My surgery was on 5/20/03, and I'm down now 78 lbs (10/12/03). 259/181/142........seem to be on a plateau though for the past 2 weeks!!! =(

My hubby, Alan, and I had an awesome day today! This past Thursday, we finally sold some of our furniture, and today, we spent a few hours cleaning and organizing the garage. We were FINALLY able to get to our bikes (that were hidden in the back), cleaned them off, filled the tires with air, and went for a ride throughout our condo complex and for about a mile or two on the Aliso Creek Trail across from where we live Alan and I rode our Specialized Rockhoppers, and one of our sweet neighbors, Debbie, joined us by riding my Schwin Cruiser. It's hard to imagine that it's been over 3 years since I've ridden my bike! It felt odd at first, and I am sure my legs will feel it tomorrow LOL, but it made for a wonderful day! Alan and I plan to go biking again tomorrow, this time on our tandem (see photo below) as well as for a long walk on the trail. Even at 270 lbs which is heavier than where many start out pre-op, I am already finding that I can do so so much more. I am truly beginning to participate again in life

PROTEIN,protein,protein...and water ,water,water!!!!!!!!!! Exercise doesnt hurt either...although Im not big on it, and should be. I too get frustrated when the scale doesnt move!!!!!!! But have learned what everyone says is true, even if the scale isnt moving it doesnt mean you arent losing. I went down a size and the scale hadnt moved. Typically I eat about 1/2 pkg of oatmeal for breakfast or about 6 bites of raisin bran, 1/4 of a baked potato adn a1/3 of chili from wendys for lunch (i get extra onion and cheese) and for supper it varies ,depends on what we are having but I always try to eat protein first, low sugar,low fat!~then for a snack if im hungry i will eat a few (like 4 ) nachoes with cheese,peppers and tomato. Im a cheap date!!!!!!!!! lol Anyway that is what I do...hope it helps,And Most important I PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats on the awesome weight loss so far. I must say I am a little envious though. My surgery day was 05/21 with a beginning weight of 273 lbs. But I am proud to say now 20 weeks out (as of yesterday 10/08) I am down to 213 lbs. Actually probably lower than that. I haven't weighted myself in 2 weeks. It's hard not getting on that thing aka scale everyday. But I know by doing that I would be sabotaging my efforts and my morale. So I only weight myself every 2 weeks or so. I consider myself a slow loser (even though my average is a little over 3 lbs. a week), but I am happy with that 'cause my biggest fear out of all of this was having to have plastic surgery. So I think being a slow loser is great in the fact that your skin has time to catch up. I am finally able to say that I am so proud of myself for taking this step forward to have this life altering surgery. Some one on this website said that I would hate it at first, but then just wake up one day and be excited about the whole thing. And it actually happened just that way. It was at my 45 lb. lost that I realized that this surgery was not in vain. I'm so excited now. I finally eat like a "lady" and can't keep with my 6'1"/280 lb. boyfriend. haha Anyway only 70 more to go and I know I can make it. 5-21-03 273/213/*135*

Hi. I an down 69 pounds since May 28, 2003. I too have to remember to eat slow and chew until I'm tired. When I do all that I'm fine. When I don't my new pouch lets me know who is boss. I will listen to the little guy! Everyone is doing so well. Congrats!