I think that exercise is key to continued success. You will naturally lose wt. with this procedure, but in order to lose more and tone up, you have to work for it. I feel that we have sacrificed a lot to get to where we are and the rewards are huge so if there is anything that can be done to improve those rewards, why not do it. For me exercise has become a way of life. If I don't exercise, I feel wasted, weak and lacking in something. I would have never said that a year ago. I used to resent exercise and it was not comfortable. I don't dump on sugars so it is easy for me to eat them, but you have to discipline yourself and be an example for yourself and others by telling yourself that you can succeed and that you will succeed. Find another outlet for your emotions. I don't have an exercise partner during the week, other than God and he is a great motivator to me. When I think I can't do anymore, I turn to Him and He lets me know I can do it and that I am worthy and beautiful and successful. Keep on trying!!!!!!

Patricia: The most important thing to do is to take action. We were given the gift of this surgery. It has allowed us to manage our obesity. We will always enounter setbacks. As long as we don't let the setbacks control us, we're fine. Don't allow yourself to be in "shame" anymore. Haven't we had enough of those feelings? I'm 1 year post and still losing and I know those "gains" are ahead. We need to support each other and make sure we take control right away. Don't be ashamed of yourself. Be proud of what you've accomplished and what you're continuing to accomplish. I'm thinking of you... Margalit

Happy Anniversary to all. One year has passed and my life has been wonderful. I am 1 year out today.I wore a size 26 and now am in a 12-14. It has been slow going for a while but thats ok. Its still going. I will see my surgeon on thurs. for my ck.up. I am down about 100 lbs. Aprox. I had lost weight before sugery. Was over 400 and I am at 238. My starting weight was 331 before sugery. My boss printed a picture of me one year ago and was teasing that he didnt know who was in that picture. Pretty Cool. I work in the school and kids that I had a year or two ago has gone crazy. They cant believe its me. I still have a ways to go but I will succeed. I feel like a new person. Again congratulations to all on our journey. Hope to hear from all of you. Marty

Donna, Congratulations on the weight loss. I too am coming up on my 1 yr ann. and just feel soooo much better and healthier. Keep up the great work!!! Isn't this the best thing we've ever done for ourselves??? Here's to a great second year. Robin

this can happen,, do a protein feast for three days... you do not have to do it in full liquid form... i dont would be tooo hard to do... protein feast gets rid of the carb monsters, and sugars... i can not do alot sugars anyway thank god for that, i also dont do carbs, i just stay away from them by choice... protein feast for three days either you can do it in liquid form and basically you get hungry drink a protein shake... i have heard of people that do up to 8 shakes a day sometimes more if needed... protein feast my way. you eat only items high in protein get back to the basics and measure that food out... then i also do protein shakes four times a day during my protein feast and i find it helps to jump start the system back again... i do this once in a while and i love it... one thing i have noticed that after a protein feast, my pouch seems to shrink back again... hope this helps you all out...