1. Torrey 2. LAP RNY 3. Aug 31, 2005 4. 21ish months 5. 290 6. 281 7. 160 8. 183 9. 177 10: Perfectly cooked steaks from my favorite butcher 11. Chocolate 12: The anemia complication. I can't beleive I can't absorb iron orally at all. Staying motivated Trying not to let "old age" face and hanging skin get to me. Thanks for the idea Donna! Cheers, Torrey

Everyone! I thought I would try something new. I saw this on the Grad board and thought we should do this. Its a monthly member ROLL CALL - including all you in Lurkerville - and we provide an update on what we're doing- where we are journey wise- a mini update of whats going on and if we are having any difficulties.. 1. First name or name you go by on the boards 2. Surgery type 3. Surgery date 4. How far post-op 5. Highest weight 6. Day of sugery weight 7. Goal weight 8. Current weight 9. Low weight post-op if different than current weight 10: Favorite Food 11. Biggest struggle as a post-op 12: How YOU are Handling It Also- if anyone is interested- please join me on FaceBook.com - its not just a clone of MySpace, its simple, yet gives you so many cool apps and video capabilities..We can write notes & post in each others blog- I thought it would be perfect for us- who want to remain in touch- yet don't log into OH as much as we did . I will go first: 1. Donna 2. LAP RNY 3. 8-15-05 4. 22 MONTHS! 5. 327 6. 327 7. 150-160 8. 202 9. 202 10:S/F Ice Cream, Edys Straw-Ban Smoothie Pop, Seafood, grilled steak 11. Trying to remain focused on getting smaller & not necessarily losing weight. Also trying to watch portion control. When I have PMS- it seems like I want to eat all the time and so I try to make good choices- but I do notice I crave chocolate & salty things. I allow myself to indulge, but only during that week. 12: Handling it? THIS is the good news! I never really stopped exercising- I slowed down a bit- but then 4mos ago- I joined a new gym and began working with a personal trainer..We just took my measurements Tuesday - and I lost 5lbs and 9inches! -4.5 from hips/ -1.5 frm waist/ -1.5 frm chest/ -.5 from both calves / -.5 thighs/ and +1.00 in arms. I gained strength! And I feel better- I look better in my clothes- even though Im not a size 12- Im working on it. This week I also began doing Shakes again Like we did postop. I saw that on the Grad Board too. Ive been doing 50-120gms protein daily and one to 1.5meals a day. They say you reset your pouch like this. But I did lose 5lbs since Tuesday. And Im also doing a 4mile walk along the beach- tryng to make it 2-3x a week. THAT is awesome in itself. I never thought I could do 4 miles and not have it bother me the next day- good shape huh? And I'm leaving for the Carribbean next week! I'm going to St Kitts/ Guadaloupe and returning July 1!! and then July 16 is my Birthday-so Im looking forward to the next month.. !! Hope you all are doing well- and do the posting!! Hugs ~ DONNA ~

Hey Torrey! What part of those almost 100 lbs you lost didn't you do on your own??? If we follow WW, Atkins, Jenny Craig - do we give them the credit or ourselves? Why do we allow ourselves to fall into society's issue of 'we took the easy way out"? YOU followed the plan, you exercised, you asked for the help. YOU!! Not a doctor, not your spouse, etc. Congrats on what YOU'VE accomplished and do your best sweetie to get over the anemia hump... it's got to be hard to overcome the lack of energy that gives you, but even a slow walk for an hour is better than an hour on the couch (as I sit here on my computer LOL) Dawn

Hi Carrie, First, sorry you're so frustrated. I know I hate when I start exercising regulary because the first thing that happens is that I gain weight due to the muscles retaining water to offset the new stuff I'm expecting of them. If I give a couple of weeks they get with the program and off it comes. Second, STOP comparing yourself to anyone else!!! Cheeze girl, you're 6' tall. You're not going to weigh 150, unless of course you're looking to be anorexic or something. A friend that is 5'8" is at about 160 and wearing size 10's - she looks AMAZING! Based on the numbers you got from the doctor's office (assuming that's where you got your body fat tested) you're doing better than I am - and I'm at goal, so give yourself kudos for converting that fat to muscle - hence why folks are asking if you're still losing weight - muscle takes up less room. You also can say you've basically kept the weight off for a year. When was the last time you said that? Third, get consistant. We all know the yo-yo thing is the hardest on our body and your body is telling you that by not being consistant it doesn't know what to do. Were you given good guidelines from your doctor for post-op eating? If so, go back to the meal plan you were given for the about 7 weeks post-op to goal timeframe. Stick to it, keep the exercise regular, and if after 6 weeks you're still yo-yoing or not moving, then go back to the doctor. If you weren't given great guidelines, feel free to try my doctors - 8 glasses of water (no drinking for an hour after eating) minimum, 3 meals a day - 75% protein, 25% everything else. Once you reach maintainance - add a protein snack if needed to stop weight loss. Finally, you may not be able to do anything about your arms, stomach, etc., even if you lose another 100 lbs - they may actually get worse. Depending on your skin's elasticity, you may have saggy skin for the rest of your life (THANK GOD for clothes) unless you can afford plastic surgery. The swimsuit thing is obviously an issue, but think of how much better you look than 150 lbs ago! Find the joy again in your successes. We have been given such a great tool and a chance to change our lives for the better. You can do it - just don't give up on yourself. Dawn

its hard true but from a recovering alcoholic i want to tell you do not start a new addiction you will have problems. i just had my surgery may 9 2007 . talk to a professional if you think your getting out of sorts. paula2