Thank you for your encouraging words.  Did you also have a mini-switch?

I had a mini-switch surgery in April of 2008.  I initially lost 120lbs.  However, now I am starting to gain it back.  I am freaking out for fear of going back to my 320 lbs.  I am at 215 at this point.  Any suggestions or words of encouragement?

Would love to hear how everyone is doing. What  "things" do you think about now that we are this far out. For me its not so much of what I am eatting or drinking constantly--its just routine now. But my thoughts now are on calcium and iron.   Switching to Bariatric Advantage chewable so I can chew them at work.  Also switched to Vitalady's Tender Iron. Thought the iron I was getting from my multi's was enough but Ferritin levels are dropping even though Iron labs are ok. Also reducing the amount of sweetener I was using.  Scale is up a tad. Its running about 136 but I admit I was snacking a bit over the summer.  Cutting out a few snacks before a few pounds become 10, 20, or more.  Would love to hear updates.

So glad you started this post. I was going to look up the other April 2008 folks.  April 16 is my day.  I can not believe its been two years. I am 5'4, starting weight 242.   Still hoving between about 132-134 which is where I have  been for almost a year. I hit a low of 127 when I got the flu (our school district won't give it a name oink oink oink but 80% of my classes were out over a two week period last October).  Scarry how fast it dropped. Literally over night. When I got sick I made a point of pushing the fluids and protein drinks even when I didnt feel like eating. Got the scale back up the following week.  I did have a bout with what could have been a gallbladder attack (pain in right side) shortly after the flu in October and again in December. Abdominal scans taken both times show no stones or blockages. Go figure.  Told it could be slug.  As for my weight,  I did discover that I can swing the scale up or down pretty easily if I want to but choose to keep it in my safety range of 132-134.   I still wonder if or when the 10 pound bounce back will happen. Hasn't happened yet.  I still do at least two Nectar protein drinks mixed with water a day along with 4-5 small meals.  Yes, I can do a few bites of bread, pasta, rice with no problems but really keep it in check.  Brocolli sucks. Got stuck once when I swallowed without chewing well. Never again! It hurt for days!!!  When they say chew 30 times before you swallow do it!!!  Getting my labs done every 3 months to keep everything in check.    No other issues. Still have never vomited (tried to heave at the site of a  friends dog when it  ate its own vomit!)  Iron stomach never failed me.     I sooo love my RNY. Can't wait to hear from others.  

Hi April 08 surgery folks,

I'm inviting you to a little group to help those (yes, including myself) who have gained 10 or more pounds beyond that lowest weight. We are calling it the "Drop 10 for 10 Challenge". You can easily join this group by going to www.obesityhelp.com/group/Drop10410. I'm hoping that with your help we can generate a little excitement and enthusiasm for getting back on track. We will have a monthly weighin, but it will only be pounds off since the start of the new 2010 decade. Your participation is only what you want to make it. I'm pumped up and ready to get back on track for 2010.

There are no hard and fast rules for joining, but you really should be at least 10 pounds above your lowest post-surgery weight and interested in getting things back in line.

Let's get this new decade off to a great start.

John Wurm