I started at *gulp* 470 and I had my surgery Aug 3rd today is my 9 month anniversary. At christmas I was down 108 lbs and right now I am down 145 so I have lost only 37 lbs since christmas. I am currently 325, but several weeks ago the scale said I was 315 however the number was jumping around on the digital scale and took a while to settle on 315 so maybe it was inaccurate. I have been extremely depressed lately, feeling like I am failing, I feel like I am not doing near as well as I should and I feel like I am not going to lose anymore weight. My doctor said I should end up around 240 but if I am at 325 now and barely losing I do not see how I could ever get to that point. Do not get me wrong I was bursting out of a size 32 and now 26 is big on me, so that makes me quite happy, however I really wanted to eventually see a size in the teens and I am very depressed about it. Has anyone experienced this same type of thing? I drink about 6- 16 oz waters a day and I do not eat very much at all. However lately I have began to experience actual hunger, which I never had before. My stomach will actually grumble with an empty feeling and I know most say they never experience hunger again. I feel like my stomach might be stretching or something. I do not know why I feel so upset about this I should be so happy. Does anyone have any insight into this? Also, I know that most people say they love shopping and seeing what they can now fit into, but I HATE it with a passion. I feel like I want to cry when I try on things, especially things with short sleeves. My bat wings are AWFUL, and they look disgusting... every short sleeved shirt that I have tried on just looks so bad. My sagging skin is really getting horrible. I put on my bathing suit from last year and sobbed. I feel like I need a whole body reconstruction and my insurance will only cover tummy tuck. Maybe I will win the lottery so I can eventually look human again. Anyone with any similar issues, or comments about this please comment back here or email me [email protected]. Thanks! Julie

Hi Pam! I know what you mean about a rut! I feel like I am in one too.... I am eating pretty much the same stuff each day/week. I am exercising the same way more or less. And I am NOT losing much--5 or 6 pounds per month this last few months. I am in the process of trying to shake things up a bit--try new foods, different exercise methods (like push mowing our 2 1/2 acre yard) and such. I'm hoping that this along with the warm weather and more opportunities to SWEAT will help get me moving (as in the scale) faster again... Glad to have you aboard! Lea

Hey! We have the same surgery date! How has your loss been lately? I've only lost 31 pounds since Jan 1st and, after losing 110 by then, I really expected the quicker loss to stick around at least a little longer! I have been losing inches, but that is harder to notice as you have to whip out the measuring tape and figure it all out as opposed to just stepping on a scale! Hugs, Lea

I haven't posted in awhile but I would like to join the challenge. I am only 9lbs from goal but have not excercised to firm up or increase energy. My daughters wedding is Aug. 3 in Texas HOT so I would like to be able wear some sleeveless outfits to stay cool. But hate for my "wings" to show. My loss has slowed down drastically since I hit 6 month mark. Dr. said he was fine where I was at 6 months 65% of weight lost. He said I may only lose 10 or 15lb more pounds but still lose inches. I have only lost about 6lbs this month but have dropped an entire size in 3 weeks. I never know what I am going to do. I was stuck for 6 weeks then lose a couple then bounce up then stick. I am so close but at times it feels so far. I haven't excercised at all except for some walking arthritis & back pain are still an issue pain in my right hip keeps me from being enthusiastic about excercise. I am using a TENS unit for pain relief. I really miss anti inflamatories. Let'**** the Gym!

Hi! I've added you to the list and you make 67 people in the challenge! All future messages pertaining to this challenge group will be posted to the main board and will have "July 4th Mini-Challenge" as part of the message subject line. We'll be having a weekly roll call on Mondays, so try to check in each Monday or Tuesday to update your current weight and answer any question of the week that is part of the roll call message! The clock is ticking and we have 65 days to work toward our goals! Hugs, Lea