Hi all, I just got back from vacationing at the beach and I thought I would share this story with you. I come from a family of five children, three girls and two boys. My two younger brothers have no weight problems other than the beer guts they are working on, while my two sisters and I have struggled with weight loss most of our lives. Not only am I the oldest and I am also the tallest of most of my siblings (my one brother is slightly taller than me) but most of my life I have been the thinnest female even when I did not have a weight problem. My baby sister on the other hand has always been obese even when she called it baby fat and it really was not, but she has also always been comfortable with her weight. I admire her for that because I was one that could not accept myself fat. My sister, daugther, mother, and I went to the beach on vacation, my youngest sister weighs about 280 lbs if not more and is 5'6. My sister is very attractive and dresses so sharp. We were lying on the beach minding our own business when we heard my mom get up and yell, "Well she might be fat, but you are f'n ugly!" OMG, apparently this woman who was not so lean herself was pointing to my sister and laughing and making remarks about her weight and her appearance in a swim suit. My sister walked right up to her and her husband and said, "Excuse, but I am really sorry that my being fat offends you." I could not belive the amount of class and tact that she used because I would have went off. My sister told him that she is not some dirty fat slob, and that he needs to take a good look at himself and his wife before pointing fingers. You had to be there to hear her say in such the nicest tone. I know deep down my sister does not want to be as heavy as she is but in every other way she takes so much pride in her appearance, like I said she dresses very nice and her hair is awesome and she has a very attractive boyfriend that loves her for who she is inside not outside. I was very proud of my sister and how she handled this pure example of ignorance and prejudice. Even though I would never make fun of anyone at their own expense, especially for being overweight, this experience reminds me that we should remember not to be quick to judge appearances and I hope this little life lesson taught the rude couple the same thing. Love, Lori

Congratulations! Dianne

I'm so happy to see all of you! You ladies look GREAT! I do think that I could do better with the eating. I just can't believe how fast the time flew. If I could get these last 8-10 lbs off in the next 3 months, I would be happy. Well let me not be ungreatfull, I'm totally happy weighing 208. I feel like a different person. I can't believe I carried around almost 120 lbs of extra weight all that time. Well I'm going to set a goal of loosing 10 lbs in the next three months. I don't think that's too unrealistic. Any body out their want to track their weight loose with me for the next three months? Let me know. Post on the board. I know we can do anything we put our minds to!

Pre-surgery 297 Surgery 287 Current 187 Goal 160-165 or size 12 Weight bounced around for about 4 months between a few lbs. At my 1 yr appt my dr. told me to eat more. I have been working with a dietician and have lost 5 more lbs this last month. I highly recommend talking to your surgeon's office and see if they work with a dietician to help if you have stalled. I wasn't eating enough and what I was eating the fat was too high. Everyone is different so they can help customize a plan. She told me at 18 month they would revisit my eating. I try very hard to input into fitday every day. Doesn't always happen, but that is really the only way I stay accountable for what I put in my mouth. I am now in a size 14 or 16 pants and a large top. My huge trouble spot is my stomach. I love all the energy I have and actually miss exercise when I don't get to do my usual routine. Never thought I would say that! I feel better at 38 than I did in my 20's. It's just amazing to me. This surgery has really given me a new lease on life! I do know that I will always struggle with food and this is a lifetime battle but I am ready to fight and win! Dawn

A clean folded man's hankerchief (sp) also works. A hair dryer on a cool setting works great after your shower also. I used to have problems under my breasts and found by switching bras (something about the fit) really helped. Fortunately (or not - for insurance purposes), I'm not bothered by rashes now. There is a spray powder that really burns that will help clear it up -- it's like a jock itch, athletes foot stuff. Janie