I've kept this surgery a secret from some of my close friends and family and it's getting harder and harder to do. Has anyone else out there done this? I know I shouldn't be embarrassed about doing something good for myself but there are some people in my life who just doesn't understand. I feel so bad "lying" to people when they comment on my weight loss and ask how are you doing it? Of course I tell them all the things I am doing like the exercise, water, protein etc. so in some ways no I'm not lying but I feel like I'm keeping this HUGE secret and I'm not sure how to deal with it. If any of you have kept this a secret how have you dealt with it? Any suggestions? Heidi (down 80 pounds so far)

Today I am in a much better mood..... I went for my 6th Month check up at the doctors office. I am now 288lbs I have lost a total of 63lbs. My doctor told me to stop beating my self up beause I am doing great and Have continued to exercise. He has stressed that this is the most important part of the weight lost process Because my exercise will determine if I have to have plastic surgery in the future. Hopefully I won't.... How ever he did say I have a Hernia about the size of an orange. I have to wait until I have lost close to 100lbs to have this fixed, then he will be able to remove some of the extra skin on my stomach which will give me a slimmer waist line. So I can deal with the minor pain through the night for free extras with the removal of the hernia. I have gotten my eating habits back undercontrol and have refocused for my next goal. My sisters wedding is this weekend and now im not the largest woman in the wedding party as I was 6 months ago. That makes me smile at the small accomplishment. Until later Keep your head up and I will do the ssame. TJ

Congratulations Ken!! You have done great!! That is an awesome weight loss!! Isnt life so much better without those extra pounds?! To me eating certain foods is still an issue but like the saying goes nothing tastes as good as thin feels.... Good luck!!

I am 6 months out TODAY! WOW, times does fly by. I have lost 115lbs and have about 55 to go. My hair did fall out after about 3 months, I had a bad receeding hair line. My hairdresser advised I use a product call Nioxin. She says it is formulated to help with significant hair loss. Alot of her clients that have gone through chemotherapy have used it too! I have been using it for about 2 months now and can see all the baby hairs growing in. Finally some hair growing back!! It is a little pricey, but the beauty supply stores like Beauty Brands or Beauty World should carry it and they put it on sale occasionally. Hope this helps!! Best of luck to you!!

DENISE...THAT IS RIGHT!! ...DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP...YOU CAN DO IT!! ...WHEN I HAD OPEN RNY 03/26/03 I NEEDED TO LOSE APPROXIMATELY 300 LBS (YES I SAID THREE HUNDRED POUNDS) & I'M JUST LIKE YOU...I CAN EAT ANYTHING. OF COURSE, I PAY LATER WITH DUMPING BUT WHO CARES I GOT TO PUT IN MY MOUTH WHAT I WANTED (BAD IDEA)... I HAVE LOST 100 LBS BUT I FEAR THAT I WILL NOT MAKE IT & DREAD MY NEXT VISIT TO THE DOC BUT I THINK IF WE KEEP POSTING ON THIS SITE & GIVE EACH OTHER SUPPORT IT REALLY DOES HELP...ALSO GET TO THOSE SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS...GOOD LUCK....445/345/150