Hi there, i am a slow loser too....i was hoping to be to goal by one year ...8/14/02 but unfortunately that isn`t going to happen i am happy with my loss, but i have had to work hard to lose since the begining always adhering to a lowcarb diet and exercise...etc..... i went on vacation and went off my diet and gained 6 lbs in 2 weeks!!! so now i am lowcarbing again...sigh....not at all what i was expecting after surgery but no complaints here , i feel better , less backpain,and knee pain i can breathe and i fit in normal size clothes...so don`t be discouraged, we will lose it ..it just takes a little tweaking...lol open rny..8/14/02 start weight 261.5 current 158...start size 30/32...current size 11/12...... goal 119/126.... amount to lose...32/39lbs

This journey has been a blessing. On August 21, 2002, I entered the operating room at 263 pounds. By my side, were my two companions - hypertension and diabetes. Thankfully, because of this procedure, I haven't seen any sign of them in months! Though we spent many years together, hopefully, they plan to stay far, far away! As of today, I am 149 pounds. Not quite where I want to be, but happy just the same. I'm currently very active. For the first time in 10 years, and I'm only 25, I've publicly sported a swimsuit and am very proud of the body that's in it! I'm training for my first race in November - an 8k (yes, I know there is a 5k, but I'm going for glory here!). In the midst of my journey, my marriage ended. My ex could not handle the confident me and by no means was I about to lower my newly discovered standards. I have found happiness in a wonderful man, who is also now my acting coach for the November race. He supports my physical conditioning and is a great source of inspiration. I'm so thankful I made this decision while young enough to enjoy every minute. And it has had a great impact on those around me - especially my soon-to-be 6 year old daughter who I now can keep up with no matter what! A big thanks to the folks on this website for all the info and encouragement! I couldn't have done it without you! ~Stephanie

Like the rest of you, I can hardly believe it has been almost a YEAR since I had surgery (Open RNY on 08/07/02). The past year has been an amazing journey and it continues to get even better and better. I have a consult for plastic surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning. I am both nervous and excited. Though I am want all this extra skin off NOW, I have sworn to myself that I will wait until January to have the abdominoplasty and breast lift done. I have lost 154 pounds in all, and would like to be at my goal weight before I have the plastic surgery performed. I am SOOooo close but want to be stable for awhile. Anyway, GOOD JOB to all of you!!!!! Happy Aloha, Kathie (in Hawaii)...

I started out weighing 340 pounds and and I am 5'5". I was wearing sizes 3x-4x shirts (or 26/28 - 30/32). I was also wearing size 28 pants. I had my surgery on 8/9/02 and now weight 213. I have been buying size 18 pants and size XL or 16/18 shirts. I haven't worn this size in a long, long time. I am hoping to get down to 150. I know I still have a ways to go, but I am keeping up the fight.I just joined CURVES for Women. I am hoping that with the exercise and increasing my water intake, I will reach my goal weight. Right now, I have a smaller goal in mind. I want to get under 200. I haven't been under 200 in 26 years. Good luck and keep up the great work.

Congratulations Joybelle. I am so happy for you. Trish RNY 8/6/02 down 90 lbs