Lee, When I say the subject line I hoped it was because of a vacation!!!! So glad you get to go home. That is wonderful. Hope you have a fantastic time. Don't be nervous ... enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Mary

Simply beautiful! Life is good. I need to get a new picture up too. Take care, Susan

Just thought I would let everyone know that I am not going to be around for a while, I am going home (New Zealand) for the first time in four years. Talk about nervous! I am leaving on Friday Morning and will be gone for 3 weeks, can't wait to see everyone's progress when I come back! Take care everyone and stay warm! Its summer in NZ so next time I talk to you I will be sporting a nice tan Lee

my surgeon didn't really set a goal. the "normal" standard for my age and height was 161 but i had a personal goal of 135 to 140 at 5'6". My highest weight 2 months prior to surgery was 301. By using slimfast I lost 20 pounds and was 281 the day of surgery. I now weigh 149/150 for a total loss of 151/152 pounds since Feb 04. I hit a plateau around month 8/9 that lasted almost 8 weeks. I finally evaluated what i was (or wasn't) eating and added 2 protein shakes back in my daily schedule. The weight started dropping again. I am in a size 8 and some 10s so am thrilled with that but really would like to get to around 140 which i think is the expected AMA point.

Thanks, Andrea, for writing. You speak (eloquently) for alot of people, I'm sure. It IS tough sometimes to feel comfortable participating when you're the one who has had no problems; I often feel guilty and helpless that I've had such an easy time when I read about the others and their struggles. And I hate to write to celebrate, because it feels like I'm goating and I don't mean it that way. I like fitday.com and use it often, but what I've been finding lately, is whether I just eat what feels right, or if I watch it like a hawk, I'm coming in at almost exactly the same calorie, carb, fat count, so I'm thinking it's becoming more a way of life for me which is what I had hoped for at the beginning of this entire process. Thanks again. Have a great day Julie