I know we aren't suppose to be having cookies of any type much less those addictive Girl scout cookies but I just can't turn down a parent, much less a girl scout herself, trying to peddle these tasty nuggets. So, if you are like me, I found the least diet damaging one! http://luvsexytrstno1.blogspot.com/2008/04/are-they-made-with-real-girl-scouts.html

Hi Jenifer, It is a prescription. My Surgeon and Nut offered it up when I complained about the shots and pills spiking my B12. It seems to give me much more stable levels. Dave

Highest weight: 350+ DOS: 322 Today: 182 (very ideal for someone 6'4") Goal: was 205 (23 lbs below that!!) Was 3X-4X, now size L (with no X's) Was 52-54 inch waist, now hanging out inbetween 34-36 inches. Can easily fit both legs in one of my old pant legs!!! Your biggest WOW moment? When I realized that people who meet me for the first time can't even tell I ever had a weight problem Goals you haven't reached yet, BUT WILL!?!?!?!? I still have it as a goal to participate in my first triathlon, but a broken hip has put that on hold for now. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago? 1 year ago I couldn't see all of my dreams coming true... just 1 year later I am beginning to dream again. How's that for a life transformation. Reward when you reach your goal weight? My wife and I both had RNY in Mar 07. As of today, we've both reached our initial goals as she just passed the 100 lbs lost mark!! We need to celebrate together... I'm open to any suggestions... Do you have any regrets since your surgery? We have been blessed to not have any major medical problems post-surgery. My regret is that I'm still a jerk, just a skinny jerk. What has been the easiest and hardest thing since surgery? Easiest-- adjusting to life without the 162 lbs I used to carry around. Hardest-- seeing those I love still struggle with their weight problems, and knowing exactly where they're coming from. Any complications you've had? NONE Medical issues that have resolved since surgery? No more sleep apnea. Dramatically improved general health Bad habit you've reverted back to since surgery? I still enjoy evening snacking, and soda. Any thing you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? How has your weight loss affected your relationships with friends, family, spouse or significant other? We're doing great, and trying to fix our other problems that aren't weight related. Favorite post op recipe (please share with us) If you could only recommend 3 things, products, foods, etc. That you have found since starting your "Journey," What would they be? IDS new whey 42g protein bullets, Ham and cheese Lunchables (19g protein), and the pleasurable experience of eating a home-made sandwhich (not store bought). If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? You'll be alot happier and successful if you see your journey as a "whole life makeover" rather than just a solution to lose weight. We all have problems that WONT go away just because of this surgery. Much of our habits with food are interactive with the rest of our life. The more willing we are to fix everything, the better our overall results will be. Also, everytime you get frustrated with the scale, put 100% of your attention on HONESTLY assessing and improving your healthy lifestyle. Small changes in daily lifestyle will pay dividends later in better health and long term weight loss! Make sure you have and take advantage of a good support system. This needs to be someone very close to you who will tell you what you don't want to hear. Then you have to be willing to take their advice. --Dave

Your biggest WOW moment? Unloading 200 cases of girl scout cookies all by myself without getting winded or needing a break! Goals you haven't reached yet, BUT WILL!?!?!?!? Break this four month plateau. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago? Move, breathe. Reward when you reach your goal weight? Actually acknowledge it to myself. Do you have any regrets since your surgery? Lose of friends. What has been the easiest and hardest thing since surgery? Easiest - routines Hardest - going in for rechecks with surgeon. Any complications you've had? Ulcers Medical issues that have resolved since surgery? sleep apnea, blood pressure Bad habit you've reverted back to since surgery? This past week, slacking on meals. Any thing you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? Believe it or not, I wish I hadn't reached out for support so often. How has your weight loss affected your relationships with friends, family, spouse or significant other? Lost most friends and new ones seem fake. Favorite post op recipe (please share with us) SF angel food cake, SF vanilla pudding, small pieces of pineapple layered in parfait glass. If you could only recommend 3 things, products, foods, etc. That you have found since starting your "Journey," What would they be? Breakstone cottage cheese with apples, South Beach cereal/meal replacement bars, EAS AdvantEDGE drinks. If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? Research, take it slow and be good to yourself.

WAY TO GO Carolyn!!! You are doing awesome...just like I knew you would. I had a similar experience when I went to an in person support group meeting, and was advised by other attendees that they thought I was in the wrong place. That was a good feeling. Thanks for sharing your success, as you are an inspiration for me!! --Dave Highest 350+ DOS 322 Current 184 Goal (205).... Yep under goal by over 20 lbs