Khalilah, I agree with Connie. You need to really research this surgery. It took me 3yrs to decide to have Gastric Bypass surgery and am very happy with the results but, I weighed 250lbs and am 5'2", so I was alot bigger than you with BMI of 42. Also, I was 56yrs. old. You are still young and not that big to think of this surgery. I don't know what you have tried but, sensible eating and exercise might help to get you started. Before you can have the surgery you must be l00lbs overweight and lose 10% of the weight your weight before you can have the surgery--at least where I had mine done. Really think about it as it is a lifelong commitment. Roberta in California

I'm 23yrs.old,and my friend just had the surgery. A month ago. She been trying to convince me to do it. I am 5'5 and I am 228lbs.,my BMI also currently 37.9 . I am very afraid of being cut. I've been scared;with the "Disaters". (that occur in the E.R.'s.) My husband really does'nt approve of gastric bypass surgery. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes,during my pregnancy. It was controlled by p.m insulin and diet. After my pregnancy I was in a size 11/12. Before my pregnancy I was in a size 13/14. I gained back more lbs. I am now in a size 15/16. Oh! I'm 1 pt. away from being diabetic. PLEASE RESPOND BACK NEED HELP !

I tried to post this a couple of weeks ago. Now that we are all at the almost two years out milestone, what do you have to say for yourself? Me--grateful to have lost 100 lbs, grateful to be moving again, grateful my lab work looks so much better than it did, grateful that I'm not hurting in my feet, knees, ankles, and back like I was before the surgery. I physically feel years younger. I would like to lose about 20 more lbs, but I am very happy with my outcome so far. Without the surgery, I think I'd be on a walker or in a wheelchair by now. Now, I have stamina, I'm no marathon runner, but I can shop till I drop now. What do you have to say? connie

Hi All, First of all, I'd like to say that I have been really missing my AMOS family and I'm BACK! I realize that I need to be here for support and to remind me what I went through to have the surgery. So, I'll be around more from now on. I know why I have been away. I am not doing what I'm supposed to be doing to lose the rest of this weight.I must be No excerise for one thing. I have osteoarthritis in my back and knees. It's really bad. I get cortisone injections in both knees and I had an epidural in my spine. It helps, but I am still in agony. So, what can I do for excercise? Any suggestions? I'm considering Curves, to see if I can handle there routine. Another thing is that I make poor choices in my meals. At first, I ate certain things, because some foods wouldn't stay down. I needed the foods that were higher in fat content. It's still like this, somewhat. If it's too dry, like some chicken and some fish, I don't digest it I don't eat very much, but I eat an ice cream cone almost every night. I don't eat any sugar in the day and I'm trying to use my protein bars for my treats. Some of them are pretty tasty. I have got to get off of the sugar......completely. I know I can find sugar free treats to satisfy me. I just have to "DO IT!" I really need your help. I drink a protein shake in the morning, first thing, but I add some carmel topping to it. Not a lot, but I have to stop this insanity. I drink an Atkins Advantage shake in the afternoon and eat a protein bar. This comes out to be about 72 grams of protein, plus my food. How much should I get these days? I was told between 80-100 grams, I think. I'd appreciate any help or advice from you guys. I am at about 240 LB down from 412 LB. I think this is pretty damn good, but I want to lose another 50 LB. I know I can do it, too. God Bless You!

Congrtulations Joe!! Keep us posted! My anniversary date is 09-08-03!! Laura