Joanne, Please don't feel that way! I was feeling that way just a few months ago when I realized my neurapathy had gotten so much worse than I ever realized. It was because I was a uncontrolled diabetic for over 10 years and neglected my health yes now I don't require any medications but the damage was already done so I must suffer the consequenses. You are doing great look at all you have over come with the broken bones and you have still managed to mantain a weight loss I think you are doing great, you aren't through yet just kick that nasty plateau in the butt and you will get it started again, it will happen for you. You are looking so beautiful and happy in your new picture married life must really agree with you, Nancy

Katherine, How wonderful!!!! Such an awesome achievement!!!!!! I, too, am very proud of you. Mary

Joanne, First and foremost YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE. You have lost 80 lbs and have come so far. Yes, you have gone thru some bad times with breaking your ribs, your back, and damage in your eyes from diabetes. But I really want you to focus on where you would be IF you had not had your surgery and had these things happen at your heaviest weight. You wouldn't of recovered as quickly AND the damage would/could of been much much worse. My brother-in-law just lost part of his leg to diabetes a few months back. It wasn't in control and he got an infection. It has been awful for him with surgeries (numerous ones on the leg), rehab etc. My mom is currently in the hospital in critical care. She has diabetes and is on dialysis 3 days a week. We are facing major decision right now and there is a chance she will lose both of her legs or her life. She isn't strong enough to go thru surgery at this point. I have watched her deteriorate the last few months. Yes, you have had some problems ... but I am going to do some tough love here because I care about you and the rest of the gang here on the board. I am not going to let you focus on the negatives life has dealt you. I want you to focus on the positives ... because of this surgery you are healthier and stronger than ever before. We put too much emphasis on how much weight we have lost at times. You say you are a failure at 80 lbs gone. Does that make me a failure too at 76 lbs since surgery????? I certainly don't see myself as a failure and I would hope no one else does either AND I definitely don't see you as a failure either. I have Keratoconus in both of my eyes. One eye is far worse than the other. But I can still function, drive, enjoy life. At some point I may lose my sight. The only possible cure/solution is a cornea transplant and there is no guarantee with that. Yes, at times it is disheartently and at times I get scared. BUT I have done lots of research, joined support groups on line and it truly as helped. You would be amazed how many others will have the same problem as you. The message boards can be so beneficial with sharing of knowledge and new discoveries. You still have hope, don't give up. Now, I'm sending you big hugs. It's OK to feel bad for a while but don't let it take over your life or push you down. You are a success. Mary

Hello everyone, Well I am approaching my one year anniversary. I have only lost 80 lbs. Seems I can only lose when I have under 20 carbs. Tghat is so hard to live by now. Before was easy. I didn't eat much anyway. But now that I can eat more, and graze, it is much harder to keep them under 20. I bought the book South Beach Diet. Hopefully that will help. I am again on a plateau. Now for even more bad news. I developed a blurry spot in my left eye. I went tot he docs and he checked both eyes. Long story short, I have diabetes in both eyes. I thought I would be healthy when I had this surgery. But it seems that things are getting worse. I break my ribs, back, and now diabetes in my eyes. So I am a failure at losing and I am going to have to battle losing my sight. I may be 80 lbs lighter, but I could have done that without surgery. I re-routed for nothing. My diabetes may be gone in my body but the damage is there. I feel like giving up. Joanne

Thanks, Mary ) I love reading your posts! You give us all so much to think about, and reflect on! I am saying WOW right back at you, for inspiring me with that thought.... And WOW to you, too! Andrea