Hi Debbie, You had ps?????? Good for you!! I have missed so much. I can tolerate anything. I wish I did dump on things. It is so hard to stay away from things you know you can eat. I lost 3 pounds since the other day and the only thing I did different was I stopped the junk. Just stopped the cookies, pastry, and bread. It made a difference. My problem is a boiled egg and a piece of sausage will not satisfy me. What do you do when a little bit of food isn't enough? Joanne

Hello Everyone, Yesterday after returning from a check up,where I was told I am doing great.I sat down to watch a movie with my kids an in a matter of seconds I had spots before my eye's ,I broke out into a sweat,had a 102 temp and felt very weak.All i could do is go to my bed an sip a lil water an fell asleep. When I woke an hour later other than feeling weak I was fine. This is the second time this has happen to me in three months. I thought the first time might be a fluke , that I ate something that didnt agree with me ect.. Now however I am starting to wonder because this time it was worse than the first time. Has anyone experienced anything like this? An if so what caused it? Thanks for all your support again. Take care Trish

Oh Joanne.....I am so, so very happy that you posted. I have truly missed hearing about your weight loss journey and sharing your personal life with us. I want to thank you for helping me in a panic situation. It was Jan or Feb of this year that I began to become terrified of maintenance since it was so close, and had gained around 15 pounds. That's when you shared your getting back on track plan. It was as if you shared the info b/c I was in such a slump and needed help. Your wedding gown is so beautiful b/c it fits you so well. You look radiant, slim, and happy. I am glad that married life sits well with you. I am sorry about your financial situation. I know what it is like living paycheck to paycheck and taking from Peter to pay Paul. My daughter and I live together and since I became disabled it's been hard. But with God's help we muddle through. Your graphic design job sounds exciting. Could this part time position be the first step toward a career in the field? Most importantly, does it help to take your mind off of food?? I know what you mean about having to stay in touch with your family here. The support I get truly lifts my spirits. And, I feel I am doing a little pay back answering preops' and newly postops' questions. You made a very good point that the early obsession we had on our journeys fades and often we slip. But, Joanne, you've had a slip nothing more than that. I know I would be overwhelmed with all you do and then trying to get back on track wouldput me over the edge. Maybe you could work on one thing at a time. Like upping the water until you are comfortable with fitting it in your daily schedule. Then protein, supplements...you know all this. Remember that 3 days without carbs breaks the craving...I learned that from you! I am very happy you are home. Your family, Dan and the children seem to be a very loving and positive support system for you there. Your family, here, is the same. Paula

Denise, Sorry you have to be the one who does this, but you do it so well. If someone asked you this today, how would you respond? "I heard that you've had WLS and I'm contemplating it, what do you think?" I tell people that it is completely up to them, but that it worked wonders for me. I remind them that it takes a commitment to a new lifestyly. People think I look better than most they know who've had surgery, so I'm quick to remind them that the reason I look like I do is because I exercise regularly. I'm almost like the poster child for WLS, and I'm very cautious of that because I know what it took to get here - and it wasn't as easy as many people think it will be. I work my butt off to look like I do. How hot is it where you are right now? It's supposed to get up to 93 today. Pretty hot for Montana. What made you smile today? My good friend here at work complimented me. Are you reading any books right now? Just finished 'Runaway Jury' and am looking for the next. I only read one at a time. What TV show do you hate to miss? I love my Sunday shows 'Cold Case' and 'Crossing Jordan' but all that's on right now are reruns, so it's no big deal. Then again, I also like Monk, The Dead Zone, The 4400, and The Closer. Have you given anyone a compliment today? I told our program assistant that she really looks good in the color shirt she has on today. Linn

Joanne, I'm glad to hear from you. I'm sure you've realized by now that you're only human. We all need to be conscious of our choices and you most definitely are not alone. Many of us will have some bounce-back weight gain, and that is normal. As yours is about 13#, now is a good time to get back in the swing of things. It's not awful, and my guess is that your BMI is still in the normal range since you're so tall. Take care and don't be too hard on yourself. That can be very destructive. Concentrate on the positives and just move forward. Every day is a new day, and my philosophy is that we do the best we can every day. Linn