You look great. We dont see the difference ourselves until the photos. At least that is how I am. Your doing very well. Yes its a wonderful journey we all are on. I am proud of everyone also. What a ride it has been. I have the same problem with the waist and sizes. I hope later this year to checking into removing the apron but we will see. Take care. Hugs Debbie M 299-185-170 6/20/06 RNY

I am so proud of you!!! You deserve to shout it from the rooftops!!! I know I will when I make it there. Keep up the great work !!! Jeanna

Congrats on your weight loss so far!!! Its very normal to experience stalls... also after you hit 6 months the weight loss is typically different because of the "honeymoon period" being over. I am a lightweight... for the first 6 months I was told to expect 10-15lbs loss... I did 9.5 average. Now I am to expect 5lbs... last month I lost 9... its all just a mystery. Have you checked how many carbs you are eating? I had a stall back in month 5 and found I was eating WAY too many carbs... well over 100. I dropped down to 30-60g... when I saw my NUT last month she said to go for 80g a day. I found that carbs are key for me. Ive also cut out processed foods and eat only natural, whole grain products. I feel its fine to eat a cupcake... or some m&ms... I dont think thats going back to old ways unless you make it a daily habit or you are eating numerous cupcakes or bags of m&ms. This surgery gives us a tool we can use... some people choose to make foods off limits the rest of their life. This is not something I do. If I no longer choose to eat something, thats because I dont like it any more or dont like the way I feel after I eat it. I still eat candy... I now eat a hershey kiss or 2 instead of a bag or so. Its a matter of learning how to eat properly and in moderation. If you can have a handful of m&ms and feel satisifed then go for it! If you eat a handful and want more more more and want to binge... then stay away! Have you had a f/u with your NUT? Mine said if I do not lose pounds OR inches for 4 weeks to call her so we can see what is going on. The pill... I found its helped me a lot. I was on depo pre-op and decided not to get the shots any longer. I had surgery and was due for one in July... I didnt get on oral B****il November and noticed a difference in my hormones. The pill should help you a lot! You will definately lose more weight... if you arnt already - try going back to basics for a week. Write down what you are eating... are you eating enough? too much? enough protein?? enough water?? Sometimes by seeing it written you can see what you need to change. Try changing up your exercise routine - my NUT says every 6 weeks you should switch up... try a new class, weight training etc... bodies get use to doing the same old thing. Good luck to you!

Thanks Nancy. Everyone keeps saying I look younger. Except one of my SIL. She told me I look old now. Everyone else in the family is mad at her and it is now a family joke. Michelle

Thanks Amy. How far to onederland for you? The scale went the other way for me this morning so I need to step it up. I have Superbowl junk in the house and need to get rid of it. Michelle