Tina, if there's one thing I've learned it is that there is no "typical" journey here. Remember the tortoise and the hare - steady determination gets you there just as well or better than the fast course. Before you had surgery what did everyone tell you about losing weight fast? The most common advice I heard was a lb a week on average is considered "safe". Other than surgery, what changes that notion? Nothing really. The fact that people lose faster after surgery more reflects the drastic change than any particular measure of safety. So if you lose slower you have one advantage that others do not - time. Your body has more time to adjust to the changes. Your brain has more time to get used to the changes. Your friends and family have more time to get used to the changes. Believe it or not, the rapidity of change can be traumatic physically, mentally and on relationships, and some of the stories posted reflect that unfortunate fact. It may be a different path than you'd hoped for or expected but it's your path so focus on the advantages and embrace it. Please don't hold back from posting because you feel like you don't have good news or because you are struggling. Let us know about it so we can give you some support! You are among friends and loved ones here. Hugs, -- T.Rob

Hey Courtney, Congrats, I know just how you are feeling, as when I stepped on the scale this morning I to am down 100 pounds. I am 4 1/2 months and 1 day out of surgery. I never thought I would make it. Even more of a coincidence is that I want to lose at least 117 more. GREAT JOB!!!!!!! Gayle

Congrats on the 175 goal! You're only a little silly with your worry...LOL It will be fine!!

Stuff I can do in a crock pot. I have made some great beef stews and an Italian chicken stew in the last couple of weeks. I also bake up salmon or other seafood once a week. For me it hasn't been the food so much as the tradition of getting together with the family. My in-laws come over every weekend and I cook for the four of us. My other favorite meal is samples at the warehouse club. They say there's no free lunch but after surgery I can make an entire meal from what's on the sample trays. Last week they had chicken primavera, meatballs with marinara sauce and iced tea. Week before was ham and cheese on crackers (I ditched the cracker), chicken strips in honey mustard sauce (I dipped lightly) and "fitness water". -- T.Rob

Well, I'm still 245 lbs and I'm running. Just in small bursts but I *am* running. And you know what - I don't care what it looks like! In fact, if you read my blog, you know my 2XL shorts fell off last Sunday while I was running. I nearly died but thankfully it was from laughter and not falling on my face. Personally, I'd be a lot more worried about how I'd feel if I didn't try than how I'd look if I did. Whatever you might look like running will get better over time. Feeling depressed about not trying sticks with you forever. Congrats on your goal. Now go out there and achieve the next one! Hugs, -- T.Rob