First... Jessica, thank you for posting a question that is on a lot of our minds. I have been feeling exactly like you do lately and beating myself up for it. Personally I am somewhat frustrated with myself because my best friend also had wls and has done really well and I find myself constantly comparing myself to her. I know I shouldn't do that, but I do. I need to focus on how well I have done and just be happy for her success. Don, Thank you for your answer and positive approach to this. You have helped me see just how far I have come and how much better off I am now than I was 18 months ago. I am no longer on any medications for diabetes and my blood work is perfect! (My doctor's words!) No more high blood pressure. I can walk long distances without running out of breath. Life is good! Happy & healthy new year to all! Terri

152 pounds is certainly not failure. You have to think in terms of the fact that at 207, your life expectancy and quality of life are dramatically improved over 359. You're probably happier than you were at the start, and I'd venture a guess that if you had any comorbidities, they've either been reduced or eliminated by now. When I had my psych evalutation, that was one of the questions he asked, "What if you only lose half the weight you expect to?" My answer was that while I'd be a bit disappointed, I'd almost certainly be healthier and happier than I was at 341. I'm 229 now. While I was hoping to be at 200 by this point, I adamantly refuse to dwell on the negative, and focus only on the positive. My high blood pressure is gone, my cholesterol is down by 57 points, I sleep better, I can walk a flight of stairs without getting winded, and many other benefits I could only dream of 18 months agao. As obese people, then WLS patients, we were all obsessed with the numbers on the scale. Jessica, don't let those numbers control your life anymore. If you're healthier and happier now than you were in May 2004, you've succeeded.

Hi Everyone, Ok I've lost a total of 156 pounds, down from 276 to 120. Had plastic surgery on Oct 17, 2005. Had abdominoplasty with a belt lipectomy plus an inner medial thigh lift. I LOVE my new body!!! I look good in a bikini, not perfect...still have some loose skin around my knees, but damn good considering where I've come from. I've gone from a tight size 26 pants to a comfy fitting junior size 3. Since my ps I can't stop looking in the mirror. Can't believe this is MY body. I love the way my midsection looks. Didn't work out for 6 weeks while recovering. Back to mostly cardio now but have done some abs and a few light weights. Easing back into the exercise routine which I missed alot while I was recovering from ps. To my amazement I discovered that I COULD miss that many weeks of exercise and still be thin. Never thought I could miss a day of exercise. I still live on many of the same foods that got me thin. Lots of ff cottage cheese with sf jelly and fruit, ff cheese and crackers etc. But I don't deprive myself of anything. If I want it I taste it then leave the rest. I haven't made any food forbidden. I just don't eat the junk all the time. On Thanksgiving I did eat some pie and ice cream but when I realized how small of a slice and what a little dab of ice cream I was eating compared to what I used to eat, I was amazed. So today it's a matter of quality in food and not quantity. I love my new life and thank God everyday for the wonderful surgeons out there and the opportunity to have this surgery and start a whole new life. I'm NOT the same person I was 2 years ago. I'm so much more confident and outgoing instead of being a wallflower that didn't want to be seen. Now I WANT and EXPECT to be noticed especially by the opposite sex. Now instead of being the fat girl in the corner I'm usually the skinniest girl at the center of attention. I dress to be noticed! Lots of tight, sexy clothes for me. Continued success to everyone! Terry Coles 276/120

Hi! I have a question because I feel like a failure. I had my surgery 1 year and 6 months ago. I was 359lbs at start. I am now 207lbs. I am so stuck. Haven't lost in 2 months and not sure why. I feel like I should have lost more. What should I do????? What's going on???

YOu have done fabulous! Congrats and keep up the good work!