here's one of my new "after" :D http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/raindrops217/people/alsstand4106.jpg

Thank you for writing this...I felt alone and tried to post something about this a little over a week ago...felt kind of ignored to be honest. I don't know what to do. I am 250 now...and at 6' that's not too bad (compaired to the 470 I used to be). I feel inbetween worlds now. Accepted in one that wouldn't before, and avoided in the other that used to accept me..in other words, all the fat girls who used to be sweet and sympathetic to me before avoid me, and the skinny people who wouldn't talk to me, are doing so now. I am also, according to the BMI chart obese, but I've always been a really strong person (lots of muscle weight) and thank goodness I had the male pattern fat (apple shape) which kept me moving, even at my heavest. Now, I see hips and a waist, and my H cup boobs have shrunk down to a C. I love dressing in tight jeans (mostly to keep down the jiggle in the thighs), but sometimes the looks from guys makes me feel strange, since I'm not used to it. I am shocked for a moment each time I see my reflection. I have not yet adjusted to the size of my shadow...I grip the bed as if I cannot lift myself, because I forget that I can now. I think I've gotten past the "I look so cute in this or that" and wish to gain understanding in the way my life is now. I no longer need priority seating at school..the normal desks are fine..so are the bathroom stalls, lol. I don't have to wait for the driver to lower the bus in order for me to climb on...all these things and more are wonderful...it's the emotional things that I'm trying to figure out.

Oh, say no more... I have three boys and they can't handle the odor, so you know it's killing me too. I'm praying for a miracle as I have gas so often that I tend to let them out where ever I go without realizing. take care God bless, Syndi

I have been doing okay. Been dealing with a lot of head demons as we like to call them. I hit my goal for like 2 days and now I am stuck between 153 and 154. I am hoping this is the plateau that is going to lead up to my TT. He said I have to be at a plateau for at least 8-12 weeks. My surgeon said he wants me to lose another 20 pounds but I am truly happy where I am. Not sure what to do. I am in a size 10, but I used to be a size 18. So how can I complain. I am getting a ton of water in, but I do not track my calories daily. It was something that I vowed not to do after surgery. This is not a diet! LOL It is a lifestyle. No offense to everyone else. I had to have my gall bladder out last month, but otherwise doing really well. Suzanne 300/150

Hi Rhonda I continue to track what I am eating. I am getting about 1200 calories a day. Water is still very difficult for me to get in. I do the best that I can. Often, I hit about 60oz, but not always. Exercise is my main problem. I had my gallbladder out last month and I have not been to the gym since before that. I really got out of the habit and now I find it is hard to go back. I fluctuate about two pounds and have been staying in that range since December. Dianne 259/126