Six months ago

We were all right around surgery date. How is everyone doing? This is my first photo update. Ive been on a weight plateau for like a month, but am getting into smaller pants than I did two weeks ago, so go figure. My stats: Surgery: March 10 Size at surgery: 28 Weight at surgery: 292 Energy: LOW Size now: 16 Weight now:224 Energy: Better! Things I can do now that I couldnt do then: Cross my legs, fit through a turnstyle, shop in some REGULAR people size sections, wear smaller shoes (wasnt expecting that one!), do household chores without passing out, sit at any booth or table at a restaraunt, eat HALF of a hamburger and be full, sit in a lawn chair without worry, wear my partner's clothes, (big bonus for same sex relationships, I get to wear what she is getting too small for too!), walk on the treadmill for an hour (but I dont do it as often as I should), fit in an airplane seat, and not only not have an extender, but have the seatbelt have extra strap room... Im sure there's more but lets hear yours! So..... now you're turn! -Donna

Hi, I read alot on here and dont usually post but I had such a great day on friday I figured I would share.... first my stats... surgery March 30, 2004 start weight 300 size 26/28 and I was depressed and miserable as of today weight 213 get this--> BMI 34.4 (just obese) also would not qualify at all for surgery now... now to get to friday I had to go get some clothes and went to the avenue....and I had to get size 14/16!!!! I have not been in that size in 15 years!! I am sooooo happy. I am getting a new digital camera then maybe someone will help me post pics?? Have a great day!! Sue PS after shopping fri I came home and laid in a hammock for the first time in my life....now will be my favorite spot in my backyard!!

Dear Donna: Congrats on your terrific progress. You look lovely in your new photo. I post regularly on the over 50 board and have started a "What's New for You" post that goes on daily. We all post something new and wonderful that has happened to us since surgery - your list is an example of so many of the good things that are happening. My stats: surgery - March 18th. 57 yo, 5'8" starting wt.231, now 152 - I only have 2 pounds to goal. Once there I will have lost all of my excess weight - 100% - all 81 pounds of it. Was size 20, now size 8 - never been an 8 before. Energy - was high, now even higher. Mood - was happy, now EUPHORIC. What can I do - I rode a camel at the fair with my 3 yo granddaughter. I have my long legged stride back. I can wear heels and be sure footed. I can dance all night, again! I no longer have GERD or sleep apnea and my arthritis in my knees is 95% better. My husband is happier with my looks and more attentive - although he has never been mean about my weight. This is the best thing I could have done for myself. Louise

Donna- How fantastic you look!!! Congratulations. Today is my 6 mo anniversary and first thing I did this morning was hop on the scale (LOL) 6 months ago I didnt own a scale! Now I'm a scale junkie! My stats: Surgery: March 12 Size at surgery: 28 Weight at surgery: 320 Energy: what energy?!? Size now: 14/16's are now too big. Time to shop again! Gonna be weird not going to a "chubby girl" store. What the heck am I going to do with all my credit cards?!? Weight now:207 Energy: Amazing!!! Things I can do now that I couldn't do then: Cross my legs, wear high heels without teetering (2 sizes smaller mind you), shop for designer clothes, walk up the stairs without huffing and puffing, RUN up the stairs, RUN after my 3yr old niece, wear pantyhose that arent QUEEN size! See the shoes I'm wearing without having to bend over and look! Make love to my husband in a new variety of ways I'm feeling great today! Good luck to us all and keep up the good work! Hugs- Janine

This is great! I love reading about all of you and how great you are doing. It has been 6 months since my surgery as of the 11th. I weighed 280 lbs before surgery. I am now 176 lbs!! I have lost 104 pounds. Before surgery I was in size 24-26's....now 16's are fitting great, some are even getting loose. My bra size has gone from a size 50 EEE ( I was actually spilling out of that size ) to the most recent 40 D! Yay!!!!! This is the best thing I have ever done.

Surgery Date: 3/22/04 Released from hospital: 4/05/04 Starting weight: 478 Current weight: 299 -179 in less than six months. EC

That is a terrific loss, EC! You should be so proud of yourself! I think you may be the biggest loser of all the Marchers so far! What an inspiration for all of us... Joy

I don't like to brag...a lot of folks get upset or concerned when their loss isn't as quick as other folks. I'm actually on a very specialized diet that's heavily monitored. Six months out, and I'm still on two ounces of food, three times a day and over a hundred grams of protein additionally. I'm a guy and have a lot more muscle mass than average, so I'm losing very quickly. It's been great, actually. Even over 300, I completed my first 5k walk last week. I have another one this week. I'm very driven at this because I had some fairly extreme, but bizarre complications at the start that put me in the hospital for two weeks in a LOT of pain. As a result, there's no way I'm going back. Sorry for the life story, there. Take care, and keep on losing, EC

March 12, 2004 Weight-410 pounds size-32+..whatever would fit. unhappy, sad, scared...wanted to crawl in hole and stay September 12, 2004 weight-313 size-24 (depends on cut--have the apron thing-can't wait for ps) life is wonderful...have listed on net dating site...some men really do like bigger women...more confidence than ever before..I have men from Paris to Pittsburgh writing/calling/chatting...making so many friends...dating again...young studly things up to more mature men...would have NEVER had the nerve to join the site or put a pic up without the changes from the surgery. Have so many guys tell me that they see a special spark in my face in the pics... Woohoo! would do it again tomorrow...have invites to visit Paris, London, Rome, Sydney, Toronto, Florida....just doesn't end. IT'S A BLAST!!!

Started at 312 now 222. starting size 32 now 16w. I have a friend thats a size 12/14 so i cant wait till we can share clothes too it will make for a much cheaper wardrobe. LaRhonda