***I love these questions and they are light and alot of fun but how about maybe on a Mon or Tues. we could maybe have one question that is deep in thought and helps us look at what we used to eat, why we ate it and what we can do to change our mind set so we dont repeat our mistakes in the future and never gain any wt back. I think the intr0spection would be good and I think we each have alot to share and alot we can learn from each other. I would even be willing to do that question....If ppl would like something like that. *** Good idea Mariah, I'd like that. You ask the question, and I'll answer for sure! Jan

I would say you don't have much energy because you aren't getting enough protein. What type of b12 are you doing? The sublingual is very important to us Rny'ers since we don't absorb it like before. I would also say definitely up your water intake if possible. That is really low considering most doctors require 64 oz. per day. Another problem could be possible low iron. A lot of people who have RNY end up being anemic in the long run. I would suggest you get in to see your family doctor or a new bariatric surgeon because you definitely need some blood work. On a much different note - you're doing really well. I know some doctors don't even make goals for their patients. My surgeon didn't. I just picked a weight I felt comfortable with which is 169. I started at 300 so thats a pretty big difference; plus I am 5'6. Well Good Luck and I hope you get in to see a different doctor soon. ~Sorry I can't offer much advice about the "ring" they put in. The only thing I can think is that it may have been the band? I'm not sure though Katrina

On July 21st 2006 My balloon was popped. I have been deflating ever since. I started at 219 5 ft 4" BMI of 39/40. My doctor did 2 surgeries at once. The RYN as well he said he was going to put a rind on me as well (which I was very confused about) The reason he said he does this (to all of his patients) is to make sure they never gain the weight back. Before I go on, I should mention my ins covered 100% During the consultation, the doctor said he knows everything was covered "however they do not cover the ring, So that will have to be paid for before surgery. ($250.00) I called my ins company asking why they did not cover. They said this procedure has not been done anymore and they wanted more info. I did not think much of it at the time. I was anxious to get on with my surgery date. When I went in for surgery, I tried to tell the doctor apologeticaly that I forgot my check book at home and would pay during my 1st follow up. He looked very embarressed and hushed me up. when a week later I went for the visit, I brought the check book. I tried to pay him and he said he could not take a check ha said cash only. I said I would send a money order in the mail so he did not have to wait any longer. He said to either drive cash in or mail it. I have to tell you I felt something fishy going on. Oh also before going on. this doctor never saw me in the hospiyal (after surgey...in fact I was sent home with extremely low oxygen...thinking it was just after surgery, I thought my being sick and weeker each day was normal. I was admotted back into my local hospital with nomonia (bad speller). I tried calling to doctor after my release to tell him everything. He never returned my calls. Now I am almost 7 months out and I am 1.5 lbs from a normal BMI Currently I am 146.5 (My doctor never gave me a goal...So I do not know what it should be) My goal is 117 because after looking at the BMI chart (unhealthy starts at 116). I know from reading these boards that most patients gain about 10lbs so i thought 117 (plus 10 more) would be ok. I can only drink approx 16-21oz in a day. I take 2 flinstone vitamins daily. alog with natural stool sofeners and natural laxative daily. I take a vitaminB-12 daily as well. I do not consume much protein in a day. I eat 2-4 tiny meals (each meal is a few bites) in day. I am always tired! no energy. I know i need to see anothe doctor. However the doctor i was seeing is the only doctor in my plan for my type of ins. I could use some advise, as well if others could let me know what kind of test they get from their follow-ups, I can ask my primary doctor to do the same tests on me. Thank You reading and for the advice sorry for any spelling errors. I was quick to get this done before my children needing me again.

Hi Amber and everyone, I agree, thank goodness it's Friday! Ready for a break here! 1. What types of food did you eat this week? pretty much the same, except at my birthday party I had one chicken enchilada for dinner...oh, and I had a little bit of ribeye steak on Monday night, grilled by my husband! So yummy. 2. What types of exercise did you do this week? I did Leslie Sansone dvds (walking, pilates, and yoga) and one day I did a TaeBo dvd. I had sore legs the day after that! He's rough! 3. How much weight did you lose? Total loss? This has been a good week for weight loss! I was at 217 last Friday, 213.5 this Friday! YAY! I was getting really discouraged, as I shared with y'all. So I guess my body isn't quite done losing. Total loss, 90.5 pounds. 4. What was your biggest challenge? Not eating birthday cake (I only had two bites of it!) or any of the other goodies that have been lying around from V-day. 5. What are the results of your supplements/vitamin intake from your 6 month post-op appointment? Haven't had one yet. *Fun bonus question: If you could go on one reality TV show, which would it be? [i.e. Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother, Top Chef, Miami Ink, Real World, Trading Spaces, etc.] I would want to be on a decorating show of some sort, like Trading Spaces. OR I wish I was young enough and talented enough to be on American Idol! I love to sing, but I'm not sure that I'd get past Simon's critique of my ability.

Julie- Congrats! Keep up the good work! You'll get that other 120 off! Christina S