Hey everyone, I'm ashamed to say I haven't been on here in months. I just needed somewhere to vent and you guys know more than anyone what we are going through with our weight change. I've been married to my husband for 12 years and it has not been a picnic since day 1. He is an alcoholic, and was a drug abuser, I was so dependent on him because of my insecurities with my obesity I stuck with him through some horrible times. A few months ago he even had the nerve to tell me he wanted his fat wife back he could sit in the corner and not worry about while he went off and did what he wanted, how selfish is that!!! He has done and said so many horrible things to me through the years that it would take forever to list them here. He almost died 2 years ago after he got an infection in his heart from shooting up drugs. He is now drug free since then but has turned back to the alcohol and is still verbally abusive to me and sometimes to our children. I don't want my girls to grow and thinking this is normal behavior for a husband and father. I care about him and wouldn't want anything bad to happen to him but I'm still young enough to find someone that is right for me and my girls that would treat us right. Do yall think I'm being selfish because now I look good enough to go find someone else? We live in a small town and I know that is what everyone is going to say about me, but I don't care. I just want some peace, stability and happiness for me and my children. Thanks for listening and pray for me!!!!! God Bless

HI Natalie, It's amazing how fast time goes by, so much has changed. Congratulations on meeting the man of your dreams, that's so exciting. I hope everythig goes well with your health , I'll keep you in my thoughts. Have a great weekend, Chris P.S. you look great !

I haven't been on here in months and I too feel your frustration. I have gained about 15 pounds and can't even fit into my size 14s anymore.. I refuse to start buying bigger clothing but this is so frustrating because it's hard to get motivated to start making better choices about what I eat! I am glad to see I am not alone.. . hopefully we all can help motivate each other to lose the weight again!!! Latisha

Hey all, Just wanted to share the excitement, I have a story in the newly released "Chicken Soup for the Dieter's Soul", about my WLS. I've gotten so much encouragement and help from everyone here, that I wanted to offer the book to anyone interested at cost plus shipping (as a contributor, I can buy trhem at wholesale). Should save you 4-5 bucks off the cover price. I don't want to make this a commercial, so if you are interested, or want more details, please email me off the boards at perry (at) perryperkinsbooks.com Sorry I've been away from the boards for awhile, I'm trying to finish up this latest novel and my deadline is looming, lol. Blessings, -Perk www.perryperkinsbooks.com

Two words that I think will help: Protein and walking. I weigh myself every day and if I creep up two pounds I go back to Protein first then veg and fruit. Nada sugar or processed crap and walk walk walk. I have been stable for a year within a 2-3 pound range and I look great (hardly any loose skin). I know genetics and height is part of the reason (6' tall and 150 lbs). This is a tough thing, but it works for me if I closely monitor things. I don't believe in weekly weigh-ins, I do it every single day and go from there. This is the first time in my life I've been able to keep my weight stable and that's how I do it. I do need to be more consistent with weight training, but nobody's perfect.