I rarely post here but since its Christmas.....

Hey there April Family. I have just read all the posts that Ive missed over the past few weeks, ( I am usually on the main board) and I wanted to send you all love and best wishes for Christmas. I read each post and I must admit to my heart sinking a little for myself when I do, although so proud of you all. I read with awe at the amazing weight loss success this tool has brought to you all, and unfortunately I feel so let down with myself, because I go by the book and I sometimes lost perhaps 1-2 lb a month and its been like that for me for months. I really thought I had found the answer to my prayers with this sugery. I have asked and asked and been given help from the wonderful people here but still I am fat. I am 217 and I wanted more than anything else to have lost 100lbs by Christmas this year. I didnt think that was unreasonable , since most of you have done it. Im only down 58lbs. You all must think I am the biggest whiner in the world and I am sorry to always harp on this, but I wanted this to happen. I know we are not meant to compare ourselves with others, but hey if you were me , you'd be disappointed too, right? I had a special reason for wanting to have lost the 100 by Christmas, but that aint going to happen, hell the rate Im losing I wont even have made it by next Christmas. Anyway, now Ive been a big downer I want to wish you all a very Merry and safe Christmas. What a year it has been for you all, like new people. I suppose those of us April babies will all be heading down the ps route next year. I hope we can all support one another along that part of our journey too. I love you guys, keep up the great work, but let your hair down a little tomorrow (Chrissie) hugs from down under Helen

Helen, Helen, Helen! I love you and feel so bad that you are hurting. I agree that I would be whining, also, if I were you. I can't even say that I know how you feel. I almost have the opposite problem. I lost 103 in 6 months and have lost NOTHING since because I am back to one of my old habits. I LOVE beer and have discovered that I don't dump when I drink it. I tell myself that it is okay because I am drinking low-carb, low-calorie Budweiser Select. HA! I have not lost any more weight (6 pounds from goal) but also have not gained any weight either. Sooooo . . . I tell myself the beer MUST be okay. I have not eaten rice, pasta, or breads, though and have not touched sugar at all. I do not want to know if I can tolerate these things, too, or I will really be in trouble. You are not a failure. I read your profile again, really read it closely this time, and cried when I read your first surgeon's comments. What a jerk he is! He should not be working with people. I really don't know how to help you except to say that I am always here to "talk" with you. Anything you want to talk about is fine with me. I love you and wish you all the best at this holiday season. Let's hope next year is a great one for both of us! Judy

Dear Judy, you are always so sweet. wooohooo 103 lbs. Listen I have only lost a few pounds since 6 months too, and I watch every mouthfull that I take. If you can get away with having a beer and not gain, I tell you what, I would go for it!!! I did have a few sips of wine today at Christmas lunch and it went straight to my head, lol. I always was a cheap drunk but now its worse. Maybe I will stick to sniffing the cork! My daughter, Steph , rang me from India this morning for Christmas , so that was really the best gift possible, made me feel peaceful to hear her voice. Enjoy this holiday season, Judy and just look at how far you have come since last Christmas. Lots of love Helen

Hi Jackie, where exactly is Newport News? I will go look on a map if you give me the general area in the states. I am going to try the all protein route for a few days this week to see if I can drop a few more pounds. I cant believe you are the same girl in your pic , you look amazing. How is the hair loss? I know you were really stressed out about it. Mine slowed down but has started again in the past couple of weeks cos I am eating such a small amount, but have bought lean ham and low fat cheese and yougurt etc for a no carb week. I Hope Santa found your house all the way over there. It was a really hot one in Sydney today, we had the airconditioners blasting and the kids were in the pool. Lots of prawns and seafood today. Yum. I know you will be away for the holidays, so I hope you have a wonderful time and that 2006 is fantastic. lots of love Helen

Sorry I dont have the solutions.. I dropped 80 pounds in the first 6 months and have lost 5 in the last 2 months.. I also had a Christmas goal.. I yearned for anything below 200. I would have celebrated at 199. I am 211 I have no issues, my blood work is all fine..I dont puke, I am not sugar sensitive...much...I take all my vitamins faithfully.. Sigh.. I usually skip the April Board because it seems everyone is doing better than me...Or looing prettier or wearing a size smaller. ( I am in a 16) I can't exercise because I blew my knee again in November for my 50th birthday.. I am in PT now getting my leg built up to finally go thru the surgery... the Ortho had told me to loose 100 lbs before he did it but my Primary Dr said I am close enough. Hope 2006 is happier for you and remember the slower it goes off the longer it stays off!!! Thats what they used to say pre surgery... Linda

Helen, I wish we all knew the magic.Remember you are still losing. I have not lost alot in the last few months. Please take a look at the whole picture. The more you weigh, the faster you lose. Have you tried eating more somedays then others? How is your time line? If you go to my profile there is a link to one. Check it out and see what it says. I am a little behind target myself. I want to lose 50 lbs before I have my T/T in May. My Dr. said I may not lose anymore. I can't accept that and am going back to basic training soon. I am also joining a jazzercise class. I weigh 233lbs today. I want so bad to be under 200lbs. Hang in there and hold your head up high and be proud. See you lighter. Joanne

Helen, I am so sorry to hear you being upset with yourself, but while I have lost 130#'s I understand your fretting. Please don't give up.. some of us loss faster than others and while I know we are always telling others not to compare I know that is no consolation. Please look at the 50 or so you have lost as a positive as at least you hadn't gained those pounds. Here is to a happy lossing year... Donna

Hi Helen, I also rarely post here but I came here specifically to check up on you. I think of you often. I wish I had answers to help you in your journey. I have lost almost 80 pounds. Not the 100 + the others have and if I were in your shoes I would be sounding off too. I think that is one of the reasons we use this board, to help when we can and to listen and lend a shoulder when we can't. You are a beautiful woman, and there is something in your smile that just tells me you can make this surgery work for you. Keep at it girlfriend. Exercise... no matter how little gets your metabolism going. Happy new Year to you. Hugs from Chelsea, Mi Katie