You are so welcome here Diane. You and I are about at the same level right now. I still have about 30 -40 more to go also. It is hard sometimes, but the support here does help alot. Congratulations on the clean and sober. I consider myself an addict also, from my food addiction. I think many of us here are addictive personalities and can relate to your cravings for carbs. If it weren't for this bout of flu right now, I'd still be dreaming about that Mackinaw fudge! LOL! Life is not easy, but it can be maneuvered through with a good map. Keep aimed in the right direction and stay with people that are headed to the same place and you should do fine. Wendy

Hi all! I am a fellow june bug! Just before and immediately after my surgery, I posted. I don't know why I stopped. I think it is just part of the old behavior for me. I have always tended to be an isolater. I have always felt inferior. I have always stopped short of acheiving my goals. When others start to get too close to me, I have retreated. When I started to feel as if others were losing faster than me and I wasn't doing as well as I thought I should, I stopped posting. A day turned into a week. A week into a month and a month into a year!! I have done this in the past in other areas of my life. But I lurk every day and know what is going on with all of you for over a year now! I celebrate your achievements and pray for you in times of turmoil. Inspite of myself I have managed to lose about 120#. I don't know exactly because I get scared to weigh. I have trouble staying away from carbs. I do not exercise as I should. But with that said, I am experiencing some wonderful things as a result of this life saving surgery that I didn't expect. I have more self esteem and desire even more of it! I have self respect for my efforts although far from perfect. I have a renewed drive for my personal spiritual journey. I have returned to being an active member in my 12 step support meeting ( I am clean and sober 5 years). I play and interact with my children and grandchildren as never before and get immense joy from that. I no longer am required to use CPAP to sleep at night. I am returning to college via the internet to aid in my desire for better career choices. I have a color weave in my hair that looks pretty good if I do say so myself! I wear make up again! I got new glasses. I allow my picture to be taken. The seatbelt fits comfortably. I have gone to the movies...twice! I have gone on an airplane....twice! I can't remember the last time I was stared at and KNEW it was because of how fat I was. I am incredible grateful for this surgery and all of you. I want to keep going on this journey. I want to see it all the way through. I think it is possible. I know it is up to me. Even if I fall, I can pick myself up and try again. Although I have selfishly took from all of you and not added to the mix, I am hoping to join you better now, if you will have me! My highest weight was 367.5, pre surg was 355 and I believe I am around 230 now. My goal is 175. Thanks for always being here. With Love and gratitude, Diane

WOOOOO HOOOOOOO for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are so hot now! Wendy

Hi Wendy. Sorry to hear about your visit to the ER for dehydration. I haven't had a flu or a cold since my RNY surgery so I can't offer any assistance. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Take it easy and drink those fluids... Hugs, Lucy

Wendy~ So sorry to hear about your trip to the ER!! That must be incredibly frustrating, not to mention dangerous. I don't get terribly dehydrated unless I go for multiple days without drinking very much water or if I've done a ton of exercising without rehydrating. Glad you're feeling better tonight, but be soooo careful. Hugs, Kerri