OK..... so I went to this seminar... and it didn't cost that much, and I was really glad that I went. First of all... it's really intense being in a room with hundreds of other people who've had the surgery or about to have the surgery. You can talk so freely... it's really hard for me to talk about my surgery to some people because I kind of feel judged by some, who think I've mutilated my body for cosmetic purposes..... I felt a lot of freedom there, and no judgement. I met people who were 5 years out, who'd gained some back and were back on track to losing. And Jackie Guerra was there, who was on the cover of OH a couple of months ago... Really what I learned was PROTEIN is crucial... don't graze on carbs if you can avoid it because it slows down your weight loss process.... try to grab a protein snack and not a carb snack if you can...excercise, drink your water and take your vitamins EVERY day. I've been slacking on that (the vitamins and eating too many carbs) in the past (I'm better now). I saw so many people who were at goal and then gained 60 lbs after losing 200 and they looked heartbroken. My mom's neighbor had WLS surgery and started drinking soda, not eating regularly or taking protein and is gaining her weight back. I am so determined that it's NOT gonna be me. And I saw some pretty intense surgery pics... by Dr. Katzen (anyone see him on the Incredible Shrinking Woman - Discovery Channel). OMG... I am not sure I can go through with that. I'm going to excercise and TONE as much as I can even with my batwings.... Plus I got a lot of freebees like vitamins from Bariatric Advantage, and Achiev One and some free copies of OH... I hope I don't sound preachy here..... I think we're all doing so well... I was just reminded that this isn't just for now until I get slim.. this is for life. I'm always going to have a "weight problem" I always have to strive to be healthy and make good choices... Now I feel kind of scared to get at my goal and find myself straying away from it. Having this surgery was such a hard choice for me, but I had to because I have a heart arrhythmia and I'm at high risk for stroke because of my weight. Now that I've lost so much weight... it's addictive. I love being healthier, I love having a normal BP, and that I can fit into clothes I haven't been able to get into since the 8th grade. It feels amazing. OK... I'm done ranting. I hope everyone has a great week.

Wow Lori... we have a lot in common, my dad has begining alzheimers, and has also recently suffered a minor stroke. I'm glad you had that talk with your dad when he had some clarity. Those moments are really precious. And I totally understand about the towel... it's amazing isn't it??? Yay all of us for working so hard and having it pay off!

I have lost a newborn calf and a chihuaha, hope I spelled that right! This was hilarious, thanks for the giggle this morning! peggy

Yeah! Good for you! My nutritionist told me to get this stool softener I forget the brand name but I just bought the Walmart brand cause it was the same thing just cheaper. Fortunately, I haven't had to use it yet. She gave us a few ideas at our last support group meeting and that was to add a tsp of granola or something like that to our yogurt or just to try to add in peanuts or wheat cereal or something like that. I keep a jar of peanuts at home and they do help me. Anyway, I'm proud of ya!

Elisa, You're totally almost there!! Congrats, in advance, and for the journey there!! Let's here it for the Century Club and those who're almost there: HOOT HOOT!! Jen Halliday