I had my follow-up appointment and when I saw my initial consultation photograph, I started to cry. I didn't allow myself to see many photographs that I was a part of, and I just never saw myself as being as big as I was. But what really got me was how miserable I looked. My hair was shaggy and unstyled, I was wearing unflattering dark clothing, and no make-up. I was smiling in the picture, but it was obvious to me (and to anyone else who saw it) that I was seriously unhappy. I didn't realize just how obvious it must have been. A year later, and nearly 130 lbs lighter .... I am wearing a size 10 (some 8's) .... I'm small and full of energy, and so happy. Yes, there are still a lot of difficulties -- we all face them. The thing is, though ... I now have the energy to do just that. I'm no longer a prisoner in my own body. My relationship with my husband has never been better. When I saw my 1 year photograph ... I saw an attractive woman with a genuine smile ... someone who was stylishly dressed from head to polished toe ... a woman who is looking forward to being an active participant in the rest of her life.

Melissa, You are right! It has been a tough year! I still have 11 more pounds to go until my doctor's goal, but I know that I and you can both do it. I thought I'd be at goal by 1 year, but I am not complaining, I feel great, and look better than I have since high school or before. I get compliments all the time now, and I am not ashamed to get into a bathing suit (even though I still have all this hanging skin). You've done GREAT! Tricia 247/141/130 5'2"

Hey, we have the same birthday!! My visit did not go so well...see my post above yours!! Jeannie

Hi Jeannie! How frustating! I hope your weight loss returns or the doc can come up with some answers for you. I've heard of people that have had their stomas or suture lines evaluated. I think that there is a community site regarding this too but I'm not sure. Keep in touch we want to hear how things are going. Congrats on the 70 pound weight loss!! Penny

Hey friends: I have been working on some new recipes for those post-ops who need high protein and a change. If you like Salmon it is wonderful. If not...sorry... Creamy Salmon Soup INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 3 cups milk 1 envelope onion soup mix 1 can (16 ounces) salmon salt and pepper chopped parsley, for garnish PREPARATION: Melt butter over medium low heat in a 2-quart saucepan; stir in flour. In a separate saucepan, scald milk with 1 envelope of onion soup mix. Gradually add milk to butter-flour mixture, stirring constantly over low heat. Continue cooking and stirring until milk mixture has thickened. Pick over salmon, removing bones, then add salmon and liquid to thickened milk mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with a garnish of chopped parsley. Makes 4 - (8 ounce) servings Nutrition Breakdown Calories for 4 servings 1061 Calories for 1 (8 oz) serving 133 Sodium for 4 servings 767 Sodium for 1 serving 192 Fat Grams for 4 servings 27 Fat Grams for 1 serving 7 Carbs for 4 servings 66 Carbs for 1 serving 17 Protein for 4 servings 130 Protein for 1 serving 33 WOW JUST THINK 33 GRAMS OF PROTEIN PER SERVING.... Betty Myers OPEN RNY 5/25/04 (1 year post op) -117 pounds