Way to go Jessie. You look great. Your attitude is an inspiration. Mary Beth 283/213/150

Hey Fran!! You are doing awesome.. .keep up the good work.. I hear that Curves is a fantastic place to work out. I hope your back feels better.

Ugh, don't even get me started on excess skin. My arms are hideous and my stomach.... if I had been heavy all over in the same way I'm sure the excess skin wouldn't be such an issue but since I carried the majority of it in my stomach.. .can you say wrinkly blanket (not apron)... it already looks gross... and I still have 45-60 more lbs to go. bleh. I really really hope insurance will cover this tt... and yes, I do believe you should wait until you have stablized your weight-loss for at least 6 months of losing b4 thinking of surgery. Just think of it like this.. at least you look fantastic in clothes!!! darn summer season! -Sheri

Your perspective on comparing yourself to others is refreshing and inspiring -- especially since I know this is a very real challenge for many of us (whether we perceive ourselves as successful, "slow losers," or right on target). Exercising like an athlete might be a bit lofty a goal, for what it's worth. If you can work in a couple bouts of cardio a week, if you're not doing that already, you'd be on the right track. (Sure, the ideal is more exercise, but the ideal also can be very hard to achieve; personally, I'm searching for a way to make the doable approach the ideal). My surgeon always tells his patients at support group meetings that everybody's weight loss is different. We didn't gain weight in the same way and the same time frame; we're not going to lose it at the same speed either. And, of course, we all rationally understand that. And, we all see that represented at support groups and online too; there is great variance among all of us as to how quickly we are losing. That you've been able to recognize this emotionally as well as rationally is really impressive. Jen.

Patti, I just have to say your line about sharing a seat on the airplane practically had me falling out of my chair laughing. I remember that feeling; airplane rides are not the torture they once were, and for that I'm extremely grateful. Your outlook is really great and encouraging. Congrats on your weight loss - and on the size 18s. (BTW, I've discovered a new challenge in the clothes department: After years of settling for "this doesn't look too bad," or just searching for clothes that fit and buying them, I find myself unable to deal with trying on scads of clothes, all of which fit. Before, the clothing choices were narrowed for me; now, unless I want to go bankrupt, I have to actually decide what looks best on me, since the fit isn't as much of a factor. It's an adjustment, for sure, though one I'm happy to make). Jen.