drink more plain water mj

Well ladies and gents, we're a little over a year and a half out and I want to hear how everyone is doing so far. I've been MIA (loooong story) but think about y'all often and wonder if you're sharing my struggles. I weigh in at 227 now (a loss of 264 from the consult), up from 220 and wear a size 16. I've been eating like crap lately I think partially because of stress and partially, probably mostly, a fear of being smaller than I have ever been. It amazes me that I still continue to sabotage myself when intellectually I know that it only hurts me. I still kind of kick myself for not having the surgery sooner so that I could have gotten most of the weight off quickly in the beginning while I was still so focused on the rules. So please write in, lurkers and all, and know that if you're struggling, I'm right there with you. XOXO Lauren

I just got your card in the mail and want to thank you so much. We've been moving/living in a hotel for the last few months (4 people and 2 dogs in one room.. ACK!) so getting your card is such a joy! We've moved down to North Carolina near High Point and are just getting settled in to our new home. It's been an adventure but a struggle and I needed your cute pick-me-up. Thank you honey. Lauren

looking in the mirror from the waist up I love what I see...with clothes on...without...yikes...but I can live with it...who sees me naked anyway?? Now from the hips down??? It breaks my heart if I have to walk past a full length mirror... I have lost inches everywhere but in my legs...I know I have adema (sp?) but man oh man...if it were not for my legs I would be in a 6 in everything, but because they are so huge I have to wear 8's..even some 10's depending on the cut. The sad thing is, I can't do anything about it...I was born with these legs...even way back when when I was skinny and was on the swim team in school...I had big legs...it's a Hodge thing. I wish I would not be happy with what I see...maybe then I would be pushed to work out more...but I like me...saggy skin and all

Morning! I am happy with the person that I am. That's more to do with the me on the inside than the me on the outside. I will never, ever be perfect on the outside. Regardless of how much working out I do or how much skin is cut off of me. I will always have the body of a former super morbidly obese person. That's just my reality. I'm learning to live with that reality. I will have some excess skin removed which will enable me to exercise more easily and be less self conscious about my arms, breasts, and abdomen. I'll probably never be able to wear shorts. My thighs are just too gruesome. But I can, and do, wear capris. I'll wear short-sleeved shirts next summer regardless of the scars. And, over time, I will learn to be comfortable with the body that I have now. It may never be even close to perfect, but it's certainly MUCH healthier than it was before March 2006. I'm also grateful that it functions. I have the use of all of my limbs and my organs work well. I'll take it! Hugs, Stephanie