me i lost about 100 pounds 7 months out..then just 15 since....i am 11 months out...what really really has worked for me is the south beach diet..it is way better than atkins and i have lost 4 pounds in just a week.....so i believe it works...but everyones different..i got the idea from other post ops on plateus...hugs Dawn

A year ago, I climbed onto a table in the middle of an operating room in New York. I was cold, I was scared and my heart was racing. I emerged from that surgery with a newly designed intestinal system. Now, a year later, I'm emerging from the cocoon of fat I'd lived in for years. And, let me tell you, I feel absolutely wonderful! I'm young -- still 26 -- and unmarried, so I don't have a huge number of *big* meaningful, joyful moments in my life. I don't have a wedding day to celebrate. I can't yet look back on the birth of a child with joy. But I celebrate my surgery Sept. 9, 2003 -- what has arguably been the biggest, most important moment of my life so far. In the past year, I've gone from a 257.2-pound woman wearing a size 24/24W and with a BMI of 42.8 to, as of this morning, a 134.5-pound woman who is generally a size 6 (I wear 4s and 8s too) and has a BMI of 22.38. I've lost 122.7 pounds (nearly half of myself) -- but I've gained a whole lot more. Frankly, I'm still discovering just how much. Like Patti and so many others of you, I absolutely love to shop for clothes now. I actually worry I might have found a new addiction, though at least now I can justify my shopping with real need ****il I hit last weekend's sales, I essentially had no winter clothes). Like Sheri and others have discussed on this board, I've had troubles along the way strictly adhering to my new diet and lifestyle. My weight climbed roughly 10 pounds a month ago after I began using Ortho-Evra and binged my way through a vacation and a subsequent cold (it is *feed* a fever, right?) Even if the bulk of that was water weight from the hormones, the gain was a real wake-up call. I was terrified that I'd regain the weight I lost, something I obviously never want to have happen. I've since been able to recover from the weight gain (and lose a few more pounds on top of that), but clearly, maintaining this weight loss and this healthy lifestyle will take constant vigilance -- for the rest of my life. But I am ready to be vigilant. I am prepared to do what it takes. I am so grateful that I was able to have this surgery a year ago, and I do not want to squander that gift. For kicks, below, I'm linking to a set of before/after photos on my personal site, since my mugshot hasn't yet changed for the boards. Every day I delight in my new shape, size and ability. Although the transformation has been more than just physical, before/after pictures capture an important part of the process. Thanks to every one who contributes to this message board. I read posts regularly (even when I'm not posting myself), and it's so encouraging to read the joys, the troubles and the stories of others on this same amazing journey. Jen. BEFORE: http://www.ace-reporter.com/bariatric/smallbeforecompilation.jpg AFTER: http://www.ace-reporter.com/bariatric/smallaftercompilation.jpg MY PERSONAL SITE (w/ more pics and data): http://www.ace-reporter.com/bariatric

Kim, congratulations -- on your weight loss and your pregnancy! This really is a rebirth! Jen.

Congrats girl!! Happy re-birthday!!!

Thanks lynn and all you guys!!! I will try the protein shake and try to go back to basics.... I have kind of found another alternative... and that's being in a new relationship.... hehehe... My gosh, what nerves and anxiety and excitement can do for you. My year anniversary will be on sunday.. and I had a self-imposed goal to lose exactly half of my body weight by that time. I was 350... as of today I am 178. I'm only 3 lbs away and I'll take it!!! My bmi is 24.8. I am in the healthy weight range, finally!!! I think within the next 6 months I would like to be able to get to 160 but then that's the lowest I want to go. I think I can do 15 lbs. in 6 months. Thanks again guys for all your supportive comments and suggestions.... I'm so glad you are here!!! -Sheri 350/178/175 was size 32 am 12