Hello Everyone... Well I read the message board all the time and see how wonderful you all are doing. I admire each of you for getting the surgery and making such a great change in your lives. I had my surgery on September 12, 2003 and as of now I have lost 86lbs. I am very happy with the results of the surgery for myself. I have the fear everyday that I might do something or eat something that will cause me to all of a sudden start-gaining weight. I try to watch what I am eating but at this time I am able to eat just about what ever I want. I wont try to eat anything that has sugar in it. I am also staying away for all fountain sodas. That was always my biggest weaknesses so there is no way I want to try them now. What if I am able to eat or drink them with out any type of effect??? Then it will be so easy to continue eating or drinking them. I guess I am just playing it safe. Here are a few things I am having problems with that I was wondering if any of you are experiencing? My hair is really falling out by the handfuls now. I take a shower and I have to clean the hair off my hands several times. I thought that by now the hair loss should start to slow down some? I have 5 children so it is hard for me to find the time to go to a gym. I do my best here at home with my exercises but I know I really need to be doing more. It is so hard for me to drink my protein drinks. Its not that I don't like them I just don't want them. Also I do feel that I have lots more energy now so I get busy and do as much as I can around the house or outside and then before you know it I am just wore out and wanting to take a nap. Its like I will have a great day and be up and doing everything I can then after a day or two of that I am in bed exhausted for a day. Well I would really love to hear if any of you are having the same problems. And also I would love to hear about how much you all have lost now. Hope to hear from you all. Fellow loser, Shella

Hello Kristy, Congrats on the weight loss!!!! I imagine you are feeling awesome, and so good about yourself. I had my surgery on the 19th of Sept and I have lost 90 lbs, but it has slowed down significantly. I also am making sure I try and exercise frequently. You are in the normal range and doing well. I hope we can visit further along our journey. How is your hair doing, and your skin? Hope to hear from you soon. Cathy Cutler [email protected]

I too am finding that I am able to eat more, and I am always worrying about overeating or stretching my pouch. Will the feelings of defeat ever leave us? I also can eat anything really. Some things make me feel nauseated a little but nothing major, I have yet to throw up since the surgery, and sometimes I think that is good, other times a curse. No food scares me!! I liked it before when we weren't hungry, didnt really crave much, didnt eat much. Now it is like that person with the bad habits is lurking in the shadows. So I am always afraid this loss is a short term dream. I am impressed with your workout schedule. Keep up the good work. Cathy Cutler

5 months out as of yesterday. Last time I weighed, last week, I'd lost 96 pounds! michelle 358/262/160

Hey Diana! Thanks so much. It's great to see another tall girl gettin' supermodel slim! I too wish I couldn't tolerate sugar... did my doc do this bypass after alll? hehehe JK. It's just all mental... Once I'm passed this weight area I'm sure my craziness will pass. I know I am doing exceptionally well and I don't dismiss that.... it's just me getting caught up in past fears. Thanks again!