No longer three bills, and now I lost over two bills

I hate to come on here searching for a pat on the back by proclaiming my weight loss that now is over 200 pounds, because that is not what I'm after. I have not lost over 200 since surgery, but I am down over 200 since I chose to make this wonderful change in my life. I did lose 24 pounds prior to surgery and 179 since surgery. And as far as pats on the back, well I get them almost everyday from people who can't believe it is me. I know people mean well when they ask how much I've lost, but it is getting so I just try to minimize it by saying, "A lot!" For those of you who are at a stand still, just keep following the pouch rules and get up and take advantage of your new body. Have faith in the process and don't be discouraged if you are losing slowly, because your still losing. Keep the faith folks, and best of luck to you all.

Great job Im down over 100 myself and feel great about it LaRhonda

That was a very nice post Ken. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I've been at a stand still now for several several weeks.

Hi: Congrats on your loss!!! Following the rules is very important for weight loss. I worked very hard to lose all my excess weight by the time I reached my 6 month date. I've lost 85 pounds and went from a size too tight 20 to a ljust right 8. When folks ask me how much I've lost I tell them more than I wish to say - that stops them. My daughter who had wls and went from 286 to 135 says - more than myself. Louise 231/146 - at goal!

Ken, thanks for the good ideas on peoples questions to "How Much?" I was starting to resent seeing people and seeing the looks on their face and knowing that the next question would be "how much". Then soon to follow the next comment or quesiton will be "How? or Tell me your secret". I dont mind sharing my story with family or close friends, but just havent been inclined to share with every person I know or meet. In many peopels view this is a cosmetic issue and for me, like many of us, it is a health issue and not the easy way out. So I have resolved to telling people that I decided it was time to take care of myself and loosing weight was the start of that. Because I have 7 kids and many people think I have gone stark raving mad, their response to me "finally" taking care of ME is "OH GOOD FOR YOU, YOU DESERVE IT". I say "THANK GOD, now I have the energy to be the Mom of 7 kids, everyday, all the time!!!" I was wondering if I was the only one who didnt want to talk to others about how much, I appreciate the compliments, but am glad I am not alone in feeling a little personal about this as well. Thanks for sharing. BTW, You are doing GREAT, keep letting us know how you are doing, I love to read others success stories. Janelle -125, anymore is a welcomed blessing, 30 would be the icing on the cake

There is one thing that some people don't wish to realize is that you mind is going to change with you body. It not as if I've had a near death experience, but I have changed my outlook on life. I was reading about a study of people who are considered happy and there were three things that they all had in common. 1. The understood that they can't be happy all of the time. 2. The lived in the moment and enjoyed the current times rather then thinking about how much better things will be. 3. They valued relationships with people. This is all simple stuff, but I can say that I have been drinking at the well of life much more now that I am almost normal sized. I have been living in the moments and it does have a wonderful feel to how it can change your day. Other people have noted my change in attitude as well. We have to realize that we must change the whole person, not just the weight. Thanks for the input, I love the response to how much, as "More then I care to admit." People mean well, but it is hard for them to fathom a weight loss of over 200 pounds when most of them don't weigh that much or not much over it. On with the show.

Ken, Thanks for the encouragement & congrats on the fantastic job you have done, I am also down 110 lbs since 3/15 & wow what a difference in everything I do. You are an amazing individual, Keep up the good work!! Marilyn, the Bearlady

Hi Ken.... I think you have EVERY right to come on here in search of a pat on the back. That is such a great accomplishment. However, I know how you feel when you see people you haven't seen in awhile. Their comments become quite taxing in their own right. Congrats on the weight loss. You are doing such a FABULOUS job!!! Here is a BIG PAT ON THE BACK from me... A hug too. Leah

Congrats! I UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY! I have lsot over 200 pounds myself. At 250 I feel so much better, but still have a long way to go. We will be able to live a much more enjoyable life and live longer to enjoy it.

Thanks for all of your comments. I had an interesting experience this weekend in that I returned to my University for Homecoming. Many of the people there knew me when I was in great shape, saw me get obese, and now were delighted with my new shape. One guy asked what happened the the other half of me. Of course, I had to answer lots of questions about how I have done it, how much I've lost, etc. However, much more appropriate and heartfelt were a number of people who commented how proud they were of me for doing something and how happy they were for me. The bottom line is that there will always be a few jerks, but my expirence is that he vast majority of people are happy and in some cases relieved that something is being done. Just another message to say keep pluggin along folks.