Angie, You are being way too hard on yourself. Look what you have accomplished as opposed to what is ahead of you. 171 pounds. You have lost 171 pounds. How can that be upsetting. A few months ago I was feeling down because I was barely losing any weight. I started this trip at 410 pounds and at that point I had probably lost about 140 pounds. I was looking good and feeling great physically, but still had over 100 pounds to lose at that point. Well this very smart lady who had lost over 200 pounds said to me, suppose for whatever reason you couldn't lose another pound. Could you live at the size you are now? Could you be happy with that? In all honesty, after having come from 410 pounds, I had to answer yes, I could live where I was. Well you know what happened, the next week, the weight started coming off again and now I've lost a total of 161 pounds. I still have 70 to 80 pounds I'd like to lose, but you know what, if I don't, it's ok too. I don't dwell on where I think I should be. I dwell on what I have accomplished so far and that is what you should do. Don't set yourself up for failure and disappointment. Look at what you've accomplished and be proud of that. It's what I do, and it works. Eat smart, eat healthy and that in itself will be your reward. Stephanie

Hi, I just found out my BMI went from 66 to 35.....it's really kind of wild. Have a great day!!!! Angi 360/189/135 P.S There are alot of Amish here in our area,and lots to see and do.Every Tuesday and Wed they have an auction and Flea Market where they sell their goods and my son loves going to the cheese factory .....they only make it on Fridays but you get to watch.His favorite thing is the cheese testing...I think he has tried every flavor they have .My fav is the horseradish ...his is the bacon and the hubby's is salsa. If you are interested in the Ami****'s a good place to visit.Actually it's more Shipshawana and Nappanee but it's cheaper to stay in Elkhart or Goshen. You had said something in a previous email so I thought I would tell ya a little .If you want any other info just email me ok.

Personally, I think all the emotions are due to us being either 1 year out already or just days from it. I love how much I have lost. (130) But I have 31 pounds left to lose and wonder if it is going to happen. I know that I am hating the 1 year rebirthday because I know the weight lost will slow down even more now. It is so depressing to me. And I hate to say it, but it bothers me to see others at goal or below goal that had the surgery either this month or after. Don't get me wrong, I am happy for them but yet wonder why I haven't done as well. Here I am at 145 and wearing a size 14 when others at this weight are in single numbers. NOT FAIR!!!! Honestly though, we will get there. Cheer up! You are so much better off right now than you were a year ago and even though it has slowed down alot, you are still losing. I have heard of people losing up to two years to 2 1\2 years out. See, there is still hope for us slow ones. And from what I also hear, it is better to lose a bit slower. Gives some of the skin time to go back instead of just hanging out. We are all in this together so this is a place for you to come and talk about your feelings. We are all one big happy family. **HUGS** Toni

I would talk to my doctor. It seems everybody is different on how much they can eat. I can sometimes eat 3 to 4 ounces of a meat plus 1\4 cup of veggies sometimes a 1\3 cup. When I fix my plate, I always put 3 to 4 oz meat, 1\4 cup of one veggie and 1\4 cup of another veggie. granted, I never eat it all. One of my veggies is always still there or half of each veggies and sometimes about an ounce of meat is left. It depends on what it is. I think last night is the first night I ate 4 oz meat plus 1\4 cup of veggies, I felt like a pig. LOL You are going to get so many different answers to this because everyone's doctor has a different view. The wonderful tooter could help you out as well. Granted she isn't a doctor or anything, but she studied and studied. heck, I think she still does to be honest. She is two or three years out and post all the time on the main board. In fact, she posted yesturday about how many cals. and what types of cals we should be close to eating. She is great! She has helped me out alot this year. Toni

Measure what you are eating. My doctors office says that I should be able to eat between 1/3 and 1/2 cup at a time. Remember that we learned how to chew our food really well so that is why it appears that we are able to eat more sometimes. Hang in there! Congratulations on your success! -Gerriann 170 pounds gone forever!