Hey everyone

I haven't posted here in awhile but decided a while ago that I am going to venture further in OH and I am going to start here. I have been through alot and I am STILL here I am down from 243lbs on May 24th (my surgery date) to currently 150lbs. My weight fluctuates here and there but ultimately the inches to me are what count. Shoot, I am able to fit my sons jeans now and that is what I get the biggest kick out of. I am here to share my WL struggles and at times it can be about personal struggles but I promise to try and keep it WL related at most Hope everyone is doing ok since their surgery in May....and I would really enjoy some feedback on exactly where everyone is considering all of our WLS anniversaries are coming up pretty soon Let a sister know whats really up! Hope to hear from you guys and look forward to posting here more often Cherrion

HI Cherrion, Congratulations! you are doing great. You're right, that 1 yr anniversary is coming up fast, can't believe all the changes this past 9 months has brought. All in all, for me, it has been an amazing journey I hit goal at about 8 months, and am now about 12 lbs under. Trying hard to up my calories in order to maintain. I usually fluctuate within a 3-5 lb window, which is fine (and still 7 lbs under goal). Sometimes it is really a struggle to get in all the calorie to aid in stopping the weightloss. Hard part being making healthy food choices and not eating "junk". Wishing you continued success, Pam RNY 5/13/04 268/157

Hey Pam I am going through that right now....I was 145 last week and over the past weekend I found myself eating more and more junk! Nibbling here and there and the whole time thinking....this won't hurt....It's just a bite here and there but the bites here and there came more frequent I would get full quick as usual but it seem like the "full feeling" went away quick so, I would be "hungry" again....it didn't scare me when I saw the 5lb weight gain that quick cuz I knew what I was doing and didn't care But I know its all a part of this process....I refuse to go back though Also, CONGRATULATIONS on your WL so far too, which is excellent ps I was in Lomita California in 2002....my cousin lives there and I tried to "upchuck" and move there and make a new start....didn't work though obviously.... Cherrion

Hi Cherrion..... Glad you posted... as in most cir****tances "the more the merrier".... I started this on 05/05 at 268lbs and I'm now 160lbs. Looking forward to making it to the 150's. Was wearing 22/24 3x's and now into size 9's. I was out last night and ran into a few people I haven't seen in a while and they were sooo complimentary. All I can say to them is "Thank You"... but they do make me feel so good about myself. Not sure what surgeries (if any) I plan... my stomach although wrinkled and some extra skin.. isn't too bad. I don't think my insurance would deem it medically necessary. So I'm not sure there... Breasts are a good possibility. I started out with DD and I'm still DD. So I think Insurance would cover a reduction and lift. Although, I have always enjoyed having large breasts so I would only want the mininum out inorder to get the lift. Thighs and arms could use some work but again Insurance... If the guy I'm currently with thinks I'm beautiful (inside and out)... that may be all I need .... Have a Great Day, Rhonda

Hi Rhonda Wow 160lbs! Thats great Isn't it crazy like about last year this time (I don't know about you guys) but we were all anticipating how we would look about this time (months after the surgery) I know I was preppin for the summer of 2005 in the spring of 2004 Good luck with the rest of your WL journey Rhonda and thank you for responding Cherrion

You have done a great job on your wl. Keep up the good work. I started this journey on May 7 @ 257 lbs. I am currently @ 181, I did see 179.5 for a second and then 181. My weight loss seems on the slow side but I am happy. I will have a tummy tuck, breast reduction/lift and possibly my arms. I had three goals when I started this journey they were/are to get below 200 I have done that, wear a size 12 getting there, and to have breast reduction/lift. I am sure when I get down to 150 the last two will happen. Love and Prayers Emma Lou

Yes Emma Lou, TRUST ME the last two will definitely happen You are doing great also....nice profile Are you sure you need all the other work done though? I hear alot regarding tummy tucks and it just seems like SOO much more pain for us to go through and wonder is that worth it....not to be negative believe me, just curious cause my tummy could use a little tuck too and the breast a slight lift Thanks for sharing Emma Lou and if those procedures you feel you really need than I wish you all the best Cherrion

Hi there. I had my surgery on May 18. I was 395 pounds. I am now down to 236 pounds. My ultimate goal is to get down to 165 (I'm 5'9) But I would be thrilled to be below 200. I am hoping I can get there before our one year anniversary. I cannot believe how time has flown!!!!! Happy 9 month anniversary everybody! I'm so glad I found you! -Jen

Jen, 159 lbs!!!!!! You deserve a and a That is EXCELLENT!!!! With you being 5'9 you are probably lookin smaller than you think.....my sister is that height and she is two hundred but it "balances" out better (weight that is) with the height. Well you go girl and I just returned here today but plan on posting alot more often....cuz I think we all can relate since we started this journey the same time Take care and keep in touch! Cherrion

Hi Cherrion! Glad you have come aboard and hope you stay!! I started out at 329 and wearing size 26/28. I am now at 208 and wearing 18's mostly. I am trying so hard to get under the 200 mark, but it is getting hard. Although, it is my own fault because I am now eating more and eating some things that are bad for me too. You are doing wonderful!! Congrats to you! I can hardly believe it has been 9 months since surgery. I never would have believed that I would be where I am now before the surgery. It's fun to look at the before & after pictures, but you never think it will happen to you that quickly. But it sure did!! I feel so much better! I sleep better, I walk better, I look better! I have some sagging skin on my thighs and arms, but I'm sure my insurance will not pay for PS, but I can live with it. My tummy too is not bad. I do hope that I will be able to have a breast reduction/lift as my breasts are REALLY saggy now. But overall, I am very happy with where I am right now. Anyway, sorry to be rambling. Glad you came aboard and sure do hope you visit often!! I like this board better than the Michigan board I go to sometimes. This one is just SO supportive! The other board is too, but it is so filled with get togethers and little cliks, that I don't even feel comfortable there anymore. But here I know my May sisters and brothers are going through exactly what I am and are always there for me if I need them. Okay, I said I was rambling and now I REALLY am! So you take care, keep up the great work and talk to you soon!!