Here here Linda..I agree with BOTH your posts. I was just about to write something of the sorts. Thank you. I say everyone whine and moan all you want. Thats what we're here for. I know this is one place where I can come and ask what I feel are stupid questions and not get belittled about it. AND, most likely I will get at least one answer to my question. Thanks again... Kelly

You have a safe trip and be careful! let me know when you get home, if you have power, if not I will just have to wait until I hear from you! Hugs, Sandy

Hi Janice and everyone! I had surgery on April 7, 2005. I started at 266 and am now down to 192. Loss of 74 lbs. I feel great, and I'm enjoying all the compliments I'm receiving about how I look. I can pretty much eat anything (except sugar >14g) and I'm doing good at getting in the protein. I do need to drink more. The best thing is that I have started to actually use my YMCA membership! Last month I took a cycling class and a HipHop/Salsa class. This month I'm doing a Core Strength and Flexibility Class and an Abdominals class. I sweat a puddle each time but I love the way I feel after working out. Prior to my surgery I'd have passed out taking any of these classes. My husband is taking me to Ireland next month and I can't wait to walk those hills and climb those castle steps! Good luck to all of you and thanks for the posts! Pamela B 266/192/131

Don't you DARE keep quiet!!! The ONLY reason I come to these boards is I can post whatever I am feeling at the time.. get insite and a little SUPPORT from someone who KNOWS exactly what I am feeling.. EXAMPLE: Yesterday at the clothing exchange pitch in I swallowed a pc of chicken to big... PAIN!!! I felt terrible for a little while but people KNEW what I was going thru and didnt panic. rush around trying to find something to help, tell me to do this and that. and try to help.. just understood.. No one can help in these situations... but knowing they understood...It helped keep me calm so I could digest it, helped more than anything. Hubby drives me NUTS when it happens and makes things worse.. I LIKE reading moaning posts.. when people tell the awful feelings they are having.. I dont feel so alone.. because even though I am thrilled to death to be 80 pounds down and strutting around in size 18s I havent worn in 20 years, I have bad days too... I like knowing I am not the only one.. So people if the world is rosey for you all the time.. GREAT Lucky YOU!! But I for one would still like to chew someones steak for them and lick the sides out of their suzy Q for them.. (people at work). I just CHOOSE not to. Linda

Hi Janice and everyone else. Glad to hear that all are doing so well. I am sooooo glad that I decided to have this surgery. I am down to 183 from a high of 279. Also, down from a 20 to an 8/10. I am tall at 5'9". I feel so great and am slowly realizing that I now look great, too. The skin issue is not really an issue with me, which is remarkable considering I am 54. I will have to have surgery if I want my bat wings gone, but not really much around the stomach. Four pounds to reach the Century Club and 13 to go 'til goal!! Ooooooh Hoooooo! Judy