Hey all! Had a great day! Went to work then went to music in the park with my son. great fun. No self defence though. They had alot of city venders ther giving away free stuff and food. My son loved it. The band was a moc of Neil Diamond. Gees he even looked like him. They were great. No excersise though just walking around alot. Sis comes home Sat! Had to rent a bed. A nurse and a Dr. at my work are giving me a walker, showerchair, and a potty for my sister to use. How cool is that! Otherwise she would have to buy these things! So expensive!!! So I'm greatful to get these things for her. Gonna be a hot one here in so. Calli today!! On my way to work and see what I can get into!! LOL Have a great day all. sheree 285/192/140ish

Connie, Our prayers & thoughts are with you, your DH, your father in law & all who were close to Bill. I'm sure he has been welcomed into eternity with open arms. ((((HUGS)))) Tammy

Hi Debbie, Yes, I and others on the site are now feeling the "Slow Loosing" Syndrome since we hit the 9 to 10 month post-op point. It has been very frustrating, but I keep reminding myself that I feel so much healthier than I did 11 months ago. When I think back to a year ago, I was just trying to get around and be there for a friend who was in a terrible accident. That was on July 14th and the 2 weeks before my surgery were very hard on me. I was working an 8 hour day and then going to the hospital to sit with my friend. If a chair wasn't available, I stood and it was torture on me physically. I was exhausted by the time my surgery date rolled around and felt like I could barely move. I remember that my feet hurt me so bad at that point I wondered if I would be able to walk after the surgery to keep blood clots from forming. Well, I made it and I feel great. Even if I don't loose another pound, I am happy with my health at this point. Do I want to loose more? You better believe it. But, I go back and read my beginning post on my journal and it reminds that the reason I wanted this surgery wasn't to look better, but to be healthy, truly healthy. And I am. Don't get discouraged...you are doing great. If the 20 pounds don't come off...and I think they will...remember where you were a year ago and how far you come. This journey has been tremendous and I would do it all over again to feel this alive and free and healthy!! Lori 293/198.5/135 -94.5 pounds

As time goes on, I am eating more then when the journey first began. I still eat 2 cheese sticks in the morning for breakfast or about 1/2 c of cottage cheese. They are fast and on the way to work it is the easiest thing for me. I have some nuts around 10:30 a.m. for snack or 1/2 a protein bar. Lunch is usually something leftover from the weekend resteruant or the protein portion of a healthy choice or lean cusine meal and some of the veggies. Dinner is usually most of a chicken breast (skinless and boneless), I still can't eat the entire thing and I add two to three bites of veggie and 2 bites of stratch (mashed tatos, mac & cheese or rice), then I hit the runny nose part of my life. I have found that this is the truest form of letting me know when I am full. If you didn't know this and it happens to you (a runny nose), stop eating. I read a while back on Tooter's site that when your nose starts to run, it is a sign that you are full or have had enough to statisfy your hunger. Eating beyond that point is overdoing it. I will admit that when the food tastes really good to me, I will still eat 1 or 2 bites more when I reach this point now. I know it is pushing the envelope, but I still love the flavor of some foods. I can say that I don't crave mashed potatoes anymore and 2 bites are usually enough to satisfy my comfort food feeling...but some proteins and especially salads these days or crunchy veggies make me go over my limit at times. I usually pay for it when I push too far though. So, I am learning to stop and really mean to stop at the first sign of that drippy nose. If I go until I "feel" full, I will be sick for sure! On the losing track again! Lori 293/198.5/135

I'm right there with you girls. I was doing so well, following my eating plan, doing what I'm supposed to do until about two months ago. I started slipping and now I eat bad stuff everyday. JUST the thing I couldn't ever imagine doing again! I have been lucky so far in that I haven't gained any weight back YET....but I know if I don't get a handle on things it will happen. I have lost 144lbs and would love to lose another 15 or so. But I've been at this same basic weight for about 7 weeks and wonder if I will ever get myself back on track and lose those last pounds. Ugh!