What a great idea for a post!!!!! Date of surgery: 8/04/04 Weight day of surgery: 352 lbs Current weight: 219 lbs Total lost since surgery: 133 lbs Goal weight: 185 lbs Pounds to goal: 34 lbs. Starting size in clothing: 30/32 Current size in clothing: 14/16 Starting shoe size: 12w Current shoe size: 11 I am just so very grateful to God for this amazing surgery! I want to shout it from the rooftops and share my journey with anyone that could be helped by it...This surgery has given me my life back. There is no way to describe how I feel. Normal clothes, lots of sincere compliments, increased self esteem and confidence..IT'S ALL GOOD!!!! Blessings Rachel T.

Thanks for responding. I did FitDay today and I ate 700 cals., 30 grams of fat (I can't figure out how to cut this more and still eat enough protein!), 20-ish carbs (I forgot the exact #), and 65 grams of protein. Sounds like I am not eating enough protein or calories, but I am trying to be good and not eat too much fat and carbs. Thanks for being my sounding board. Alicia 240/140/130 P.S. I finally made the century club!

I think all aspects of "counting" are in important. My nutrutionist has me between 1200-1400 calories a day (she says you should never fall below 1200 calories), I count my fat grams, and stay under 50g of fat each day, and my protein, which I try to go between 75-100 g. each day. When I fall below my protein or above my fat and calories, I don't lose weight as well. All 3 go hand in hand for success, as well as your vitamins and water. Good Luck! JUDY 359/256.8/165-185? -102.2 lbs.

Thank you for the information. I printed the article and will take it to my surgeon. He wanted to see me today because of the 2 falls. I do take array of vitamins and take plenty of B12, but like you said I don't want to ignore this potential complication. Thanks again Laura Barbara

I don't count calories, Alicia. But, I do try and keep up with protein and limit carb intake. Sugar, fried foods, or a combination of fatty/sweet foods are just not in my diet anymore. I almost always dump with these foods, so I leave them alone. I like string cheese, apples, whole wheat crackers, grapes, nuts, skim milk, fish, steak, and (of course) Diet Coke. I haven't had a problem with carbonation since 4 months post-op. I eat smaller meals than before WLS and I try to get a couple of snacks in each day. I hated counting calories before surgery, and I know I would still hate it now. However, I don't mind weighing every morning! And I walk and exercise at Curves for Women. That has been helpful for me. I will be interested in knowing if others are counting calories or keeping a diet log. Good luck with your journey! ~Laura