Hi Carrie - I've been giving some thought to what you've said..even regarding my own weight loss..I've decided that ONLY with this surgery does anyone come on board with such high expectations of weight loss..that we all pick an arbitrary number or figure and then expect to meet it..It becomes easier to meet a goal- as time goes on, but we all forget that we are human first, and we all have setbacks or plateaus..so with any other weight loss program- we would be happy with -125 or -150lbs.. And remember the full year is not done yet! So I AM -115LBS and happy about it..No way else would I have even lost THAT much with weigh****chers or Diet Center ..etc etc. I began at 325, Im now at 210, and 11lbs from ONDERLAND. I have lost 12lbs this month and still psyched about my surgery. Why shouldn't I be? Why Shouldn't you be? Everyone on this board looks better- feels better and Does more- than they did 10mos ago..and that is what we should celebrate this holiday..We are living a chapter of the American Dream. Yes some days it does seem like real work... but like all dreams that materialize in the real world..if you want something, you really do have to adapt a new aptitude to match your attitude. Basically we work for the results we want, and no one under 18mos out should resign themselves to settling for anything less. Yes. Everything reasonable. Whenver I get stuck I go back- I look at my old pictures..I carry them around with me- and show them to new friends as I make them..I just showed them at a restaurant on Monday- my friend Janean, was with me and had WLS..she lost 115# and went from a size 24 to a size 8..since May'05. Our waiter couldn't believe between us, we lost 230lbs. HOLY SMOKES! Ladies- THAT is what I am talking about. THAT is mind boggling..its not the destinastion or the Final number we are celebrating here- IT IS OUR JOURNEY!! We have Embraced our surgery and Post Op time..We are Cultivating our minds, new bodies and spirits wth love and forgiveness, we are Accepting that nothing but our Best will do, and we are Redifining our Lives, as we Choreograph our Dance with Destiny. Here is my motto: Motivation determines what you do ~ Attitude determines How Well you DO IT. Its all about your level of Committment. It should be just as high now as it was the day after surgery- if not higher- because we know that the surgery works for us..and we should never ever feel a failure, because of a number. I hope this inspires anyone to move forward ~ if you have been stuck somewhere- or if you have gotten lost along the way ~ make the most of every day. Life is short and meant to be lived. BE YOUR DREAM & ENJOY LIVING IT. hugs, Donna 325/210/145

Hi All, Tammy seems a little swamped with work, kids & summer so I thought I'd start a new way to post our exercise. Since the goal is a minimum of 3x30 mins a week - let's do one overall post for the week. You can either reply to this one as you do your exercise or once at the end of week listing what you did for the week. Also, since we're all on summer schedule, Tammy won't have to try and fit in a daily post. (I love you Tammy ) Also, as we seemed to have been struggling this month with our exercise is it okay if I start 'bugging' you all about Thursday to try and encourage you/me to get out and exercise? Summer is a great time to 'find' yourself exercising without planning to. Be sure to just kick that stroll along the lake up a notch or extend it a bit, hop on a bike with your kids - just enjoy the outdoors and sunshine. Love you all!! Dawn 258/134/135 1 hr 20 mins walk this am.

Hi Tammy Yea, your right busy,busy, month!! I did get some swimming and bike rideing in and a long walk last night. Better than nothin I gess!! The weight same-o same-o!! Least its'the same and not a gain. Those darn jammin BBQ s!!!!! goin to the movies with my son today. Going to see "CLICK" Should be very funny!! Welp, hope everyone has a great day today!! Remember ladies,Drink! Drink! Drink!! Take care, sheree 285/195/140ish

Might wanna check with your doc.......My surgeon automatically takes out the gallbladder on his open RNY's cause he said he got tired of going back in and taking them out after the surgery. He's done it for 30 some odd years and never lost a paitent yet...........Good luck!!

Hi Carrie, You're looking super, and 150 lbs gone is definitely a success!! You can reach any goal you want... just keep taking it a day at a time, and if you want less than 200lbs you'll get there. If you're happy and your health issues (assuming you had some) are reduced/gone, than continue being pleased! You've earned it sweetie!! Dawn