ATTENTION: EVERYONE!

Name: Marlize Age: 28 Current Weight: 239 How much weight have you lost since surgery?: 79lbs Are you happy with the amount of weight you've lost?: YES!! How much more do you want to lose?: 80lbs Has everything gone as you thought it would, or has it been easier or harder?: It almost went as I thought it would, but at times it was a little hard. What are THREE POSITIVE thing in your life that has changed (maybe a goal you reached, or something like that?: 1) No more snoring; 2) Cross my legs; 3) More confidence. What is ONE NEGATIVE thing in your life that has changed?: Hair loss Do you go to support groups?: No, but I'm on OH all the time Do you have a goal you want to reach by Christmas (12 days away!)?: I hope I can get to 235lbs or less ... How are you planning to handle the holiday eating? Are you worried?: I'm a little worried, I have head hunger and I noticed I can eat alot more now. Also eat sometimes until I'm really full and throw up, I'm trying not to do that though!! Are you a much happier person now, than you were 4-5 months ago?: VERY MUCH SO!!!

Name: Maya Perepelitsky Age: 23 (will be 24 on Thursday) Current Weight: 235 How much weight have you lost since surgery?: 76 ..but 85 TOTAL!!! Are you happy with the amount of weight you've lost?: I was hoping for more..but I am happy with how far I have gone How much more do you want to lose?: 105 lbs Has everything gone as you thought it would, or has it been easier or harder?: It has been much harder. The surgery was painful (but worth it!)... recovery long.. and now I fight for each pound.. but I am winning and thats all that counts What are THREE POSITIVE thing in your life that has changed (maybe a goal you reached, or something like that?: 1.) I can fit a size 18 jean.. i was a 28! 2.) I can walk fast! 3.) I feel good about myself What is ONE NEGATIVE thing in your life that has changed?: 1.) Taking all these vitamins and my hair loss Do you go to support groups?: yes 1X a month Do you have a goal you want to reach by Christmas (12 days away!)?: as long as i lose at least something I will be happy.. i take it one pound at a time How are you planning to handle the holiday eating? Are you worried?: Yes I am a little worried.. I can tolerate sugar... and breads... and I shouldn't have experimented lol.. but I think I willd o just fine Are you a much happier person now, than you were 4-5 months ago?: Yes I am!

Name: Cristi Deanne Madere Age: 34 Current Weight: 179 How much weight have you lost since surgery?: 64 Are you happy with the amount of weight you've lost?: not yet lol How much more do you want to lose?: at least 39 Has everything gone as you thought it would, or has it been easier or harder?: harder sometimes What are THREE POSITIVE thing in your life that has changed (maybe a goal you reached, or something like that?: 1. I feel better about myself 2. more energy 3. better healthy role model for kids What is ONE NEGATIVE thing in your life that has changed?: I can't eat!!! lol Do you go to support groups?: no Do you have a goal you want to reach by Christmas (12 days away!)?: Yes, I would LOVE to weigh 175 by Christmas How are you planning to handle the holiday eating? Are you worried?: already screwing up. I will just eat little bits, and then try to stay on track Are you a much happier person now, than you were 4-5 months ago?: Yes. MUCH. I no longer sit around feeling like a fat slob who is not worthy of anything. I feel smarter, cuter, and healthier. I feel so pretty now! And not just my FACE!!!

Name: Nickie Age: 32 Current Weight:180 How much weight have you lost since surgery?: 80 Are you happy with the amount of weight you've lost?:yes...but you know you always want more!! How much more do you want to lose?:40 Has everything gone as you thought it would, or has it been easier or harder?: It has gone pretty much the way I thought it would. But, sometimes it blows my mind when I look at pictures from 8 months ago and I do not even look like the same person. What are THREE POSITIVE thing in your life that has changed (maybe a goal you reached, or something like that?: 1. I am living my life instead of it happening around me. 2. I can wear clothes that I like instead of finding clothes that fit. 3. I am more outgoing and willing to open myself up to people. What is ONE NEGATIVE thing in your life that has changed?: There is nothing that has happened since my surgery that I regret or wish had not happened Do you go to support groups?: No I have enough of a support system in place at this time of my life Do you have a goal you want to reach by Christmas (12 days away!)?: I want to be 175 How are you planning to handle the holiday eating? Are you worried?: Not worried about it at all because I am the one that is cooking and my best friend is a healthy all the time eater, so we are going to have a low carb high protein meal...even the dessert is going to be able to be eaten...except for the apple pie I promised to make for my daughter. Are you a much happier person now, than you were 4-5 months ago?: There is no way to describe the complete and total change my attitude has made. I had someone walk up to me at church and say that they had never seen me smile so much since they first met me

Very interesting replies. Okay, here goes................. C Leigh W-B (I don't use my real name on the internet anymore--Bad experience in the past) 31 years old Current:230 Total loss: 76 lbs Am I happy about my loss: WELL....................sort of. Thankful...yes. Happy...no. I guess I'm greedy. The beginning was very hard. I cried for food a couple of times and had a very hard time with the pureed food stage. I thought it would never end. Plateau's are the toughest part though. Positives: 1. No more frumpy "heavy people have no taste" type clothing. 2. The sex is soooo much better!!!!!!!!!! There was a 76 lb barrier between us!!! Ha! 3: No more: diet-fail, diet-fail, diet-fail. Negative: All I can think of is the hair loss. Yikes. Support groups: No, you guys are my support group!! Christmas goal: Not to gain any weight!!! I'd like to lose 4 more by the New Year totaling 80 lbs. I think this is a reasonable goal. Holiday eating: Not too concerned. I do have a weakness for See's chocolate though. Happier person: I was always happy, but now I'm happy with myself too. C Leigh

Name: Michele Age: 48 Current Weight: 203 How much weight have you lost since surgery?: 65 pounds Are you happy with the amount of weight you've lost?: Yes, very How much more do you want to lose?: Oh, about 40-50 Has everything gone as you thought it would, or has it been easier or harder?: No, it's been harder because of my illness but I wouldn't change a thing What are THREE POSITIVE thing in your life that has changed (maybe a goal you reached, or something like that?: 1) I don't feel ashamed to go out in public anymore 2) I have more energy (mostly) 3) I don't feel like a second class citizen anymore What is ONE NEGATIVE thing in your life that has changed?: My marriage seems to be falling apart Do you go to support groups?: When I can- it is an hour and a half away Do you have a goal you want to reach by Christmas (12 days away!)?: It would be nice to be in the Onederfuls. And I hope my husband has a damn job by then. How are you planning to handle the holiday eating? Are you worried?: Nope, not worried at all. I can't eat much. Are you a much happier person now, than you were 4-5 months ago?: Um, yes, in certain respects.

Name: Pam Smith-Graham Age: 52 (just had my birthday last week) Current Weight: 230 today How much weight have you lost since surgery?: 90 pounds Are you happy with the amount of weight you've lost?: Yes, more is better, but I'm fine with it. How much more do you want to lose?: Another 80 pounds. I believe (just guessing) that 150 will be about right. When I get closer, I'll see what works. Has everything gone as you thought it would, or has it been easier or harder?: Both. Surgery and lack of complications is easier (thank you Dr. Rumbaut). Finding other ways to deal with emotions is harder. I can only take so many bubble baths. What are THREE POSITIVE thing in your life that has changed (maybe a goal you reached, or something like that?: I no longer waddle. That is a biggie. I went into Eddie Bauer and bought clothes with no "X" in the size. I don't get as tired, energy level is up. What is ONE NEGATIVE thing in your life that has changed?: I want people to comment on my weight loss - most don't. So I don't know if they haven't noticed... I expected more notice. Maybe when I get below 200. Do you go to support groups?: No, but I think I should. I got a list in my area, but haven't attended any. Do you have a goal you want to reach by Christmas (12 days away!)?: No, but would like to reach 100 pounds by my 6 month anniversary. Ten pounds more to go in the next month. How are you planning to handle the holiday eating? Are you worried?: No. I can have anything I want -- but with the smaller stomach I won't want much. Save myself for the good stuff (protein, good veggies, the best deserts) in a very small amount. I look for folks to split things with. Are you a much happier person now, than you were 4-5 months ago?: I don't know about the "much". I am a happier person and a much healthier person. Thanks for asking the questions of all of us -- the answers are interesting reading. -Pam

Name:Tim Callahan Age:44 Current Weight:278 How much weight have you lost since surgery?: 152 Are you happy with the amount of weight you've lost?:HELL YEAH! How much more do you want to lose?:93 Has everything gone as you thought it would, or has it been easier or harder?:It's been much easier than I expected What are THREE POSITIVE thing in your life that has changed (maybe a goal you reached, or something like that?:I feel much better, people keep telling me how GREAT I look, outlook on life and actual survival is better What is ONE NEGATIVE thing in your life that has changed?:I miss the food Do you go to support groups?:yes, monthly(daily if you count here) Do you have a goal you want to reach by Christmas (12 days away!)?:no How are you planning to handle the holiday eating? Are you worried?:not worried at all, I CAN DO THIS Are you a much happier person now, than you were 4-5 months ago?:immensely happier

Name: Alicia / Aly Age: 34 Current Weight: 153 How much weight have you lost since surgery?: 73lbs Are you happy with the amount of weight you've lost?: OMG yes ! How much more do you want to lose?: about 30 more lbs.. My ideal weight is 118. Has everything gone as you thought it would, or has it been easier or harder?: I think in some ways its been hard and easy. I used to love to go out to restaurants and now its really hard to enjoy the food I once did. It's also harder coming up with things I can eat. I cant tolerate much meat aside from beef ( of all meats), but working out has never been such a joy !!!! This surgery has given me a new lease on life and also the incentive to start loving myself and getting back into shape. Im a work out fiend now and try to workout atleast 4 days a week. What are THREE POSITIVE thing in your life that has changed (maybe a goal you reached, or something like that?: 1. I feel so terrific about myself! 2. I can wear cute hip clothes 3. I have so much more energy !!!!!! What is ONE NEGATIVE thing in your life that has changed?: Like most of you... I miss being able to eat normally. I really do miss going to my favorite italian restaurant and chowing down on the salad, the bread sticks, and my egg plant !!! Do you go to support groups?: not regularly. Do you have a goal you want to reach by Christmas (12 days away!)?: I would like to weigh 150 - so another 3 lbs. How are you planning to handle the holiday eating? Are you worried?: I can tolerate sugar so Im trying very hard to steer clear of the temptation or atleast only take a bite rather than eat an entire cookie !! Are you a much happier person now, than you were 4-5 months ago?: OMG, I have never felt more beautiful in all my life. I think in some ways Im becoming a little vain !!! I catch myself looking in the mirror more often and invisioning what kind of swimwear I will wear this summer.... maybe a sexy thong ( just kidding- but it's gonna be tiny if Im tiny :P ) .

Ashley- Your are the bulletin board social co-ordinator! Great idea! Name: Andrea Age: 37 Current Weight: 188 How much weight have you lost since surgery?: 62 pounds; 68 pounds since pre surgery Are you happy with the amount of weight you've lost?: Happy, but want more-- greedy things aren't we How much more do you want to lose?: 38 pounds Has everything gone as you thought it would, or has it been easier or harder?: I had a really hard time post surgery. The first 2- 2.5 months were hell. After that, it's been fine What are THREE POSITIVE thing in your life that has changed (maybe a goal you reached, or something like that?: 1) I can walk, take stairs and exercise again 2) I am no longer heading toward diabetes, and am off 3 pills-- Healthier! 3) I have my self confidence back What is ONE NEGATIVE thing in your life that has changed?: All my clothes look like tents, and I am broke from surgery, dog's cancer therapy and Christmas-- so I look like I'm playing dress up Do you go to support groups?: Yes Do you have a goal you want to reach by Christmas (12 days away!)?: I want to be 184 - 4 pounds away- I will be only "OVERWEIGHT" and no longer obese when I hit 185, and 184 will a pound below it How are you planning to handle the holiday eating? Are you worried?: Not too worried. I have stayed away from sugar. I am planning on cooking at least one item I love and can eat and will take it to my sisters. Are you a much happier person now, than you were 4-5 months ago?: Yes- I have SOOO much more confidence, and I am not embarrassed anylonger.