Delainya, Sending you some hugs, sounds like you need them. I hope things settle down soon for you and you can get back to a normal routine. It is normal this far out for the pouch to stretch. It is apparent in the quantity we now can eat. I belong to a board that has many members 7 years out. Most of them have stated that if they go back to the basics, do portion control, exercise etc. that their tummy gets back to smaller and the sugar dumping can resume. Get the junk out of your home. Pick healthier choices. Try lower glycemic foods too ... for example: if you absolutely have to have french fries get sweet potatoes french fries. If you have to have a sandwich pick whole grain bread not white. These foods will leave you full longer and much more satisfied. When we do chips (yes, I am guilty of this too) they crunch down so nice that we truly can eat more than we should. I can't do the SF things because of the sugar alcohols --- gosh they make me sick. Be careful with over doing them as they can cause major gas, bloating, and act like a laxative. Try working out your stress with exercise not food. Grab some music and head out for a walk. If you need something sweet, how about a cup of no sugar added cocoa ... yummmmm. I just found some Chocolate decaf tea at Trader Joes. Haven't tried it yet, but they claim it is wonderful and smells/tastes like chocolate. Wishing you the best. Remember we are here for you. Hugs, Mary

Andi, I honestly don't think it is being vain. I remember all the years (even as a kid -- I've always been overweight) of having to "settle" with whatever fit. Now to have choices is AWESOME and a new experience totally. Have fun shopping!!! I'll be there with you in spirit. Mary

Andi, Glad you decided to come out of lurking. PLease post more often. It is great to hear from everyone. Happy 2nd anniversary to you too. Isn't it fun to be out shopping. I love shoes again and keep telling my hubby a person can never have too many pairs. LOL I agree, we learn from those that went before us and also those that are in the same point of the journey as us. The support, the knowledge, the friendship is uncomparable. Congratulations on all of your successes. Mary

Wanda, I'm thankful for my surgery too. It has opened up a whole new world for me about what I can do. First time in my life that I have felt like I'm normal ... had always been overweight. Now altho still overweight, I don't feel like I stand out in the crowd. Such a great feeling. I agree, it is very common to be able to eat more now. Just remember it is still far less than most people and definitely far less than before surgery. We went to Olive Garden today for soup. It was so good. I don't do soup a lot, but once in a while is great. Mary

Hi everyone. I'm here. Yesterday (16th) was my anniversary and it went by without me even thinking about it. I just now looked at the date and here it is. Wow. My mind is elsewhere these days. My husband and I are going to be parents again. My c-section is scheduled for this Wednesday, the 22nd...please think of us and say a prayer if you can spare one. My daughter is excited and anxious and scared at the same time. I'm sure she will be a wonderful big sister. I am ready to get back in shape after the baby is born. I've gained 17 pounds with this pregnancy and am not showing all that much...you can tell I'm pregnant, just not 39 weeks. I went to the OB's office this afternoon and women just 7 months pregnant look more pregnant than me. He's got lots of room to hide, I guess. I wonder too, Mary...why is everything so quiet here? I guess no news is good news. I wonder about you and Lee and Wanda and Joanne and Katherine and Carolyn and Linn and everyone else at different times. I wonder how Noelle is doing. Cold and Windy here today after two 50 degree days. hugs and more hugs, Denise