Getting to know you!

1. We've all just passed or will soon be passing our six month marks. At this point, how much weight have you lost? 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly? 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut? 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general.

1. We've all just passed or will soon be passing our six month marks. At this point, how much weight have you lost? 110 lbs. Down to 295. 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly? In a way, yes. I get frustrated at times. But, I had/have a lot of weight to lose. It's not going to come off over night. 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut? String cheese, black bean soup, chicken, chili, and turkey. YES! I feel like I'm in a huge food rut. I need to go to a support group meeting JUST to see what ppl eat because it is so frustrating trying to find something suitable. 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? One night I made some steamed squash that was SO good, but I could only eat about 4 pieces because I'd already eaten 3-4 oz of chicken. At that moment I resented the surgery and I realized I resented it because it had taken away a good friend of mine, food. I do not, however, regret it. I feel great, I'll probably live longer, and already my quality of life has improved 100%. I can't imagine how it'll be with another 100 lbs down. This is hands down the best thing I've ever done. 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. A. I stood front row at a concert for 2 hours. B. I got a marching band scholarship. C. I can fit into booths again! 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? For the most part, yes. 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? Shopping! I've bought about 30 pairs of shoes in six months. Also, I've taken up cooking/baking. I bake cakes, pies, cookies, etc and sell them. People can't believe I do all that baking and don't eat any of it, but it's true. I have taste testers (family), but probably not for much longer because they think I'm trying to fatten them up so I can lose weight faster than they do (they're all on diets since my surgery). Truth is I've found a new appreciation for food and I love it more than I did before surgery. 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? I hope to be down to about 225, at least. Wishful thinking probably. In general, I want to be in school, involved in a lot more activities to keep myself busy. I want to be well on my way to a new and improved ME. 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? My worst fear is that I won't lose past 200. My second worst fear is that I'll gain it all back. My third worst fear is that I'll have a horrible complication and be stuck with a buttload of medical bills. 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general. I'm 23. I have a degree in History that's pretty much worthless, so I'm going back to school to get a degree in Sign Language Interpreting. I play clarinet, and ended up getting a marching band scholarship, so I'm excited about that. I'm single, never married, no kids. I like it that way, for the most part. My favorite band is Pink Floyd, doesn't get any better. Hmm. I had surgery because I was over 400 lbs and knew that pretty soon I wouldn't even be able to walk. I was having congestive heart failure and lots of swelling in my legs. In one of my legs, blood would pool because my circulation was so horrible. That's all gone now, and I feel really good.

Sure I will play Getting to know you! 1. We've all just passed or will soon be passing our six month marks. At this point, how much weight have you lost? I REACHED 80LBS LOST AS OF THIS MORNING!!! 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly? I THINK I HAVE REALLY SLOWED DOWN. I WAS IN A STALL FOR OVER 2 WEEKS. I NEED TO REARRANGE MY EXERCISE TO SEE IF THAT SPEEDS THINGS UP 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut? BBQ CHICKEN, CANTALOPE WITH STRAWBERRY YOGURT, HONEY NUT CHERRIOS (NO MILK), SLIMFAST HIGH PROTEIN CHOCO CHIP GRANOLA BARS, BBQ STEAK. I AM NOT REALLY IN A FOOD RUT, I HAVE REALLY LOST INTEREST IN FOOD SINCE THE SURGERY. 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? NONE WHAT SO EVER. I ACTUALLY DO WHAT I CAN TO SUPPORT OTHERS IN MY COMMUNITY THAT ARE THINKING OF OR SCHEDULED FOR SURGERY. THIS IS THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD. 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. I CAN RUN/JOG ON THE TREADMILL, I CAN CROSS MY LEGS, I CAN SHOP IN ANY STORE I WANT TO, I WENT TO STORYLAND WITH MY DAUGHTER AND WENT ON ALL THE RIDES WITH HER. 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? THIS IS A STRUGGLE FOR ME. I WORK HARD TO GET ALL THE PROTEIN I NEED. THE VITAMINS ARE NO PROBLEM, BUT I THINK PROTIEN WILL ALWAYS BE A HASSLE 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? THE BEST ADDICTION I HAVE FOUND. EXERCISE AND ROMANCE (MY HUSBAND IS THRILLED) 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? I HOPE TO BE AT GOAL OF 125. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO RUN AT LEAST 3-4 MILES (LIKE I DID IN COLLEGE), AND I HOPE I AM SCHEDULED FOR A TUMMY TUCK AND BREAST REDUCTION AND LIFT. LOL!! 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? I HONESTLY DON'T HAVE ANY FEARS AT THIS POINT. I HAVE BEEN PRETTY PROUD OF MY ABILITY TO CONTROL MY EATING AND AM PRETTY CONFIDENT THAT I CAN CONTINUE. BUT REALISTICALLY, I AM AFRAID OF REGAINING ANY OF THE WEIGHT. 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general. I AM 35 AND THE MOTHER OF 1 DAUGHTER. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 9 YEARS AND WE LIVE IN NORTHERN MA. I WORK AS A SENIOR SOURCER AND WORK OUT OF MY HOME. CRYSTAL 248/168/125

1. We've all just passed or will soon be passing our six month marks. At this point, how much weight have you lost? 90 lbs since my highest and 77 since surgery. 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly? I was about a month ago, now I'm happy with my progress. I understand there will be stalls, but I don't have to be happy about it. lol! 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut? salad with hamsteak, low fat cheese and fat free catalina dressing, chicken, kashi cereal, smart one micro meals, tuna. 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? Not at all, I am so grateful for it. There are times (like yesterday at a bday party) that I wanted the whole piece of cake, I had a bite though. But then I think about how far I've come and I totally am ok with it. 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. jogging 30 minutes, fitting in a size 10, I actually have men looking at me now. lol! 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? vitamins - yes, protein - most of the time. 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? I am addicted to shopping. lol! 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? I hope to be at about 125 with a tummy tuck and breast lift/reduction. 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? That I will regain the weight. I am TERRIFIED of that. 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general. I'm a SAHM to 4 yr old twin girls and a 10 yr old girl. They are my life. I am married to my dh of 19 yrs and I'm only 37, you do the math. lol! Life is pretty good.

Good idea! I love reading the responses 1. 1. We've all just passed or will soon be passing our six month marks. At this point, how much weight have you lost? 90 pounds since surgery, 118 in last year Current weight is 209. 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly? Nope, seems about average compared to other January people. 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut? Oranges, watermelon, veggies with home made ranch dressing, carb master yogurt, jerky 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? Nope, wish I had done it sooner 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. Roller coasters, hiked all day, crawled through a cave 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? Nope, but I keep trying. 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? I started smoking again after stopping for 7 years. I think there is a connection! lol! 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? I hope to be at goal and have completed my PS by my one year. 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? Future complications, regaining the weight 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general. Live in rural Indiana on a small organic cattle ranch. I am a 4th grade teacher, married for 12 years. I have 3 daughters ages 6, and 18 month twins, and one son, age 4. I am incredibly blessed and have everything I ever wanted out of life, except for me a healthy weight, but I am getting closer. Someone pinch me!

1. We've all just passed or will soon be passing our six month marks. At this point, how much weight have you lost? Ive lost 112 lbs. 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly? Sometimes, but Im thrilled with what Ive lost 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut? Peanut Butter, lean cuisine frozen meals, Chicken, Cheese, Banannas 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? Not at all 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. Went four wheelin in the woods, walked in walmart without using a scooter, played on the floor with my daughter and was able to get back up!! 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? pretty much 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? no transfer addictions but I am getting out more and staying busy 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? I would LOVE to lose another 100lbs by then, but I'll be happy if I lose at least 50 more. Well.. maybe 75! 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? That Im gonna stop losing, or gain back what Ive lost..That I can eat too much for a wls patient 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general. Im 41 yrs old, From sunny Florida. I have two amazing children, Kristofer who is 18 and Dreama who is 6. Yep BIG differance in ages there. Never a dull moment!! I started my jouney at 367lbs, with sleep apnea, diabetes, lymphedema,..... After sleeping in a recliner for years just so I could breath I can FINALLY sleep laying flat in bed again! My diabetes is gone, and the swelling form my lymphedema is greatly improved. Im at 255 and my goal is 150. I pray everyday I make it. Mary

1. We've all just passed or will soon be passing our six month marks. At this point, how much weight have you lost?130 total....98 since surgery. 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly?Right now I am losing slower than before ,of course but I understand that it is normal at this point so I am not upset about it. 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut?1.Salads with chicken and almonds in it. 2.yogurt 3.sandwich in lettuce instead of bread. 4. cottage cheese with crushed up smoked almonds in it. 5. shaved ham or turkey with reduced fat cheese melted on top of it. 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? Absolutely not! Not only am I healthier but I am much Happier! 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. Wrap a regular bath towel all the way around myself without hanging out. Run around outside with my kids. Enjoy clothes shopping!! 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? Yes 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? Yes,I have become a coffee addict, and at times I do have issues with feeling deprived but I usually handle it by allowing myself a little taste. 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? I hope to be at my goal that I set for myself for 1 year out which is 140 pounds.And in general I hope to be healthy and still consistant with my new lifestyle. 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? No fears about surgery but I of course fear that someday I will let myself go again and gain all the weight back, I think that is why I am so hard on myself now. 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general. married for 11 years , Live in Belgium...my husband is in the air force. I am an emotional eater so that has been the hardest part since surgery for me. I have 3 kids and I am originally from Arizona.

Getting to know you! 1. We've all just passed or will soon be passing our six month marks. At this point, how much weight have you lost? 111 pounds 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly? sometimes. According to that calculator I should have lost more but I am happy with where I am at now. 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut? yogurt, cottage cheese, cheddar string cheese, protein bars, Wendy's taco salad 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? Not at all. Only that I didn't do this earlier. 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. I can get into booths at restuarants, not needing a nap everyday, sitting in the car and being able to pick up a pen off the floorboard without having to get out of the car to do it. 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? yes 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? I too picked up smoking again. But I have managed to keep the caffeine monster off my back. Mainly because I hate coffee and can't drink sodas anymore 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? I want to have lost another 50 pounds. Then I would only have 39 more to go 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? regaining the weight 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general. I am married and have 3 children. a 25 year old son, a 16 year old daughter, and my baby boy is 11. I live in Alabama on Logan Martin Lake and am a avid scrapbooker.

1. At this point, how much weight have you lost? 93 pounds 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly? of course - 100 is just so close I can smell it 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut? I for sure feel like I am in a food rut 1. yogurt with granola 2. too much coffee 3.beans with cheese salsa and WAY too many tortillas chips way too often 4.chili 5.any kinda chicken but fried 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? I would do it all over in a heartbeat 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. weigh less then my hubby bought some size 10 jeans cross my legs wear cute shoes 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? Protein probably - vitamins i am sad to say no - I keep forgetting 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? I shop too much and drink way too much coffee 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? I hope to be down at least another 40-50 pounds 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? that I will stop losing too soon or to gain weight back later - having complications 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general. I am a 30 year old SAHM to my 2 wonderful kids and have been married to my hubby for 11 years! I am a total girly girl, I love makeup and pedicures, shopping and having a great time partying and laughing with my family and friends!

1. We've all just passed or will soon be passing our six month marks. At this point, how much weight have you lost? I've lost a little over 70 I think... 2. Do you think you're losing too slowly? YES! But maybe that's my own fault. I should've started exercising right from the start. 3. What are your top five food items at the moment? Do you feel like you're in a food rut? String cheese, turkey & cheese wraps, grilled chicken salad, south beach chicken salad, chili. But I eat whatever I want- nothing makes me sick and I don't dump. That is both a blessing and a hard thing all in one. 4. Do you resent the surgery at all? Or have any regrets? SOMETIMES I wish I got the band but thats very rare. 5. List three things you've accomplished since surgery that you probably couldn't have done before. Decided to go to school for nutrition, started water aerobics & pilates, and walked the whole length of Hampton Beach without being tired. 6. Are you getting in all of your protein and vitamins? Protein yes, vitamins- most of the time but Im not perfect. 7. Have you noticed any transfer addictions? What are you doing to fill the void? I started drinking a lot for abouth a month, around 2-3 months out but since then I haven't drank anything. I was worried I was getting addicted to alcohol but thankfully that passed on its own. I shop a lot more but nothing dangerous.. and to fill the void I exercise and day dream about all the new clothes I will own one day. haha Going to school for nutrition is also something that I am doing to help me stay on track. 8. Where do you think you'll be in six months, weight wise and in general? I will be halfway through junior year at framingham state and even closer to becoming a registered dietician.. I also will hopefully be down another 60-75 lbs. Anddddd HOPEFULLY I will still be with my amazing boyfrienddd. 9. What are your worst fears related to weight and surgery? Honestly, I'm afraid I'll either stop losing and never reach goal OR I'll reach goal and then get pregnant and gain tons of weight back. 10. Tell us a little about yourself in general. I had the surgery when I was 19 and had to fight like hell to be approved since the doctors thought I was too young and that I might regret it later in life. I've done so good since then and all the doctors who doubted me now kiss my butt and always want me to speak at the groups for new patients. The only trouble I've had since surgery was unexplained HORRIBLE pain but now finally they are removing my gall bladder and hopefully that was the only cause and I'll be fixed! Overall I've lost 100lbs since my heighest and pretty soon I'll weigh less than my boyfriend, I'm so excited about that! I'm going away to school again and living on campus so now maybe since I'm 100lbs less than when I tried to do it the first time I'll actually want to be social and make friends and maybe I'll really enjoy school- for the first time. Before I just always wanted to hide and I thought everyone hated me before then even got the chance to know me- now I'm much more friendly and outgoing and I actually want to do things instead of sitting in my room and eating. Now I LOVEEE water aerobics, walking, pilates, and bike riding... I'm getting a job in the gym at school come september!