Vicky, CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!! Those 10 lbs will be gone before you know it! Keep up the great work and hats off to you! Carolyn Sue

Hi Everyone: It's another Friday in Jesse's Neighborhood so here is the latest. Today marks 40 weeks since my surgery and for the third week in a row I'm in a holding pattern at 195 pounds. I'm really not worried about not losing any weight over the past three weeks because I have exceeded my wildest expectations. My surgeon's goal was for me to lose 120 pounds and my goal was to get to 225 pounds so being 195 is way beyond what we both expected. My PCP wants me to stop losing despite the fact that I'm the healthiest I've been in at least 10 years and my cardiologist is very proud of me. See, being "stuck" at 195 is not bad after all. If I lose another couple of pounds I will be happy and if I don't I will be happy. Till next time, Jesse 373/195/-178

I am addicted to crossing my legs! makes me feel 'cool', crazy heh? how about the surprise you feel when you: see yourself in the mirror; stand in front of a mirror and can see the light shining thru between the top of your legs; walk past clothes in the store that look tremendous and upon looking at the size tag being surprised they are a size 16 and you used to wear 24/26; buying a size 12 YIKES!! because it is a great price and you will fit in it soon and when you try it on to see how tight it is, it actually almost fits; sitting in a chair and realizing there is room on both sides of your now non existent butt; catch yourself moving fast/walking fast..wow I could almost forget my hidden under clothes flab when these things happen. carol RNY LAP 9/3/04 288/187

JulieAnn, thanks for your candor. One line in your post especially stood out for me. You said: "I am happy for all of you, I just wish that my story didn't have to be an un-successful story." But you haven't been unsuccessful at all. Eight-seven pounds is a heck of a lot of weight, and you've lost it in less than a year, hopefully forever. I realize that in support group settings - whether online or in person - the atmosphere can seem competitive at times. I think, perhaps, that's partly because some people are especially goal-oriented and thrive in such an environment. Of course, it's not good at all when that feeling undermines your own success, which is tremendous. We can all advise you not to compare yourself to others. And you know that rationally it's not the best idea. But knowing you shouldn't compare your weight loss to that of others and then actually not doing it are obviously two different things. We really are all different. Some folks lose tons of weight very rapidly post-op. Some folks lose more slowly. Some folks were lightweights to start out. Some folks had 200+ excess pounds to get rid of. Some folks never exercise and lose rapidly regardless. Some folks take to military-like exercise regimens and find the pounds coming off slow. Some folks are short, some folks tall. Some people have small frames, while others are bigger boned. There are SO many variables and factors that make us unique in this weight loss process. To the extent that it's possible, please don't compare how far you've come with others' achievements. You are unique. The way you gained weight is unique. The way you lose it will be too. Good luck as you move forward on this journey. You really are doing great - even if it's sometimes easy to doubt that. Jen.

thanks guys!!! Of course, today is food day at work and I had a bit of what I shouldn't but eh, nothing too major. heheheh Yay!!!