I'm also 20 pounds from my goal. I've lost 120 since surgery, but my personal goal was to loose a total of 140. My surgeon never set a "goal weight" for me, but I did. I also need to really get back to basics and focus again, because I want to get this last 20 pounds off so that I can be at my goal weight when I get married - October 2008.

My doctor's goal was 170; I'm now 155. So I've reached his goal. My goal was always 150; 5 lbs to go. It has slowed way down, but I am working at it. Dang, it is so easy to let myself have the junk food (and not get sick from it...Dang, dang, dang.) That is my goal now - eat healthier, exercise more! WE WILL DO IT!

I saw the PS back in May to get an idea of what the cost would be and what procedures they thought I would need. Some PS wont operate until you are 18+ months out... some wont unless you are at goal and maintained for a certain amount of time (3-6 mos) so its good to get out there and see what they require so you can plan. The PS I saw said I had to weigh 145-155 and maintain a steady weight for 3 months and be at least 1 year out before he would do surgery. As for the last 20lbs... if you are still losing then just be patient, if you have stopped for 4 weeks (no pounds OR inches lost) I would contact your NUT to look over what you are eating. The closer Ive gotten to goal the more modifications Ive had to make. Also, the closer Ive gotten the slower its been... my surgeon set a goal of 150-160 and I am currently 164. In the past 3 weeks Ive managed to lose 1lb... so its still moving but ever so slowly. I dont log my food daily but when I find the scale is not moving I will log for a week to see how I am falling nutrition wise. My issue usually is too much protein, not enough veggies! We get stuck on protein protein protien you sometimes forget about other things... not to mention you *can* eat too much protein!

My friend is 6 years out... she did gain back 40lbs but it was because of Welbutrin... she stopped taking it and lost the 40lbs. After maintaing her loss for 2 years she had PS a year ago and still maintains her weight. I think the first year post-op is extremely important to develope good eating habits. People who gain weight back do so because they are not following the rules they were taught. I think people get too comfortable in the first 18 months or so where you can do pretty much what you want and still lose/maintain. Eventually your body will adjust and thats when the weight gain starts!

Thank Sharyn for your reply I guess I really needed to hear that other people felt like I do. I have everybody telling me how great I look and I do feel (physically) great. But I just think that the excess skin "yuck" Thanks again for all the replys I really do appreciate the support.