You look amazing, pat yourself on your back.. yes, I'm curious as to whether I'll make it to 150, I'm teetering at 180/179 right now, my surgery was two days before yours, 082206...I started at 338... down to well 180 ish... i need toupdate my ticker... My surgeons goal was 170 , so I'm close I see him on 072507... we actually have an 18 month window from what i understand so don't give up... keep in touch Judy

Ok..so it's 10 months and a couple-o-days...but better late than never. Here are some things I couldn't do pre-op that I now do at 10 months out (down from 310 on August 24, 2007 to 172 June 24, 2007): Run (i mean a full out run) for at least 3 minutes without turning bright red and falling because my knee/ankle gave out. Not too much huffing and puffing either if I do say so myself. Leave food on my plate and not grieve about it secretly for the rest of the evening or the next day sometimes. Squat to clean the front of the fridge/dishwasher /toilet etc. Sit on the floor and get up without assistance and or loud groaning and grunting. Put my seatbelt on effortlessly. Buy something off the rack at any store I choose. Take a compliment (not perfect at this..but getting better) Look myself in the eye when I look in a mirror and genuinely smile. Go to the doctor and be HAPPY to jump on that scale. Jump. Wear cute matching panty and bra sets. I know some of these things seem silly ... even vain. But I have to admit they are important. I think a little vanity is healthy....compared to zero vanity before RNY...which is self-destructive at best. For those few things...there are a million others that I experience daily and I am trying to make sure I acknowledge all the little things along with the big ones...any victory is worth celebrating and keeps my commitment to this tool fresh and utile. For all of those who went before me...and made my journey less scary - more exciting and fact-filled I thank you...thank you ....thank you.

Okay, the July 4th mini challenge is winding down and will end on Weds. The Labor Day challenge is starting now too. We are moving the conversations about the challenges to the Health forum at the advice of the OH staff. That will allow us to have a place we can bookmark and check regularly instead of having to chase down threads on the main message board... The info on joining the forum is at http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/a,messageboard/board_id,4856/cat_id,4456/topic_id,3 332761/action,replies/ The info on joining the Labor Day challenge is at http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/a,messageboard/board_id,4856/cat_id,4456/topic_id,3 333491/action,replies/ I won't be checking this thread to catch signups as it is too many places to check, so please post to the Labor Day challenge post. We'd love to have you join us!! Hugs, Lea

Is anyone else out there struggling with being out in the heat? I know I was told we were in danger of dehydrating faster after surgery but I had no idea how fast. I was at a motorcycle show last weekend and I couldn't stay out in the sun for more than 10 minutes at a time and was drinking water continously, I could hang in the shade ok for awhile but after 3 hours I was sick. I wasn't even sweating that's when I knew I was headed for trouble I have felt lousy and tired all week now. I have never been a "sun bunny" but this is worse than when I was obese. Anyone else?

Just hang in there... and get moving. It will do more for you than anything. Your moods and energy levels will be better with just alittle exercise. Keep on watch for the old habits sneaking in, they seem to just know when I am not looking! Sherryl