round the clock care for him. I pray that time heals all wounds cause I am suffering pretty heavily right now. I would be happy to listen anytime. I understand. Linda

Wooo hooo we did it. Its been three years this month, and three years today for me. Still within a few pounds of my goal weight and no complications life is good. I am so blessed and fortunate for this surgery and this webstie. Hugz and aloha

Happy Anniversary Januarians! I started at 235-240 pounds, dropped to 160 and am up to 169 with a commitment to get to 145 in 2008. I feel as though I never hit my goal...sometimes I think my friends and family must think, "Wow, she even had WLS and she's still not skinny." I would agree with Linda completely...if I could hit the rewind button, I would NEVER let sugar pass my lips and I would have worked much harder the first year to get the weight off and establish good habits. I got too comfortable too quickly and before I knew it, 18 months had passed and I hadn't lost weight since month 5 or so. (It's hard to remember now.) On the bright side, I also remind myself of the great changes I've made and if someone said I had to have WLS every year to maintain, I wouldn't hesitate! It has been, by far, the best decision for me. I'm happier, more confident, and healthier overall. One of my new staff saw a picture of me from years back and asked who that was in the photo--I tend to forget the journey and where I started. Best wishes to you all for a happy, healthy 2008! Christy 240 / 160 / 169 5' 6" start / lowest / current

Yes, I'm right there with ya! My iron levels have been in the toilet for the past year and at first my surgeon had me up the amount of OTC iron I was taking....but it didn't work. Last month he gave me a script for a prescription iron supplement called Repliva. Won't have blood labs drawn again for another 3 months so will have to wait and see if this new med works. I've noticed I don't feel as tired as before (don't know if this is just wishful thinking on my part or if it's actually working) and the best thing about this supplement is that it does not constipate me like the OTC iron supps did....woohoo! Have you been on any prescription iron therapy or just taking OTC stuff? Mary Ellen Lap RNY 1-31-05 280 - highest 166 - current

Hope all of you are healthy and happy! I am doing great. I have maintained at 143-150 now for two years. I have noticed I've been up 5lbs regularly the last couple of months so I know I need to up the eating awareness and activity. My only lingering health issue is anemia. I have struggled with this now for over 2 years. I now take 6 iron capsules a day but last time I was checked my iron was still low. I have had every test available to look for bleeding and through the process have had a hysterectomy due to heavy periods, hoping to cure the low iron. It is time for me to go get my blood drawn again and if it is still low, they will probably do something (they've talked of an iron infusion.) I am hoping after that I will be more energetic. My husband and I had started a running program and it was going great until he hurt his back. Since then we haven't gotten back on track. When we were running, it was very obvious that I didn't have the stamina I should have been gaining. I have a friend who is a Dr and she said it is very likely the low iron. I don't know if she was trying to make me feel better or if it could actually make that much difference. Is anyone else having this problem of anemia? What are you doing for it? Thanks for any input. Rhonda