My friend at work gave me a wonderful compliment just yesterday about the "easy way". She and I were talking and I shared with her that this whole surgery and life change has been easier that I expected. She looked me dead in the eye and said "You call what you've been though easy?" She went on to explain that she had watched me. Sure I didn't have complications. But, she had noticed how much attention I had to pay to every single bite of food that goes into my mouth, how much I worry about getting enough protein and water, how I measure to make sure I don't overeat and stretch my pouch, and how I hunt constantly for good tasting food high in protein yet low in fat. She said it may be second nature to me now. But, she had watched me struggle and admired how well I followed the rules and stayed away from "bad" food. She sais she would never say it was the "easy way" and would correct anyone she heard say that. I was floored. I don't like who I see in the mirror either. I see my saggy skin and go ewwww! I've changed my hair as well. I'm thinking about letting it grow out. We'll see. I don't think anything you could say about how you feel would sound stupid to anyone of us here on this board. We're all in the same boat, paddling away to get to shore to live a normal life. (hugs) Terri

Good for you! I love these WOW moments. As to winter, I live in CA and there's no such thing here. It's either wet or dry. The temp pretty much stays the same. Maybe you can get ons of those things to lift the rear wheel and ride the bike inside ... watching the travel chanel on TV and pretend you're riding your bike around the world. I know this sounds silly. But, I used to do that on my exercise bike. I go to the YMCA and workout. Is there a gym near you?

I am having problems with my image too. I enjoy the attention i'm getting, yet people seem dissapointed in me that I did it the "easy way", like this has been easy. I still have 70-90 lbs to lose and have been stuck on a plateu. I look in the mirror and feel like I dont know the person I see. One day I look at myself and think how good I look compared to before surgery, then I look at a picture and think how fat I still look. I changed my hair style, colored it, and starting doing my nails and makeup. I'm trying to look more feminine, but sometimes it feels so alien to me. there is alot more but I don't know how to put it in words that dont sound stupid. Cathy

As you guys know, my new found love is riding my bike. I had it fixed this week so didn't get to ride much. This morning I took off on it and rode what feels like a new bike with a new me....surprisingly and this is my wow moment, I rode up a hill without much effort. amazing to me cause I could barely walk up that hill before I had surgery and now I am riding my bike up it. I have to say, I feel so much better after I go out and ride for 30 minutes or so. I still feel like I get stared at cause I am still overweight, but I have adapted the attitude that is ...."I am out here doing this activity and I should be proud of myself..." self talk is so powerful! I may go out a little later and go for another ride. I'm thinking....what will I do when the winter gets here? I'll have to figure something else out. Any suggestions?

Joyce, Congratulations! What wonderful progress you have made! I have lost a lot myself and am down a total of 154 pounds. I know how much better I feel and can only imagine how well you are feeling. Keep up the great work! We'll walk through this together!