I haven't post here in a long time and then it wasn't very often so here it goes. I am very happy for all of you that have lost and made your goal. I am one of those who have not met my goal of 150. I am still trying but it is so difficult. I started on Weigh****chers more for the weekly support and weigh-in. I started at 257 when I had surgery on May 7, 2004 and my lowest was 175 for a day. Now today I weighed-in at 183.5. I am back to exercising this week and really watching what I am eating. I will make my goal of 150. I just would like to hear from people who are out there struggling to reach there goal? Emma Lou Surgery May 7, 2004

Congrats! I"m so happy for you. I wish I could say the same. I can't find a job. LOL I am in a small town and noone pays crap to be honest. I have applied at every bank there is and to no avail. I can't even get an interview. LOL I did work for a little while as asst. teacher in child care but the only pay $6.00 to $6.50 an hour. I can't live on that. LOL I won't give up though. Again, congrats on your awesome job!!

Nice positive story - bet you don't mind those interviews now!!!! I think the surgery changes our personalities way more than we realize. I sometimes think I expected less when I weighed more - and now I expect what I deserve.

I have read about how being overweight correlates with lower pay, and some studies even found that for each ten pounds overweight it was X dollars fewer, etc etc. All my life I've been this overachiever, working my butt off while it was growing larger and larger to get my degree and then my master's degree and to be giving and willing to work harder, longer hours, etc. And for less pay. Partially, I'm sure, this was my lower self-esteem telling me to settle for less, that I wasn't worth more, etc. But partially it was just that I didn't look the part. This year my daughter started first grade and got to a stable point with her medical stuff, so I decided to go back to work. I looked through local listings, which are abysmal for folks with degrees; we have three universities in our small town and the market is glutted with educated people working for birdfeed. I applied a bunch of places and finally got an interview. I got all gussied up in the duds I inherited from my mom...a suit with a classy scarf and nice jewelry and high heels. I looked like the original Career Woman. The interview was on a Friday, and can you believe, the two women interviewing me actually apologized to ME for the way they were dressed, explaining that Friday was casual day, etc. I got the job. Not only did I get the job, I'm making a whopping 50% more than I ever did before. It started as a PRN (as needed, like a substitute) job, but has now worked into .3 doing what I'm doing now and .6 doing something easier that pays MORE. I can't believe it. Talk about your WLS moments! Now to be sure, to go with the new body is my new sense of self-worth and confidence. I feel more in control not only of my eating and my flesh, but of myself as a whole. When I started working again, I wasn't sure how I would like it. I love it. I reconnected with skills I have that I totally underrated before. I really never allowed myself to accept that I am GOOD at what I do. Surgery pays off in so many great ways. Thanks for letting me ramble. Hugs, Susan

This month will mark the 17th Month out from our surgery . ( May Babies ) I read about and hear from so many that are still working toward your goal weights . For most that had RNY our window of opportunity to loose is next month . 18 months out and the weight loss is about over . Can you still loose .. or course you can . It becomes a lot harder now . If you are one who is not at goal or want to loose more . Here is what I suggest and I swear to you all .. I mentor many post ops .. it works . Get your protein back up to 120 grams . If you need to suppliment with shakes do so . Lower your carb intake . Remember good carbs are ok .. Veggies - Fruits .. etc . But if you are consuming white carbs and still not loosing . Get rid of them now ! ( Chips - Bread - Pasta ) Keep your caloric intake low . 1000 to 1200 a day . Now the biggie .. Get your butt moving again . You must move .. Exersise .. walk - go to the gym . What ever works for you . Water : Get your water intake up to no less than 90 oz a day . Just remember that your goal and others may not be the same . If you do not hit your goal . You are not a failure . Your body just reacted different. It is all what you want . I see so many that come to me saying they need to loose 20 or 30 more but are eating really bad food choices . Get back to basics . Re-start or Start your food journal. Be accountable for your weightloss . The surgery is a tool . And it works . But you have to be strong and willing to do what it takes . We forget sometimes that this is for life .. and it is .. I everyday look back 17 months ago and I promise myself I will not go back there and will fight and work to stay where I am . I know you can do it .. Get aggressive .. !! Hugs to all .. Love ya .. Natalie