Jan, you are my idol. I am loosing much more slowly than you are, dernit. Keep going..... Hey, when can you put your picture up? With that loss, you can't be still running from cameras. I am just starting to get over that, and like you, have lost about half of the weight I am hoping to. Congrats! ~Diana~

Congratulations Mark! Just take this new relationship slow and easy ... it'll all fall into place if it's meant to be. How wonderful to date someone who has been through what your going through! My husband and I dated 3 years before getting married, and we are best friends ... just a few months away from our 16 anniversary! Best wishes to you! Jan

Diana, thank you for your comments; we have the same surgiversary! Right on sista! I checked out your profile: You are a beautiful gal, as are your mother and daughters! Has your appetite returned? I'm still in shock that I've got absolutely no hunger nor cravings at exactly five months out. My surgeon's program allows one cup of food three times daily, with one cup of milk mid-morning and afternoon. (I've grown to appreciate various flavors of soy milk!). I've often forgotten to eat, though do get the three little meals daily. How do you track your intake? From two weeks out until the three-month followup, I was instructed to track protein, carbs (under 24, although never got even close, and calories. At the three-month appt, was told by dietician to only track protein, to get a minimum of 60 daily. I find it interesting how so many surgeon's programs differ, and remain diligent with mine. Anyway, I have only had immediate goals of even-ten-lb increments. Being at 164 (three consecutive days, which is wonderful), my next goal is 150. My surgeon expects I'll have no problem getting to anywhere between 115 and 125 (which I last weighed in eighth grade! Best wishes to you and much happiness with continued 'wows' in 2007! Hugs, Patti (my current goal is to get that darned avatar loaded by the 31st--hey, it's been over four months now.....)

Hi Mark. Congrats on the loss. Isn't it great to meet someone that you have similar life experiences and can share your future with? Take it slow and easy, that way neither of you will be rushed, confused, or frightened. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts, but don't give away the farm either. I love to hear my husband say things like, "I loved going to... with you today" and "did you have as much fun as I did?". That way things will be "fresh" for both of you. You will begin to understand the female responses before long, and, if not, post them...we old married women will interpret for you. We love to do that stuff. Best single friends develop into old married couples after forty or fifty years. Just keep looking forward. ~Diana~

Hi Mark, Congratulations on 90 pounds gone forever! I think I know how you feel: my five-month surgiversary is tomorrow, and I've been at an even 75-lb loss three days straight (down from 239)! Yeay us! I'm very happy you've found a lady you're interested in. I say put all your cards on the table, letting her know how you feel and ask her how she feels about your relationship. Honest communication is ultimately inportant, and will likely put both of your minds at ease. This next part probably isn't the answer you're looking for, but my psychologist had told me the month before surgery, when I'd met my friend Ed, to not have anything other than platonic relationships during the first year after surgery, due to all the changes with our body transformation. I am so looking forward to our upcoming session Jan. 2nd, because of what has transpired during the past ten days. He's also Christian, plays in a Christian band, mentors teenagers with religious musical pursuits, is his 13 yr old son's Boy Scout troop leader, has been amicably divorced six years (his 18 yr old son attends a bible college). (I'm single, never married by choice, and no kids). Last week he told me his genuine feelings (mutual!) and that he'd like us to have an exclusive (take it to the next level) relationship. I am fighting raging hormones, and really need to discuss this with my psychologist, even though I am absolutely positively certain of our feelings and trust. We've had so much fun doing so many 'friends' things together during the past six months, that we now have talked about our feelings and intentions. There's already-talked about mutual affection, respect and communication, and certainly from day-one, undeniable chemistry. So Paul, follow your heart, don't be intimidated by potential non-reciprocation. You're at a crossroads: either moving nutually forward , or cut your losses, still be friends, and let things happen as they will! Best wishes to you at this very exciting time of your life! Hugs, Patti