Hey April 27 folks we missed it!

Hi Francie, You know, I think we are average losers. I think there are a few fast losers out there, but for the most part it looks like more people are losing at your pace. You have a great attitude...that we are losing is the important thing. How is the bike riding going. I really want to try it, but I am so uncoordinated! Take care, Rachel

Hi there...I am slow to post...I have lost 49 lbs. since surgery. I have almost come to a halt now and I am losing so slowly. I saw my primary physican today and he says I lost more then half my weight in nine weeks. He thinks I am doing ok. He did mention that I might have stretched my pouch, I can't see how, but he has me so worried that I stetched my pouch. I have been following the diet closely, yet I think I have gone an ounce or two over the 3-4 ozs. allowed. One thing I noticed is that I can drink more water in a shorter time span. The Nutritionist says the water goes through and out the pouch. Any one know for certain how a person stretches ones pouch? May someone has had or is having the same experience as me? I don't have much problems with food. Things seem to mostly agree with me, although I haven't experimented much. Another good thing is that my health problems have reversed into a healthy direction. I appreciate any feedback thanks.

Congrats on the weight loss thus far! What in the world would prompt your doc to suggest you stretched your pouch? You can stretch it by constantly over filling it (that's why we are supposed to eat in 4oz increments) and you can stretch it if you are getting sick a lot. The good news is our pouches have memory...so if you go on liquids/purees for a few days, it should shrink down a bit. ...but...if you are doing everything right...you shouldn't need to worry. My support group leader says you'd have to double your pouch size to gain your weight back. Also...2 mos out...I can drink a lot more at a time than right after surgery. Good luck Rachel

Hi all, I like reading about all of my fellow 4/27 weight loss buddies. Sorry it has taken me so long to post. My Birthday was on June 28th but I felt happier on Sunday with my two month anniversary. I thought I would miss not having any birthday cake on Monday but one of the girls at work brought in a bowl of fresh fruit to celebrate my birthday and it was great! What are some of the things that you all have tried and can or cannot eat? I made a small salad last week with some chicken, red beans, cheese, and low fat ranch dressing. I could only eat a small part of it but it tasted pretty good. I have not been able to keep cooked broccoli down at all and I have trouble with most meat unless it is cut up really fine. What do you eat when you go out. It seems like if we go out to eat I end up with soup, steamed vegetables (I already told you about my problem with broccoli) or baked potato. I ordered broiled salmon one night and had to excuse myself because it got stuck and was coming....... well, I don't have to tell you all what happened! I've lost about 50 lbs. I walk a mile to two miles 4 to 5 times a week and I feel guilty if I don't walk because I know that it really helps take the weight off. We have three floors in the building where I work and I have quit taking the elevator and started using the steps. I've had some bad things too. I really haven't craved sugar so much but I do miss, and have been known, to put a potato chip in my mouth. I was told not to eat any ice cream at all but one night for dinner I had a dip of sugar free frozen custard.

Janet, Happy belated birthday! How thoughtful of your coworker to bring fruit for you! I've been introducing new foods slowly. I do really well with fish and shrimp. Beef has to be ground or very moist. I can do salad and raw veggies, steamed veggies, etc. Everything i**** and miss though and it really depends on how well I chew. The only thing that's totally out is peanutbutter (even the carb solutions kind). And I cant eat bread...but I should eat it anyway. Protien bars are too dense...no matter how much I chew they make me sick. Take care, Rachel

Well I've been bad just like everyone else I still havn't had any sugar but I had been eating the ___ out of some Funyon. I've lost 46 pounds . Believe me when I say leave those chips,sodas, teas alone.

Hi Renee, I will take that advice! Just the idea of a funyon turns my stomach. Congrats on the weight loss!

I had surgery on April 27... I weighed 411 at time of first consultation in February and weighed 388 on April 26 and this morning I weighed 309. So I have actually lost 79 pounds since surgery. I walk at least 4 miles a day 5 days a week. I was wearing size 62 pants and now I am wearing 52. I was in a 5x shirt and now I am wearing 3x with some room to spare. I have not been eating right lately. I don't eat much.. I can't... but I need to get back on my protein track. I feel great and my arth in my knees is much better..I am no longer taking VioxX. Everyone keep up the good work.. I hope by my 40th bd... June 29, 2005 .. that I will be less than 200. God bless!

Greg, Happy belated birthday. My 40th b-day is august of '05. It will be a whole new world for us by then! You probably feel like a new person now! Congrats on your termendous weightloss! No go have some protien! Rachel

I'm down 35 now. I'm happy with the loss, but would have liked it to be a lot more by now. Still, I'm thrilled to have had the surgery. Regards, Amanda Lap RNY 4/27/04