Hello Jackie, I think we do develope a few eccentricites that are as unique as we are, in regard to food, habits, etc. I have not been an angel myself when it comes to diet and exercise, but I try to be as good as possible and allow myself a few small pleasures here and there, just not all the time. Clothing options have definately opened up and Im loving it and hating it at the same time! I enjoy being able to go into almost any store and having a selection to choose from. I dont bother with Lane Bryant or any of the other plus size stores and my goodness does it feel good, to me they were over priced and poor quality. Were on our way to good health and Im happy to have such wonderful traveling companions on this journey! We are very fortunate to have been given this opportunity and I wish you continued success, youre doing an awesome job!!!! Hugs, Heather

Hi, Yes I must say it was worth it. I have lost 100 lbs. and am stuck there, tho I'd like to lose 30-40 more. If I don't, I can live with it, but I've been stuck since January and while inches are dropping, lbs are not. I've had some dumping, and had to have my gall bladder removed, but nothing serious. I wish I had done this 15 years ago! Just recently I noticed that I can eat more than previously, but still dump when I eat beef or chicken that isn't very soft. I wish I had as much control as many people appear to have on the boards here, but I still have my sweet tooth and unfortunately, sugar doesn't bother me. However, this tool is definitely a big step forward from what used to be, in that I can control the amounts, and my ice cream addiction is gone. How great is it to wear regular sizes and how overwhelming are the choices in stores? I went to Parisian and had to leave, I found the clothing selection so overwhelming. That's a good problem to have. I fit in seats, my knees don't hurt, I can wear a color on my bottom half that isn't black! Just a few of the many benefits.

Hello Cynthia, I am so happy that you are doing so well! I really do wish you the very best, keep up the good work! Heather April 3, 2003, Lap RNY 375/195/???

let's see... hair fell out in bunches around 4-6 months and then went back to normal pre-op fallout... and the bulk of the hair came back, but now at 14 months post, it's wavy/curly when it used to be board straight... I hear this isn't abnormal. For the flat/flabbies, wear good foundations (bra, girdle, body slimmer, etc.) I swear that my mother's generation never really saw cellulite in their behinds/legs because they always wore long line panty girdles and it held everything firmly in place... didn't give the fat a chance to get "fluffy". Wear your bra to bed...you're retraining everything . My skin is slowly catching up though I still look much better clothed than I ever will again naked. I found that if I took a little extra time to put on some makeup, get a manicure/pedicure (take time for ME) then I felt better during those middle months. Things do get better... if you need something to focus on, keep a list of non-scale victories... like going down a shoe size, or putting on a ring that didn't fit before, or getting to the top of a flight of stairs and realizing that you're not huffing/puffing, or for that matter, getting to the top of the stairs without stopping to rest 1/2 way... focus on the positives...... you'll be amazed at all the wonderful things that are happening right under your nose. Good luck to all of you!!

I am really late at responding to this post but I dont come to the reunion pages.. I guess I need to start. I have been on a "5" month platue and counting... ok, not really a platue.. a gain, a loose, a gain, a loose.. uuugggghhhhhhh I have been fighting with the same 5 to 7 pounds since jan. it's total insanity. as soon as I get down to 151 I will go right back up to 155/158. My ultimate goal is 135'ish.. I don't think that is unrealistic as I am 5'5 and 36 yrs old. now I too have/had? PCOS.. I havn't been treated for it since before surgery so I am not quite sure if this is a problem or not. my treatment before surgery was to be on insulin pills and that was the extent of it. my blood sugars are fine now so I think that this is a real option. (nor do I want it to be an option) *the real problem is* I "graze"... I do this for several reasons/problems.. 1. I am lonely, 2. I am board, 3. I let myself get too hungry and then pig out. 4. I hate to cook or plan meals and 5. I am an emtional eater. if I could stop all of this behavior I could actually loose these pounds. "but" I am an addict.. pure and simple. I need serious therapy to help me with all this. especially with the sabatoging myself. like my mind won't let me get under 151. I don't gain "alot" becuase my grazing choices are always good choices. but as we all know too much of anything becomes "bad choices"... do i feel hopeless? no, just stupid and guilty as hell.. How dare I do this to myself when so many other people have to fight so hard to have this surgery. not sure what you mean by mental masterbation.. but I do beat myself up pretty bad over this and everything else wrong in my life. and I have a very unrealistic view of what "happiness" is. I honestly thought that once I was thin, divorced, moved back to the area I am from, had an income ect..ect..ect.. I would be "HAPPY" that sure was a slap in the face when all this happend and I am no happier now vs then.. I had to face the fact that "I" am responsible for my own unhappiness.. "WHAT"???? you mean it was me, myself and I this whole time??? OMG.. ok, enough rambling.. it's been a while since you posted this.. please write me back and let me know how your doing and what your doing... maybe you can help me out with some tips and what not???? theresa