HI. Try not to compare yourself to others. We are all different. I had my surgery on 9/22/03 and have lost 90 lbs. I was 387 to start and now just went under the 300 mark. It was a great milestone for me. As long as the weight goes down and not up, I wouldn't worry. It's coming off faster than ever before for me and probably for you also. Try increasing your activity (I like that word better than exercise.) - try walking in a tranquil place like a park or by the water or in sand for a great workout. Perhaps walking the malls works for you. I have had trouble with finding time to walk, so I park the car farther away than I used to from where I have to go. That helps. I have started some hand weight exercises during lunch with 3 other people at work. This encourages me to keep doing it as they miss me when I don't join in. These are some of my suggestions for you. But do not fret - you will get there. Be happy and proud with what you have already accomplished - you are a tremendous success already - so embrace it. Good luck. - Priscilla Mar****io.

Hi Shella, Just getting in from work early tonite so thought I'd drop in to see what was happening. I had open rny Sept 30, 03. I have lost 118 lb and 60 in. I also find it hard not to try some of the things I had before. Especially chocolate at that time of the month also. I am bad, I have been drinking my soda for about 4 months now, only diet 7up or caf free diet pepsi, i pour it over a glass full of ice and let it sit for a few min to flatten out, doesn't taste as good being watered down, but, I do it as a treat after I finish the house work or the laundry on Sat. I haven't done much by way of exercising either. I work graveyard and sllep days while hubby and kid in school, then cook and clean, time to go back to work. Although we have ventured out on the bikes a few times, so we put new bikes and a carrier for my car in layaway, hope to have them out this weekend, planning on riding at the local park, it has miles of trails, we got lost there the first time and very tired after 9 miles. LOL i don't really dump I could say, things all go down, nothing comes back up, but if it was wrong I feel it all the way thru to the end for hours, then i know not to try it again for a long time. Congrats on your lose, and keep up the good work. Patricia 314/196/185ish?

Thanks guys for all your replies, since I posted this I have went to the doc and had gained 5 flipping pounds! That puts my total loss at 87 lbs. I have went from a size 28 to a size 14 and from 258 to 171 and from 5 ' tall to 5' 2". I guess all in all I am not doing too dern bad but it does get discouraging. I havent lost any lbs but I have lost inches. You guys are all doing great and I appreciate all your well wishes and just listening to me whine! Its so nice to know I am not alone! Thanks for being my support and ya'll keep up the good work! Hugs, Carol

Hi Schtina, Congrats on your loss!!! I had my surgery on 9/4/03 and am down 122 pounds so far. I feel the same way as you, no regrets, would do it again in a NY minute. I havent needed my blood pressure medicine or pain medication for my back since shortly after surgery. I still have a ways to go but I bought my first pair of size 18 jeans in 25 years last week. Keep up the great success!!!

If anything, at least park your car out further when you go to the grocery store and maybe take the stairs at the mall instead of an elevator or walk up the escalator rather than coasting on up. Take baby steps. I've never posted here because I don't get out to the OH boards much but I'm 7 months out today and have lost 124 lbs. I workout 5 times a week. I also lead the support groups in my area and I see people like you, Rusty, come in and hope to get something and leave. I want to tell you that you haven't failed in the least and don't quit. This surgery is a tool not a cure. The only reason I go to the gym 5 days a week is because 1) I found a wonderful gym that makes you want to go, very nice facility (clean, big, almost luxurious, but not too pricey). 2) I have a fellow gastric bypass lady to workout with me (and hold me accountable) 3) the more I lose, the more I want to grab a hold of life and run with it. As far as doing everything right...double check with your doctor to make sure you do not have anything wrong. Also, you can always start over. I don't know what you initial plan was, soft foods for two weeks, etc, but you can always jump start the loss that way. My surgeon and doctor tell me when I think I'm on a plateau to change what I'm doing. Back off my workout a bit or vamp it up a notch. Back off the food or vamp it up, esp. my protein and vitamins. Make a change to kind of jump start your body back in gear. My personal opinion, being afforded the opportunity to have this surgery is motivation enough for me. I don't get another "redo" after this. I have to make sure this works. Also, you are not on a true plateau until you stop losing pounds AND inches. Hang in there! Force yourself to do baby steps. Park further away from the door each trip, then maybe walk around the building before going in. If you need to go to Sear's. Park at JCPenney's or something. Try to get in 15 minutes of walking before lunch then 15 minutes in the evening. Find a friend or relative to help you and hold you accountable. Also, reward yourself. Set goals and reward yourself. For me, it's a new shirt, a carwash, a pair of flip flops, new jewelry, pillowcases, WHATEVER. Never food!!! Cheer up! Hang in there, you can do this!!! You deserve it. Khaki