I've lost 87 from my highest. My surgery was 3/05/03. We're pretty close. (Were you at the marketing forum at WI****hink I saw you there?) Anyway, just keep going. Dr. Iwanicki told me that about one year there are sometimes a trend in slight increase in weight due to increase in muscle mass. Don't get discouraged. Do you go to the WISH support? I'll be there and look for you! Feel free to email: [email protected]

Hey Camille, if you will kick my butt, I will kick yours. I too am only about 25 lbs from goal and have not lost anything in several months. Just have to get back on track, water, protein, water, protein, water, water, water, oh yeah and exercise. Gosh, I can't believe I am telling you this and not doing it my self. I do however, have a very nasty hernia that I am awaiting insurance approval to repair, and then maybe I can get back on track. Good luck Jan P 3/24/03 -132

Hello my name is Camille. I had surgery Mar 18 2003. I can't believe it has almost been a year. I am excited and frustrated all at once. I was considered a lightweight at 240 pounds and 5'5" so i had planned on getting all of my weight off long before 1 year. I have gotten so off track and I haven't lost weight in many months. I am currently at 160 and my goal is at least 140. I know that is not much and I know I can do it. I just can't find the motivation. I hardly exercise anymore and I am making poor food choices. Does anyone know how much food I should be eating at 11 months? Any advice or butt kickings would be much appreciated. Congratulations to all of you losers out there. I admire your discipline and dedication to your goal.

Marilyn I can't see anything you are doing wrong. Are you measuring yourself from your exercise? You have to realize that muscle is heavier than fat and if you are exercising 3x/week, you would be losing inches rather than weight. Start measuring yourself and this may ease some of your frustration. As for your eating regimen, I think you are doing great!! We have been instructed that we don't actually know how much of the protein we absorb through food so I still do protein drinks too because I KNOW if I drink 30 gms of protein, I'm absorbing 30 gms of protein. I'm really proud of you. You are doing an excellent job!! Keep up the good work. The other thing is that you are probably on a plateau. I've also read on the protein board that a lot of individuals who want to come off the plateau up their protein drinks (protein feast), by just doing protein drinks for 3-5 days and small amounts of protein (no carbs at all) and lots and lots of water. This helps break the plateau. Please let me know your results. - Gayzelle

First Happy Valentines day. I went and was scoped by my surgeon last wednesday to see if i had stretched my stoma and ruined my surgery.. I'm happy to report that everything is fine and still looks good.. So that means im on a very long plateau.. :shrug I have to work harder.. I've upped my protein and lowered my carbs to try and jumpstart my losing again. Plus i now have 2 hernias that will need to be repaired . I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon next Tuesday to schedule a Abdominoplasty/hernia repair.. I still have alot to lose, but maybe this will help me lose what i need to lose to get to my goal.. I'll keep everyone posted.. cya