I have visited this board a couple of times before. My natural tendency...to try to do this all by myself! But, tonight I had such a craving to read and hear about people like me! I have so many insecurities about food. I guess a lifetime of eating disorders can do that. I know that sugery was a tool. We still can make choices that lead us back to our old patterns and ensuing weight gain! But I feel blessed, and hope that I don't have to walk down that road like that again. I nearly died from all the co-morbidities - and the choice for surgery was definitely not cosmetic!!! It's a long story, posted somewhere within my profile. I had surgery on September 29th. I have lost 188 lbs! I had so far to go though, I'm sure that is why so much. I weighed in the morning of my surgery at 479 lbs! I too believe the key to better weight loss is to keep the carbs to a minimum, and focus on protein and veges. I read something that makes much sense to me: The reason why we lose weight better on protein rather than carbs - is because when we eat carbs our body reaches for and uses them as our energy during our day. But when there are no carbs present - the body reaches into our fat stores and uses that instead to create energy. That made the most sense out of any explanation I have read. In other words, body will always choose carbohydrates first, if they are there!So when you eliminate the carbs and eat 2/3 protein and 1/3 vegges, you enable your body to burn fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. Good for me to hear! Good luck, and God bless! Tammy Rokosz Post Op from Utah

Hi Everyone: It's been 31 weeks since my surgery and for the second week in a row I have not loss any weight. The good news is that I have not gained anything either. Now before all you "experts" come out of the woodwork to impart your "expertise", please realize that I'm well aware that plateaus will happen in every weight loss journey. Please note the title of my post. I'M NOT STRESSING. In 31 weeks I have lost 158 pounds and 18 inches off my waist. In 10 previous years of weight loss attempts results like this has never happened. I am 10 pounds below my goal of 225 pounds and could not be healthier and happier for a 47 year old man. I can shop where I want and choose from a wide selection of clothing that was a pipe dream just a year ago. I can sit in a regular chair and have room to spare, I can sit in a booth in a restaurant with plenty of room to spare, I can sit in a coach airplane seat and fasten the seat belt and actually have to tighten it. I'm not looking to be rail thin because I was never rail thin. I'm maintaining my routine of Protein, Water and Exercise. In fact, the guys at the gym are very impressed with my progress in my weight training program. Not bad for a old guy. I feel great in the body I'm in and I know that the weight loss is slowing down. That's why I"M NOT STRESSING. Till next time Jesse 373/215/-158

Hi Sharon, You look great, Congrats!!!! Keep up the good work. I also have aways to go to get to goal but it has been well worth it. I know for me the weight loss has also slowed down but according to my surgeon last week, he assures me that we will continue to loose for the first year if not longer,just at a slower pace ( I had to ask as I was nervous because I had heard so much about the 6-months window) Thanks for sharing your joy!!!! Take care!

I will be 7months post on the 26th and feel great at the amount of weight I have lost, but I feel like I am reaching that plateau you all speak of and it's making me nervous, I've come too far to fall back now. Just wanted to share my joy, not at goal weight just yet but I'm hopeful I will make it there soon.

Acccckk...well thanks! What I have noticed in almost EVERY before and after pic I have seen...and I look at every one posted in the photo section...everyone looks happier in the after pics. The OH site was my catalyst to get this surgery...not only the photos...but they sure were an inspiration...but the profiles too. I think it is very important for people to use thier profiles and post pics...it gives a map and inspiration for those coming along behind us in this journey. Mary Beth