Paula, I feel for you. I'm sure your dr. didn't mean to sound so crass, but it doesn't help your feelings at all. Have you thought of trying to get on the extreme makeover show. You sound like a great candidate. Just a thought. Debbie

This question is very close to my heart. My daughter who is 30 and I live together as I need a lot of physical help. My daughter had RNY 11 months before I did. She was doing so well. At her 1 year anniversay she had lost 134 pounds and weighed 165 pounds. At 5'2" she wanted to lose another 25 pounds. Instead, she is at 199 pounds and cannot seem to get back on track. In the last 2 years since her surgery she has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, hypothyroid, diabetes, plus her twin married and had a baby. I have tried really hard to help her to get back on track, but ultimately she has to do it for herself. I too want to feel good about myself. She makes me feel guilty all the time. Right now I need support. After losing 179 pounds I have so much hanging skin. What can be covered by clothes doesn't bother me. I feel so ugly, because you can't hide your face. I look like a concentration camp survivor with sunken cheeks, loose skin on forehead and neck. I have a chicken neck. I was dealing with it pretty well until my pcp said I look like a heroin addict needing a fix. She thought that was funny but I was hurt. I went home and sure enough I do look like that. I've been hesitant to go out of the house since then -as I am very self-conscious. Each time I go down a size I can't mention it at home. I do have a good friend that I can brag to and who helps me emotionally. I have a plastic surgery appointment on Tuesday at UCLA. It's a 250 mile drive to LA. She is trying hard to be positive about the visit. Probably insurance won't pay for much -she wants to pay for my neck and cheeks. Can you believe that. She is so wonderful. She doesn't feel it though. Sorry to have rambled on. This post ha**** a nerve. Paula

Thank You for looking that up. You know I don't feel so much heavier, it is a heavy bloated feeling all over. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is fluid, but I'm sure the 3 musketeers don't help. Debbie

Deb, I did a bit of research on the net about Lupron. It can cause water retention so that could explain the weight gain. Haven't tried the Slim Fast ... good that it is low sugar and no sugar alcohols. I hate sugar alcohols OR should I say they hate me ... LOL. Mary

It is so funny how I can relate to what each of you have said! I too can eat almost a whole Sonic children's burger. Throw in a cherry slush as the drink in that wacky pack and I'm set! Like Mary, I can get by with just a few fries. And my family and friends have all learned not to even ask me where I want to eat when we go out. I truly don't ever have a yearning for any certain thing. Wanda