Hello everyone! First of all I want to thank everyone who keeps coming back to this web page. It sure helps us that rely on it for help and suggestions. I had my surgery last April 30th and have lost 108lbs up untill last Nov. Thank God!!! However, the holidays have kicked my butt! or I should say I have! December I began having some mild premenopauseal symptoms and one of my symptoms was "hunger". By March my body was literally starving and I had no clue what I was going through. I finally went to the doctor because I started to slip into a deep depression so I got going on estrogen cream which has taken away the hunger and cravings (thank God!!!) During this 3 month bout of stretching my pouch out I managed to gain about 12 lbs which now I have lost. (thank God again!!!) I just can not believe that it took me so long to see. I also am seeing a therapist/counsler now. Through all this I have realized that I have alot of "stuff" from my past that I have stayed fat at. I just wanted to know if anybody else has experiance the overeating, mental masterbation and the feeling of hopelessness. (Thank God feelings arent facts!!!) : ) God's Blessings to you and Happy Easter! Bege (this picture does not do justice for my teeth!)

Hi Dixie, It has been 1 year for me April 7th,04. I went from 291 to 165. I am off diabetes pills, water pill, nexium stomach pill, take half the high blood presure and arthritis meds, off asthma inhailers, and sleep apnea cpap. I still have some major arthritis in multiple areas, but much more managable due to less pressure on joints. Energy has increased a lot and I don't hessitate to get up and do something, make extra steps/trips etc. I have had it pretty easy as far as weight loss, not at goal but feel good at this weight. I have not had to diet or exersice to a great extent to get these re****s, almost feel guilty. Thanks to having had a DS (Duodeneal Switch) I have had no trouble with throwing up or dumping at all. I have not lost any weight in about 2 months, but my body is still "re-shaping" itelf. I do have lot's of extra skin if anyone wants it. ha ha. Thanks for letting me give my update, and best of luck and health to all *****ad this note. ~Sylvia~

I have had such a wonderful year this year. I have been blessed with a supportive family, both immediate and extended. I now enjoy crossing my legs and eating in booths at restaurants, something I could not do for more than 25 years. I can actually be satiated with just a taste of pie and not feel like I have to eat the whole thing! It is like a switch was turned off in there. What can I say, life is wonderful!!!

Hi Kathey! Thank you so much for your reponse! I really was in a rut and have broken it I think. It's just that it comes off so slow now!!! It's wild, like now I'm maybe loosing a the most 4 or 5 pds. per month?! What's up with that!! Anyway I'm thankful that I'm down 110 last time I checked and have about 25 more to go or so. I just pray it ALL comes off! Thanks again for your support! It's so nice to know you're not the only one going through these little rough times in the weight loss battle. Lee Mott

I know the feeling, I can't believe time flew so fast. I feel great it's amazing the things that I can do now. I lost 130 lbs went from a size 26 to a size 14. I enjoy life much more now.