Congrats! You look amazing One year goes by so quickly! I just had an appointment on 5/25 with the plastic surgon and I need to get some documentation for previous skin issues from my PCP & OBGYN (I had problems with my belly hang when I was PG). She told me that If she can build a case she can more than likely get the belly approved. I was amazed to learn that I could possibly lose another 10 pounds in skin and easily drop a pant size. This journey has been truly amazing! Good luck with your approval & Congratulations on having a sucessful year, minus the gallbladder issue of course! ~Jenna

Natalie, This board is the FIRST place that I come each day and I enjoy your posts so much!! Don't let someone's ***bad feelings** keep you and your WONDERFUL expressions away!!! I enjoy your posts and progress so much!! Hugs Debbie R -102 lbs.

You are awesome, Miss Pixie!! Thanks!! Just one questions...why is caffeine and carbonated drinks bad for you!! I kindof understand about the carbonation...it expands your stomach...but, what about caffeine?? Jeannie

Here is the material I will present tommorow at my support group meeting . I wanted to share it with you all ... Hope you enjoy it .. ****************************************************** Good Nutrition for Life : Goals to Set Before Gastric Bypass Surgery Gastric Bypass alone does not cure obesity . Your success will depend on your lifestyle choices . To help you reach your goals it is a good idea to start making lifestyle changes now . Here is a check list to get you started . Read about dietary changes following surgery Eat less fried foods, added fats and high fat food items ( ex. Fast Food ) Eat more fruits and vegetables Read about the importance of Protein and Protein sources in the post op diet plan . Check for lactose intolerance Purchase appropriate protein supplements in a large enough quantity to last about 2 weeks . Avoid all sugars , sweets, deserts and sugared beverages Wean off all caffeine and carbonated beverages Eat meals very slow and sip liquids Write down any questions you may have about your diet or nutrition and have them answered by your doctor or nutritionist . Successful Habits of a Long Term Gastric Bypass Patients EATING : Successful patients ate well-balanced meals and two snacks per day . Included 3 servings of protein , vegetables , one serving fruit , two servings bread/starches and two sweets . DRINKING : Successful patients drank water and did not drink carbonated beverages . On the average patients drank 40 to 60 ox of water per day , 74 % do not drink alcoholic beverages, 55 % do not drink carbonated or sweetened drinks . SLEEPING : Successful patients slept 7 hours per night on the average . 76 % rated their personal energy at being average or high . EXERCISING : Successful patients exercised regularly to maintain their weight. Average was 4 x a week for at least 40 minutes .Patients reported exercise as a key factor in their ability to maintain their weight . PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY : Successful patients took personal responsibility for staying in control. 69 % weighed themselves at least weekly . General feeling that maintaining their weight was up to them , and surgery was only a tool they used to reach and maintain a healthy weight . By weighing often and allowing themselves only a few pounds leeway, patients stayed in control . NOT SUCCESSFUL : In those patients surveyed who where not classified as successful , and absence of at least one or more is the six succesful habits was found . The most common was exercise ,constant grazing and snacking and drinking carbonated or alcoholic beverages . In the entire number of patients surveyed , including those that gained back part of their weight, 97 % view gastric bypass a success . The first postoperative year is a critical time that MUST be dedicated to changing old behaviors and forming new lifelong habits. By identifying these six common habits of the most successful long-term gastric bypass patients, the doctors established specific guidelines for new patients to implement .

Happy One Year Sweety ! You have done an awesome job . Like you ., I need new pics too ... please post one soon . Thank you for always sharing kinds words with me and being there for support . We have a new year ahead of us .. and I am so glad I have you and the others here to go thru it with ... Enjoy .. Natalie