I was 11 months on the 14th. I go in for my 1 year post op appt. on Wednesday 3 weeks early due to not havign any energy. I'm sitting around 160-165 which I had originally said I wanted to sit around 165-170 now I'm thinking this five lb window isn't very bad.  I'm in a size 8 some 6's and a solid 10 regardless of the cut of clothes. Up until a couple of weeks ago I had so much more enrgy.

I have my birthday party tomorrow and this is the first bday that I've celebrated as an adult honestly content with my life.

I am 11 months out. Seems like just yesterday. Started at 242 and scale is reading 131!  Still have never vomited! Had food stuck twice. My version of dumping is loose stools when I eat too much fat. Never constipated!  My not so secret, secret, is to keep your protein between 80-100 grams. Thats when the weight literally fell off.  Everyone tells me how much energy I have and how great I look.  It really has been a wonderful year! My latest Wow Moment:   Had to buy sandles as my sandles from last year are way tooooo big. Went from a size 9 1/2 wide to a size 8 not wide!!!  I bought some nice, dressy enough for work, size 2 capris about two months ago on clearance for $5 when I was in size 4-6. They were skin tight then and I was thinking optimistically that I might get into them by the end of summer. For $5 bucks I wouldnt beat the deal.   Weather has been so nice that I put them on Tuesday and had to wear a belt!!!!  They are even loose in the hips. What the heck?  Might have to get them altered in the waist so I can actually wear them.   I have never been a size 2!  Most of my stuff are size 4's and a few 2's depending on the cut. Need find stuff big enough in thighs but small enough in the waist. Who woud have thought! Not me! 
Was talking to another staff member, Sally, today who has been really successful with her WLS.  I didnt realize she was the same height as me and now weighs 130.   She looks sooo much smaller than that. We talked body image for a while and it really made me think that if she was the same height and weight as me that I AM THAT SMALL too!!   I still see the big me.  She said she has purposely gained up to 130. She said right before she got sick and had her gallbladder out she got down to 119.  I remember she looked terrible and was too thin.  It really set in that I am where I want to be. Dr. Suh said at my last appointment he thought I would get down to 120.  I think anything lower than 130 is too low.   Have been at 132-134 and again thought I was maintaining. Then the scale dropped on Tuesday to 131 with zero effort.   Again, I attribute that to the higher protein.   I have cut back to two protein drinks instead of three along with three meals and two snacks.  Honestly, I have been snacking on "bad snacks" (Is Girl Scout cookie season over yet?) and havent been making the best food choices but I still get my 80-100 grams of protein first!  I do push the protein drinks (always a minimum of 80 grams a day) and food wise I will admit I occasionally eat a few bites of  rice, pasta and tortillas with no problem. Granted its a few bites.  Never thought I would have a concern about maintaining and keeping weight on but now that has been on my mind the last few day.  Thankfully, those who are several years out tell me it will balance out soon and to keep doing what I am doing.
Cant wait to hear from other April 2008 folks.

Thanks Caroline. Since posting I spoke with my NUT who assured me that I'm ok and as long as I'm not eating and drinking with the softer foods I should be able to tolerate more of them because they are less dense.

It sorta depends on what I am eating.  I can only tolerate very little rice or bread, so only a few bites of those, and only once in a while.  I seem to be able to handle meat very well, and get about 1/4 cup of meat, then add few bites of veggies or salad.  I can eat a 6oz cup of yogurt, then feel full, or 1 packet of instant oatmeal, and thats filling also.

I don't always measure my food, but I try to do it several times a week, just to remind myself of what a 1/4 cup of food looks like.  I also weight my lunch meat and things so that I don't go over 5 oz. 

Hope this helps

Caroline

I am a Lap-Bander and I can eat 4 ozs, at a sitting, and I am as full as if I just ate a 12 oz Steak, and all the trimmings.

Your friend,
Deborah from Ga.
OH Support group Leader