I HAVE FINALY MADE IT YEA 100LBS GONE 4/EVERY,LET ME KNOW IS YOU MADE THE 100LBS MARK AND HOW LONG DIDI IT TAKE

Hi, Shell. Welcome to the August board. I go lurk on the June and July boards as well to get an idea of what might be coming up, so I think it's a great idea for you to come and ask us this question. When we hit the six month mark, there were many, many posts here about slow-downs and plateaus and having to work a lot harder to get the pounds off. Not everybody, of course, but enough of us to safely say it was a trend. There are lots of us who will go weeks now and only lose a pound or two, or nothing at all. Many of us are still in that stage. Depends on how close to goal we are and stuff like that. My surgeon told me at my 6-month appointment that 5-7 pounds per month would be normal and acceptable for me at this point. Freaked me out, but it's been true. Statistically speaking, it is probably not over for you or for us--the vast majority will keep losing throughout the first 12-18 months. But you are correct that there are some who stop losing within the first year and that's it. Based on my research, conversations with my surgeon, and my personal observations, regular exercise is the key. Your body is adapting to the change of WLS, and by the end of the first year it has managed to "fix" much of the malabsorption that was present in the early months. Your body can make use of most of the nutrients and calories again by that time, so you have to start working for it like a normal person. The surgery only accounts for about 50-70% of excess weight loss. The rest is diet and exercise, just like everyone else. The good news is that by the time the surgery has knocked off 50-100 lbs, most of us are mobile enough and energetic enough again to bring exercise back into our lives. Plus, we have the added bonus of restricted food intake because of our pouches. So, the short answer is that it is probably not over. There are lots of us here stalling out and having plateaus, but most so far have come back to say that the scale is moving again, even if it's slowly. It definitely isn't over if you are exercising and keep it up. It might be over if you're snacking, grazing, etc. and not exercising. I can tell you that the June and July people seem to be having the same trends on their boards. Some moving along slowly but steadily, some on plateaus, some stopping and starting, but pretty much everyone who is not already at goal is still losing in some way. Hang in there. Keep doing what you're supposed to do and increase your exercise for awhile to see if it helps. And stay in touch to let us know how you're doing! ---- Leslie -98

Hmmmm. I guess that's each person's individual call as to where you want to start. My pre-op consult weight happens to be my highest as well, so there's no confusion for me. I'd say that weight lost is weight lost, whether it's due to surgery or whatever. You worked for it. Take credit for those pounds, girl! CONGRATULATIONS on 100 lbs lost! You've done a fabulous job, and you're so close to goal! ---- Leslie -97

Welcome to the ACCC! Just ten more pounds to 100 -- WooHoo! You go girl! ---- Leslie -97

Tammy, I hope all goes well for you. I recently was put on a medication that really upset my stomach, I am sure I was headed to an ulcer too. I didn't think I had to remind my PCP I had GBS and my stomach is not like everyone elses, I thought he would remember this. Well, after about 3 days on this medication, which now I know has a aspirin base, my stomach was so sore, even to touch, with that nausea, and burning sensation. I took myself off this drug and started to take Prevacid, which helped with the healing of my stomach, I feel fine now. (I don't recommend anyone taking any OTC medication without your PCP's or Surgeons approval.) I had to go to a specialist for the medical problems I am having (not related to GBS). She prescribed a medication for me, and by knowing my history of GBS, she took it upon herself to call my surgeon to see if this medication is ok for me to take.....she was so considerate. I strongly suggest we remind ALL our physcians we had GBS. Another thing I am finding is the Pharmacist are not well aware of what medications we can and can not take safely. I wish the drug companies would start putting on their labels the effects the drugs can have with GBS patients. Wishing you well, Susan