Mary reading this post says exacally what I have been saying even before my surgery.. I did a long 3 year research talking to others post op and pre op patients, taking the time to set and talk over coffee, haveing meals with them, talking to family members of several post ops.. Infact my hubsand always said that I probley over researched this surgery.. But acually I wanted to make sure that no matter what I would know in my heart how to handle every point of this even after the surgery.. Hugs for adding your post.. Audrey

Starting weight: 280 Current weight: 180 Total loss: 100lbs and counting Tamika 7-9-03

Congrads to all the July anniversary special loosers... It has to be an amazing feeling... I hope you all are able to keep updating your profile. IT helps a lot of us newcomers,, like me.. I would be lost if I wasnt able to read them. It gives us all a boost and encouragement not to give up.. again CONGRADs....

OH Girl you look WONDERFULL !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please continue to do what you are doing !! Hugs Audrey

Feeling Normal? The one comment that I hear constantly on the various boards that I frequent is, "I had this surgery to be normal". Unfortunately, we are not "normal". We weren't normal before we had surgery and we definitely aren't normal after. If we were normal physically and emotionally we would never have needed this surgery. Morbidly obese people are different physiologically and psychologically. Research is proving that we are different chemically than those that are not morbidly obese. There is also an emotional or behavioral difference. Some of us have food addictions, some are binge eaters, we all obviously gain weight easily. We are not "normal". We have a medical condition that we will have the rest of our lives, no different than diabetics, persons with heart disease, alcoholics, etc. We will always have to be diligent about what and how much we eat. We will have to continue to exercise consistently and take our vitamins. We will have to stick to the rules of our surgery (Pouch Rules, Ten Commandments of WLS). We will have to avoid sugar, alcohol, limit simple carbs, etc. This is a life long commitment. Now with that said, I know it is not easy. We would all love to be able to eat what we like when we like. It is frustrating to not be able to eat like a normal person. To be able to eat one piece of chocolate or fruit bar or whatever your personal demon might be. Mine is simple carbs. If I let them sneak into the diet, I start craving more and more and more. The scale starts to creep and so does my daily calorie count. My husband is a recovering alcoholic, and he has said how much he wishes he could be like a normal person who could have a beer or two. He isn't that type of guy. One beer leads to a 12 pack to a bottle of brandy, to falling down drunk. So... he can't have that one beer. It is amazing how much we have in common. He will always be a recovering alcoholic and I will always be a recovering MOP (Morbidly Obese Person). Mary 07/08/03 272/140/140