Richard, That is so awesome! Way to go! Katy

That is such good news Holly!! I am glad everything came back good! Thanks for keeping us posted.

Rich... I truly think it's wonderful that you have been able to keep weight alone from being your focus. Unfortunately (and fortunately) all of my health issues were resolved within days or weeks of surgery, so all I had to focus on was weight. Aside from eating wayyyyy too much pre-op, my diet was almost a carbon copy of what it is now (with the exception of protein shakes ;o)), so "changing" my eating habits was a snap. In addition, I was at goal and under by 9 months out, so weight again was front and center in terms of keeping it that way. Now, my head really gets in the way more often than I would like...but, I know deep down that a few pounds here or there really isn't the end of the world...just something that I need to keep an eye on and work on keeping in check. That will be the trick for all of us at one time or another....keeping the successes at a maximum and our individual food demons at bay for the long haul. I see many, though certainly not all, post-ops several years out that are struggling to keep their minds and bodies healthy and properly fed, and their weight stable and comfortable. It seems that we may never know until it hits us just how long and hard this journey can be...especially considering that it never ends. Now, post some pictures so that we can see your progress!! You're doing a great job and we'd love for you to share more of your successful habits and tricks...so post when you can. ~Suz

Difficult to check-in with the Monday morning weigh-in. I promised myself I was not going to becoame a slave to a scale when I started this journey and I haven't. I only weigh myself about once a month sometimes once in 6 weeks. I find this does several things 1) I don't panic over slight increases or decreases ) I can increase my weight just by drinking more liquid than normal and small decreases are not very meaningful for the same reson -- normal variations) 2) I am not wed to a scale, 3) keeps my overall progress the center of my journey. Rich

Laura- I just joined the Y and if you can just get into a pattern of going- some kind of a schedule- it seems to be much easier to maintain. Is there a particular class that you like or a friend that you can meet there? Those have also been motivators to me. Look at all the weight you have lost and kept off. You are a HUGE success- you can do this- hang in there!!! Posting every Monday has really helped to keep me on track- hope to see you there... Holly