Hi, I read Patti's post and she's so right. We're all so happy, we've been given another chance. My surgery was 6/1/04. I thank God everyday for being so good to me and for carrying me through this. I was a total success story. I'm ready to start dating again and very excited about it. How do you meet nice guys anymore? JDD

I think we've all been there. I gained 5 lbs and was afraid and then I revisited what I had been eating. I had gotten away from the protein and was feeling awful... gained weight and my hair started fallling out. I went back to the protein, felt much better and the 5 lbs came off plus 2 more. It's all about what you're eating.

1. Surgery Date: June 24, 2004 2. Height: 5'5" 3. Day of Surgery Weight: 375 lbs 4. One Year Weight: 230 lbs. 4a. GOAL WEIGHT: 160 lbs 5. Best Health Habit that you have acquired since surgery? Drinking lots of water 6. The Worst Habit that you still possess even after surgery that you know you shouldn't? *Emotionally eating.... 7. During your 1st six months did you? A. Follow instructions to a tee and do everything physician instructed. B. Occasionally eat something that wasn't that good for you C. Cheat like a fiend all the time My Anwser: A Followed instructions 8. During the 2nd part of the 1st year did you? A. Follow instructions and do everything your physician instructed. B. Occasionally eat something that wasn't that good for you C. Cheat like a fiend all the time My Anwser: B- but wi**** was A ;) 9. Do you feel that these habits have slowed down your progress? Yes, I do. I am trying to get back into better habits so the weight will come off quickly again. 10. Do you exercise on a regular basis (meaning at least 3 times a week)? Maybe 2 x a week, but working up to 3 11. Have you had plastic surgery as of yet? Not yet, but am starting to consider it 12. Did you lose more weight after the plastic surgery? *N/A as I have not crossed that bridge yet 13. Was it worth it ?( Plastic surgery ?) *N/A as I haven't contacted the PS yet 14. What's the MOST POSITIVE thing to come out of having this surgery for you? Being more confident, having more energy, knowing that I'll live a little longer. 15. What's the MOST NEGATIVE thing that has resulted from having this surgery for you? I still see myself as a "fat" person. 16. On a scale from 1-10 How would you rate your use of your new TOOL? About an 8 17. Would you go through this again? *ABSOLUTELY!!! 18. BIGGEST FEAR now that 1 yr. anniversary is here... *Not reaching my goal weight,

Sorry for your trouble Celena. I think if there were problems in the marriage before surgery they are brought to the surface as we learn to deal with issues instead of Stuffing them away with food. Talking with a therapist or someone from your church sounds like a great idea. I honestly don't think "the weight loss" is the problem, facing our problems is a side effect of our new tool, we just have to embrace that part and work on the "real" problems we have been having all along. Just my oppinion Patti, in Montague

Congrats Melissa! The hard part is just starting but we know what will happen if you don't step up and do what we need to do, I think we can handle this better than the hell on earth we use to live in! Patti, in Montague