Hi All, My 7 month anniversary just passed as well. I focused only on protein in foods for my first 6 months and I agree, it really got boring. I just couldn't do the shakes. Finally I found one that I have been able to do, and actually look forward to having....strange for me. It is called Cinnamon Vanilla. It doesn't have the smell or after taste that I have found in so many of the other flavors, and it's a real mild flavor, so I don't get sick of the taste. It reminds me of rice pudding, minus the rice. Take it from one who swore off protein powders...definately one to try! I am glad you all are doing so well......oh, to be "normal" again! ~Sherry~

Wow Mary, congratulations! I completely understand about not knowing what size you are anymore. That has taken some adjustment for me too....still not completely aware of my size. A friend of mine, Travis, drives a Mustang (notorious for the small backseats!) and I was going to go somewhere with him and another friend (Michael), who I thought was much smaller than me. They told me I had to sit in the back cause I was so little...I was like, "No way, I'm bigger than Michael!" and we had to do a comparison right then and there. Sure enough, I was much smaller than him....I had no idea. It's a strange feeling but I am thrilled with my weight loss! I had to buy a size 12 dress for my grandpa's wedding this weekend :D

Hey MT, I noticed a bit of a trend with people who have lost significant weight pre-op...we tend to lose a bit slower than the average post-op person. I think the reason is because when someone goes in to surgery, having lost no weight, the first two weeks they see a HUGE loss. All water weight. Where as people who have lost 15, 20, in your case 40 lbs , have already lost their water weight. Therefore, the weight you have lost is real body fat; all the weight is true body weight as opposed to water weight (in the first couple of weeks). I hope this makes sense. And of course, this is just my theory. I lost a bit of weight pre-op, and don't think I am a slow loser, but there are certainly others who have lost a lot faster. I could be totally wrong about my theory but it makes sense to me! LOL It's all good, though. We will get there. I am thrilled with what I have lost so far and as long as I eventually hit goal, I am a happy camper! Hugs, Denise

Date of surgery:8/20/04 Weight day of surgery: 240 lbs Current weight: 142 lbs Total lost since surgery: 98 lbs Total lost since highest weight (if you lost weight for your program as a requirement): n/a Goal weight: Dr.'s goal -- 140 lbs My Goal -- 130 lbs Pounds to goal: 2 lbs (Dr.) 12 lbs (mine) Starting size in clothing: 22 Current size in clothing: 8 pants and sm/med tops Starting shoe size: 8 Current shoe size: 7 Any other comments you want to add about your journey: This has been a roller coaster ride, but definately worth it. Alicia

Welcome, Vicki! Glad to know you finally found us! Many of us are doing very well since our August 2004 surgeries. However, some of us are also on long plateaus. Everyone has a different story, so I suggest you just read some of our previous posts and click on the names to read our "journey stories." "Talk" with you later. ~Laura