Hi Rhonda!!! It sure was nice to see a familiar face and to see someone from the January, 2005 bunch posting again!!!! I really miss everyone!!! I'm glad to hear that you are doing well. As for myself I had lap rny on January 10, 2005, and so very shortly will be 2 years post op myself. I have lost 130 pounds, and have managed to keep it off. I am still eating the same type of menu as when I was still in major losing mode. Here's what my daily menu looks like: Breakfast: Isopure Protein Shake Lunch: Green salad Dinner: 4 oz. of chicken, fish ( I don't tolerate red meat) small green salad 2 hours before bed: Isopure Protein Shake My surgeon never allowed snacks from the beginning, so I am just used to that. I normally consume between 600-750 calories per day, which my surgeon told me is more than enough. I know what you mean about the cost of plastics, my dear husband did allow me to have a TT in March, 2006. This alone has made a world of difference in the way I feel and the way my clothes fit. Here's wishing you and yours a wonderful and blessed holiday season! Take care and let's continue to post when the time arises!!! Hugs and aloha!! Pat

Good for you for taking control! I too found myself gaining. The doctor wanted me to gain 7lbs but being the over achiever I gained 12lbs. I went back to some basics and the extra 5 lbs came off. I simply stopped drinking with my meals and when I do drink only drinking water, crystal lite and protein. That wasn't hard as that is what I was drinking before and after surgery. Occassionally some juice and ice tea, but never soda do not like it before and won't even try after surgery. Let's stay in control and on top of any gain so it's only 5-10lbs and never again anything higher.

That's awesome LouAnn!!!!!!! I found the same thing~I gained a few due to emotional eating and it was such a relief to get back to basics and get the pounds back off again. Emotinally it was so helpful to me b/c now I know that I can gain control over my eating and my life when and if I chose to! I'm cheering you on to your goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

Hey, All, I recently gained 10 lbs. back after reaching my all-time low of 177. I was really worried, but then I did the following and the weight is melting off again! 1. Don't skip breakfast. I eat protein bar and milk every morning. 2. snack- veggie juice-6 ox. and a string cheese. 3. Lunch- Protein shake or chef salad 4. Whatever family is eating and piece of fruit 5. Nite time munchies- wasabe peas, peanuts or popcorn. Protein drink. I also upped my water back to post surgery intake. It only took a week, but I felt and looked better. The tool is still there! BTW, I also worked out 30 min. every day with light stretching, light weights, and walking.(very lite...I hate exercise!) Now, I have decided to continue until I get to goal(30 more lbs. to go). I am upping the exercise to 1 hour and adding bike riding with my family every day. It is not hot now so I like to go outside. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Lou Ann

I just found out that I have Calcium Malabsorbtion, I've been eating and taking in loads of calcium since the surgery. I saw a specialist the other day and they decided to place me on high dosages of Vit D for the next 3mos. Check with your surgeons, there is a special test that they have to do on your thyroid to find this problem. I was told that not many dr do the test. take care, Syndi