Hi Becky. Congratulations on your weight loss. I too am hoping for plastic surgery. I was denied last year by UHC so I changed to Aetna this year. They have now denied me too. My surgeon is going to call them this week and try to talk them into it but I really don't have any hope. I can't afford to pay for it myself especially since my time off of work wouldn't be payed if it weren't an insurance approved procedure. Maybe in a year or two I'll go to Brazil but it seems awfully indulgent to spend money on myself like this when I have kids that will be going to college in about 6 years. I too will continue covering it up. Girdle like underpants have become my staple however I'm not sure how well this will work in the hot summer. It may convince me to get some work done and send the kids to community college (just kidding). Take care and good luck. Keep me posted. I don't get to go to any support group meetings due to my husbands work schedule so I'm dying to here how others are doing.

Hi Janine. It sounds like you have done GREAT! 217 pounds is a great deal of weight to lose. I've lost about 130 but I've bounced back up a little too. I started at 315 and lost to 185. I'm now 195. I wish I could lose more and feel more in control. I am able to eat very large portions. I think something is broken. I don't have a reflex for vomiting (haven't vomited since childhood) so I think my stoma got expanded from the few clogs I had. Instead of coming out, they worked their way down and expanded the stoma. I'm looking for a new surgeon to consult with as mine isn't very helpful. I doubt anyone will want to correct anything unless they see I'm really gaining weight. I hope that doesn't happen but I would like some help. Congratulations to you and I hope for your continued success. Keep in touch. It's great to compare notes as time goes on.

Hi, I had surgery June 30,2003 NOW have lsot -219 pounds. I started out 318 NOW 162 @ 5 ft. 9 I am ERY HAPPY and PROUD! It has been a WONDERFUL journey for me I would do it all agian in a heart beat! Check out new photos at this site. http://groups.msn.com/TheEnglers Thanks, Janine

hey there nancy I feel you on that one I have been eating alot more then normal and i have not gained any more weight back but in fact im still losing slowly but im losing....... I have never gained any back and im so scared to gain it back.

I'm way ahead of all of you. I can eat 3 to 4 pieces of pizza (Little Ceasars triangular slices) and easily eat a whole sandwich. It's very scary to be able to eat this much but it doesn't have to mean weight gain. I try to follow the rules of the pouch and eat low calorie items like broccoli when I feel the need to eat until I'm full. I guess I'll know in the next year or two if I can maintain my weight. I spoke to my surgeon about this. He did a barium test and said everything's fine. I don't think his conclustion is correct but I'm not sure what I should do next.