Amber, What about adding in healthy snacks instead of the carbs? I only snack on jerky, cheese or fruit, every so often I'll have raw almonds, but just a very small handful. I guess in a way I'm very lucky, I still am not hungry, and my body won't let me eat carbs, when I do I don't feel well at all. My DR only wants us eating carbs 3 times a week at the most, and I really concentrate on protein. I don't even buy snack stuff to keep in the house, if I do I'd go for that first, I know it's a trigger food for me. I found this out when we went to Trader Joes and hubby bought reduced fat cheese puffs ... I kept going back to that bag wanting more than just the few. I told him he can't do that anymore, and he totally understands. Jan

I was going base off my Doctor's weight projections. For my 1 month and 3 months, I was actually down 1 more pound than I was supposed to be. Congrats on your sixty pounds, thats awesome. I know that some people are going to lose more and less than me because we all started with different weights. I have lost an incredible amount and if I didn't lose another pound, I would still be happy, like I said above, I guess I'm just trying to live up to others expectations and I need to stop that! I just don't want to let anyone down. I'm a sick people pleaser, hehehe! Thanks for your input! Have a great weekend, Amber

Hey ShelleyAnne, Thanks for taking the time to post. I am not exercising properly and I'm hoping that may be a factor to my problem. I just stay so busy and I can't seem to find the time to truly exercise. At least with all my running around I am active. I made a promise to myself to join the gym on January 1 and I will take the time to take care of myself. I have to. If it means waking up at 4:30 to get there, I will. Congrats on your weight loss, that is very good. I am down from a 24/26 to 18 in pants and a large in shirts, which is awesome. I'm down from a 10 to 8 in ring sizes, and even if I didn't lose another pound, I'd be happy. I guess I just don't want to let my doctor down and all the people that have helped/supported me through this whole thing. I feel like they have expectations and I need to do this. I've got issues, hehehe! Thanks for listening and giving me great info. I'm hanging in there! Amber

1. What types of food did you eat this week? 2. What types of exercise did you do this week? 3. How much weight did you lose? Total loss? 4. What was your biggest challenge? 5. What is your plan for eating on Christmas? *Fun bonus question: If you could go anywhere for the Holidays, where would you go? 10 more days! Amber

Hi, Amber: Are you exercising now. Exercise, especially weight training makes you hungry. If not, then it is probably your body's way of requesting more nutrition. As long as you are taking your vitamins, supplements, etc. you are good in all aspects of your journey. Putting a number on your weight loss and a deadline is hard to live up to. I would rather see you concentrate on the wonderful success you have had so far.... 72 LBS!!!! gone forever.... now that sounds like a WINNER to me!!! I suggest you eat every 3 hours - but limit the intake of carbs - and never eat carbs after 5 pm... stop eating 3 hours before bedtime... that will give your body the nutrition without stalling the continued weight loss. I am right there with you. My surgery date is the same as yours, JULY 19, 2006... when I was reborn... for sure. I weighed 236.6 lbs. 6 weeks before surgery... I now weigh 150 lbs. On surgery day I weighed 222 - that means I also lost 72 lbs so far... WOW!! But it is not the number that impresses me or motivates me - it's feeling good, better than I have in years - it's wearing a size 8 jeans and size 6 dress and a size small top. I am amazed by being able to shop in the little petite sizes again. My shoe size went down... my bra size went down... heck, my ring finger on my left hand is a 6-1/2 from a 10! That is measurement of success. My "tool" is working because I never binge or pigout. That is success. See what I am saying? You are fine. Just be sure that you are gaining great new eating habits and less of the listening to the head hunger and the old bad habits that got us fat to begin with. Good luck. If you ever need to talk, I am always available. HUGS to you.. take care of you, ShelleyAnne