Hi Michelle I've read thru the posts- but I am mostly like where you are- weight results wise and understand how upset you are- with your body and your self control. Like you- I started heavier than most people here SMO @325 with a 56% BMI..18mos out and Ive maintained my loss of 125 - but I wiggle between 203 and 200. Mostly eveyone has gotten into ONEderland but me. Plus I have friends who have done the WLS and in the time I was still waiting for continued weight loss- Ive had friends go from size 24 to 8 in a year..Its very frustrating. I feel like a failure - even though I went from a size 28 to a 14..and I can't seem to crack under 200!! Plus the guy Ive been dating- since Dec- just broke it off with me- so I really feel hurt. He wasn't my ideal- but he made me feel wonderful and I did for him. He said he couldn't be the guy I wanted him to be. That didn't trigger me in anyway- but emotionally I've been all over the place with friends..so I am learning- trying to stabilize my internal dialogue- thats what I think this is all about. CHanging the negative thought into positive action. What did I decide to do? About exercise? I never really stopped. I have been a proponet (here) and with my WLS group- to exercise.. I joined Ballys- 3 yrs ago- and had some personal training-learned some things- but going to the gym- or exercising without a plan- is like getting in your car without a map for a 3month trip. You need some basic support. When I realized I wasn't getting what I needed anymore - I joined a new gym- just 2/2. They offer 140 classes a week. WHEW! I took one and signed up. SO instead of me going to gym & exercising 30 mins on treadmill, 20 mins on stairmaster and doing some weights and swimming - say 2-3 times week.. I am NOW doing a min of 45mins Cardio + one class a day. Been doing it since 2/6 when I had my trainer assessment- and no exception- no excuses-and I just do it. I have to say- Its a short timeframe- but I can see the physical change in my body. The weight number is the same- but believe it or not- I can feel looseness in my waist and got into a size 14 pant set- that a friend gave me last year- that I could not get into since Sept.- so the activity increase has helped. Try doing something similar- take a goal you know you can make- say 20 min walk or 20 min treadmill.. then add 5 mins the next day and 5 mins more. Once you get into the routine- you will feel better about yurself- your mood will lighten- you won't feel guilty and be happy that you are making a positive change. Remember depression + guilt = overeating. So my thighs feel stronger, my waist looks flatter- my butt is rounder- so whats bad about this? I am MORE than a number on a scale- and so are you. I know I will be happier when I break this deadlock...But here is something else to know: you are not really on a plateau- if you are still losing inches or weight. Apparently the body is re-distributing weight. You are only on a plateau when your weight + have not lost inches for 4 solid weeks. I got that from the Fitness/Exercise Forum. So My recommendation is - 1)get in touch with a local WLS group- talk to others going thru this- its easy to feel alone. I have a great group- but have been blowing off the meetings & going tomorrow. 2) map out a plan you can start with. And every day is a new start- until you find it easy to keep in your schedule. 3) dont overwhelm yourself with negativity- it is the root of overeating . Instead listen to what your internal dialogue is saying- and write down a min of 6 reasons why you are super and loveable and wonderful- right now at 252- and right down 5 things you will do when you lose the next 10lbs. thats all Im foused on- short term 10lbs. I hope this has helped you- I know its kinda long- but you have also helped me get my head straight today. Im at work and putting these ideas down- has helped clear my mind as well. You can email me anytime- will be happy to chat etc. love Donna

Kate! You look fantastic! And trust me when I say, we all seem to be struggling with that last bit of weight. I think it's completely normal. I have my 18 month check up tomorrow and am scared as heck to see what their scale says. It always weighs heavier than anywhere else I get weighed! I am going to wear my lightest clothes possible! Congrats on the wedding! You will make a beautiful bride! Lori

Hi Kate, Congrats on the weightloss and the upcoming wedding!! I hit the 23 lbs to go this time last year and managed to lose them by the middle of May so if you do go back to those basics and up the exercise I'm sure you'll be right where you want to be. We've been given the best tool in the world and you obviously know how to use it. Don't be a stranger... we're pretty good at keeping each other accountable when we ask for it. Dawn

Happy Late Birthday! sorry i missed it! ive been recovery as you know and i havent been online much! You look awesome! i thought you were in your late 20's! did u get that sexy outfit? i wanna see pics! love u girl! kim

OOPS! thats supposed to be CONGRATULATIONS KEEPING IT OFF! HERE'S TO US!!!!!!!!!!! ~ DONNA ~