need encouragement

I just need a little encouragement. I am 6 months out. Surgery was on 5/5/03. I have lost about 85 pounds. (I threw the scale out when I had my surgery). I should be thrilled but I just want so much to meet goal and be normal. I feel great and I try to concentrate on that. I am trying to fit my workouts in more consistently. I just need some good positive words. I would do this again in a heartbeat. Anyone out there???

You need encouragement? You encourage me! You beat me on surgery by a week (5/12 for me) and you're about 5 pounds ahead. You seem right on target and doing well. We'll get to 'normal'...give it time. It usually is a good 18 months, depending on how much you were looking to lose. Keep up the good work!

I will be 6 months out on Sunday, surgery was 5-9-03. I have lost 80#s according to my scale. You have me beat by 5#! I know how you feel, I have days when I really can't stand being in the middle, not fitting into any of my clothes, big or small, and HATE having to buy new stuff! Go put on an old outfit if you haven't given them all away. See what you can fit into your old clothes with you, beach balls, kids, etc. Take pictures so you can show your mind exactly where you can come from and are going to! Then get all prettied up and take some current pics. It wasn't until my hubby took some current pics of me that I really understood how HOT I look (okay, that is TOTALLY my opinion!). It's easy to get down about going through such a process to look and feel better and wanting it NOW!! Just think that by this time next year you will be boo hooing that you have to put away your skimpier clothes, not thanking God that you can finally cover up all the chub that you WERE embarassed about. Good luck and keep your chin up! Jeanette Lap RNY 5-9-03 264/184/140??

You've got me beat! My surgery was 5/22/03 and I've lost 80 pounds. We should be happy about that, but I know how you feel it's so frustrating to talk to people that had theres 3 months ago and have already lost more than me. It makes me think I can't even do this right! but then I try on my pre op jeans and i can almost fit in one leg, so I must be ok. My doctor says not to worry, everyone is different and that I should lose 30-40 more lbs by feb. not sure I believe him, but I hope so!

Hi Jamey, I like you; and a lot of others am frustrated about my slow weight loss also. I had my surgery 5/28 and I have lost only 73 pounds so far. This wouldn't be so bad except I have a very long way to go. 162 more pounds for me to get to goal. I try to not think about it either and just stay focused on my goal. But, we have to give ourselves a break and realize that just like our old eating habits; our habit to want to drop pounds quickly and get discourged easily is still going to harang us. You are going in the right direction. Just keep chugging along. And, know that someone else is out there chugging along with you. Good Luck!

I realize that over 2 months have passed since you posted your message on the board. I haven't been on this site since November 2002 and at that point I was searching (both inside myself and outside for a doctor to have the surgery). During my search, I found many obstacles and then out of the clear blue I got a call from UTSouthwestern in Dallas (when I had inquired about surgery in November I was told it would be December of 2003 before I could get an initial consult). They were calling me because on the paper work I had filled out, I needed to loose so much (top weight was 485) that I guess they just moved me up. My consult was December 6, 2002 and I could have had the surgery in February of 2003, but had to set the date for May 19, 2003 because of some commitments I had made. Had the surgery -- no real problems except I still get really nauseated. I have lost 124 as of January 7, 2004 (only weigh once a week). But at about the time you posted your "need encouragement " e-mail, I too was feeling depressed and like I was a failure and all that. I wasn't losing as fast as I thought I should or even as my Dr. thought I should. I had suffered several emotional set backs (the biggest being that my husband of 17 years decided he wanted a divorce - Great timing Huh?) I figured that was why I wasn't losing as fast. But just a few weeks ago, something seemed to have "Jump Started" my metabolism (wish I could say it was because of all the exercise I was doing but that would not be true) and the weight has started dropping at an acceptable rate. Anyway, when I was looking over the site tonight, I felt compelled to write you. Keep that chin up and hopefully all is going well for you now. Martha Downey

Martha, Congrats on you weight loss. On Dec. 11, I had lost 96 pounds. I will go back on the 19th of Jan. for my B-12, etc. It sounds like you are doing great. I am sorry about your husband. Good Grief!! Just think how easy it will be to look so foxy when you are all skinny!!!! I don't know you at all but I applaud your bravery and courage with all this. E-mail me ifyou wish. My address is [email protected]. Take care of you. Jamey