Haven't checked in with this board in a long time - - in OH a lot, but mostly on the Plastic Surgery Board. Had a tummy tuck and inner and outer thigh lift on 3/22/06 and am recovering from that, though much slower than I would like (had lap gastric bypass, so this is definitely a longer physical healing process!) Anyway, here we go: 1) Did you ever drink protein shakes? Yes - - every day for the first year or so after surgery. 2) If so, do you still drink them? A few now and then, but I do have a protein bar (low carb, of course!) almost every day (usually as my breakfast). 3) Have you lost, gained or maintained in the last 6 months? (You don't have to state any amounts gained or lost). I lost about 7 pounds in the six months just prior to plastic surgery, then about another 10 since then (plastic surgeron took off about 9 pounds of skin - - just now getting rid of fluids from that!), 4) Do you get regular exercise? Was walking regularly before PS, not too much right now, but will get back to it pretty soon. 5) Do you get hungry now? Oh, yeah!! Really have to watch myself and try and make healthier choices. The dog gets the leftovers from my plate - - gonna have to put her on a diet soon! 6) Do you still think as a recipient of weight loss surgery? Yes - - and I'm okay with that. I have two sisters who have also had WLS (one in 3/04, the other 3/05), and we talk a lot about it. Also, I think it helps keep me in line. I do not, however, broadcast the fact that I had WLS, but will tell others about it if they ask how I lost so much weight. I usually say I had WLS and it was the hardest thing I ever went through, but I would do it again in a minute - - I don't want to leave people with the impression that just because I had WLS, it was easy to lose the weight. We all know that could not be further from the truth! Having said that though, I feel pretty "normal" most of the time, though I still look in the mirror and don't recognize the person staring back at me! Just have to share this one last piece with everyone. Got on the scale this AM and now weigh less than what I've lost! Started at 292 day of WLS, now weigh 143, for a total loss of 149 pounds (including PS, of course!). Take care all!

on the vitamins, Mary!!! I lost a pound this week and am now at 180. I've stuck to my goals this week of getting my exercising and water in and I've posted everything I eat on fitday.com. Posting everything there has really kept me honest with myself!!! I had a headache for 3 days the beginning of this week and I know it was because I was cutting out a majority of the carbs. I feel so much better now! I have that feeling that I get when I'm losing weight. I know that sounds crazy, but my body just feels different when I'm losing weight. Will keep the same goals this week. Thanks, Mary, so much for starting this weekly check in!!! Hope everyone has a great week!! Wanda

1) Did you ever drink protein shakes? 2) If so, do you still drink them? 3) Have you lost, gained or maintained in the last 6 months? (You don't have to state any amounts gained or lost) 4) Do you get regular exercise? 5) Do you get hungry now? 6) Do you still think as a recipient of weight loss surgery? 1) Drank protein shakes for a year after surgery, and then found out that as a diabetic I did not need to intake large amounts of protein. 2)no 3) I have gained 30 pounds due to medication changes 4) I take cardio kick boxing 3x a week 5) I am always hungry in the mornings 6) yes, still thinking as a wls recipient

It was funny in a way as I couldn't find time to exercise, BUT I could always find time to watch TV. Remember any form of movement is better than NO movement at all. Good luck and have fun dancing.

Okay, Mary. I'm going to have to start dancing during commercials now! Mark's going to think I've gone off my rocker! Who knows, maybe he'll join me... Wanda