Sharon: Congratulations on your anniversary. I'm sure that it has been a wonderful experience for you and a very rewarding transformation. All the best as you embark on year two and good luck with the baby thing. Jesse

Hi Shere, I think everyone gave you good advice when they said try to get back to basics. You've worked too hard to not stay the course and to give in to temptation. We've all been down that road and don't want to revisit where we have been. I know you can do it, just dig down deep and draw from within - whatever motivated you to go this route is still there just get your head back to that place. Wish you luck, Patti

Hi Tammy, I am not a fan of protein bars - haven't found any that don't taste like chalk to me. Also, most have chocolate in them and I am one of the few who is not a fan. As far as what I eat, I eat almost anything I want. I mostly still follow the protein first rule though as that works best and also manages to take away cravings for other things. Most days, I have a protein shake for breakfast and either salad w/meats in it or just make rolls of cold cuts and cheese. Dinner is usually some meat and vegetables. I just returned from a week's vacation and have to admit I ate many things I wouldn't have eaten in the past. My husband who has been on Atkins for over a year hit every candy store and ice cream parlor in sight! I caved and did splurge on a few too many sugar-free butter crunch squares (no more than 1 per day, except the last day there) and did much wine tasting while in Napa and Sonoma. The good news is that I didn't gain any weight, the bad news is two-fold (a) I didn't lose any weight and (b) my husband gained about 15 pounds!!!!!! He's already lost 10 of it but still...... Besides eating the aforementioned junk, he also finished most of my meals since there was no opportunity to take home left-overs. Next week, it's back to Curves and I start back to my aquarobics class. Hugs, Patti

Hi Sharon! Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary, you have done well. I am fast approaching mine of Sept 23rd. Am down over 150 from my highest weight and about 130 from my pre-surgical. Had anyone told me that I would do this well, I would never have believed them. Hope all goes well in the conception department - enjoy the trying! All the best, Patti

Well I lost 102.6 since surgery and 112 from highest weight. Everything great no major complication. My husband and I are trying to conceive now. I made my surgeon goal to have a bmi between 30-25 which make me weight between 180-150. I'm at peace with that and will do the surgery again in a heartbeat I still stare at pictures I take because of the amazing changes of trying to recognize the new me. Sharon 278/268.6/166 (bmi 27.6)