Hi Bob, Thanks for writing...The regain part is very hard ...it is a struggle...I am playing with about 10 pounds right now...I had a tummy tuck done on November 17, 2003..and I am feeling pretty good since then. The tummy tuck has helped my self esteem so I am back on track with maintaining my weight loss. How are you doing? sincerely, sherri

My life has changed totally...I have maintained my weight loss..it is hard though because now I really have to watch what I eat...I have so much energy. I would do it again in a heart beat...but it was certainly not the easy way to go about losing the weight. it is a complete life change. my best to all of you! sherri

wow! 220 ponds gone! in 2 years......fabulous! It has been a journey and a tough one, but well worth it!

July 26th is my 2 years post-op anniversary. I weighed in at 298 pounds the day of my surgery. On Friday, July 17th, I weighed in at 151 pounds. AND I'm still losing (much more slowly of course). 2 years ago, I wanted weight 150 lbs. and today I do. I have lost 88% of my excess weight and have a new goal of 140 lbs. ( My goal will NOT be revised when I get to 135 lbs.) It has been a long journey, one filled with twists, turns, tears, laughter and awe. The last time I weighted 150 lbs, I was in grade school (1975). I had no idea what I would look like. My face is NOT round, as I had beleved for 20 years. I have dents and dimples on my shoulders and at the base of my neck. (wHICH i ACTUALLY DIDT HAVE, just a head on top of mu shoulders) My frame is NOT large, in fact, my bone structure appears to be quite small. The bubble of fat above my rear is gone, so my butt looks good. I never knew women's armpits were supposed be sunken in. I thought every woman's armpits were even with their arms when the arms were raised to shave the pit. Through the complications that originally occured: an incisional hernia from the first surgery, blood clot fron the hernia repair, a hernia recurrence after the repair and iron-deficient anemea. I have to state the journey has been worth it and I would go through it all again if needs. I no longer suffer from Sleep Apnea, I can ride a ten speed bike, skate, rough house witht my dogs and not feel as though I'm dying. My cholestral levels are in a good range. About my body, I do have some excess skin; however, the farther away from my surgery I get, the more retraction I see. Somethimes I will notice a change in size and do a weight in to find out I've lost 5 lbs after a few months and then realize that the skin around my waist has adjusted again. I would have to say my worst skin areas are my breat site, bat wings and inner thighs.

I started my amazing journey two years ago on July 3rd. I have lost 130 lbs to date, but most importantly I have my life back. It is amazing to me how good I feel, and how much I am able to do. For the first time in my life I am able to not only keep up with my kids, but out do them in some activities. Two years ago I was looking at having my right knee replaced, and while the damage can't be reversed, I am pain free and able to run and play soccer! I would do it all over again every year if I had to, to feel this good! Happy Aniversary and good luck to everyone who is begining their journey toward self discovery.