This all sounds (unfortunately) pretty normal. I'm fighting the head hunger demons every day. After starting out at 424 (NOT my all-time high!) I actually got below 200. Since returning to work after my second round of reconstructive surgery however, I want to graze all day long. Beating ourselves up over rebound gain (Nearly everyone stabalizes at some point above their lowest weight, according to the medical director of my program.) only reinforces our feelings of failure, hopelessness, and makes it easier to rationalize poor eating decisions. Eating mindfully (Is this food filling Tank One (my body's need for fuel) or Tank Two (my head's need for something else) and keeping in touch with my "beginner's mind" (getting back to basics) helps, but it's a daily struggle. Hope this helps, if only to assure you that someone else is sharing your issues. Tim 424/207/175

Hi RoseAnne, I too had my surgery in July of '03. I started out at 297 and went as low as 158. I now weigh 174. I had a few cosmetic procedures and seemed to lose fast after the surgeries, but then gained some back afterwards. I so can relate to you. I walk every day on my treadmill and try to drink alot of water. All I can say is hang in there and try to eat different things that will shake up your metabolism. I lost a lb. in two days by eating some grapenuts and plain yogurt at night instead of having chicken and salad or a stir fry dinner. Good luck and be thankful you lost all that you did. I know I am, but there are days where I just FEEL FAT. I understand----------Angie

Hi Bart, I stopped losing weight so long ago I forgot when it was. When I do lose weight now it is after having a surgical procedure. (tummy tuck, boob lift) I exercise every day for 30 minutes. I took a weird breathing test in my WLS Dr's office a few weeks ago and the conclusion after the test was that at 174 lbs I use about 2400 calories a day just to maintain that. If I want to lose I'd have to take in between 1500-1800 calories a day. Sounds like you may need to follow a weigh****chers type program. Good luck on your journey and be happy for what you have lost and how much healthier you are. Hang in there. Angie

I too am post op about 3 years and not at the weight I would love to be. I am, however, much smaller and lots more healthy. I no longer have to take diabetes medication, (although I teter on the edge), and I feel better than I ever thought possible just a few years ago. I have recently joined a fitness club just for women and am getting the much needed exercise that I have neglected for soooo long. I battle the urge to eat "junk" everyday. I win some days and lose others. I try not to beat myself up over any of it. I went into this whole journey to get healthy so that I can stay around to raise my 7 year old daughter. I am a 44 year old late blooming mother. I would be lying if I said that the benefits of just looking better hadn't become important to me, but it is not the bottom line. I remind myself daily that your looks may fade over time and nobody ever DIED from not so spectacular looks but let your health steadily decline and the end result is your funeral. Just hang in there with the rest of us and keep pushing. That is, after all, what life is about. It's an endeavor from the womb to the tomb. I am just trying to enjoy all the points in between. Whan I read your comments it reminded my so much of myself that I just had to reply. Continued good luck to you. If you would like to "talk" as you put it, contact me at [email protected].

guess i need to reavalate my diet and get more exercise maybe that will help. still need to lose at least 100 more.