I was relieved to see I'm not the only one going through some struggles with food issues, food demons, grazing, etc.!!! Thank you to all who posted!!! Evening grazing has become a real struggle. I do fine during the day, but it seems like I'm eating something every hour on the hour after 5 pm!! It's become VERY apparent to me the surgery is only a tool and unless I remember that...I'm heading down a very dangerous path... I'm going to check in here regularly, gang. It's helpful to communicate with people who are at the exact point in this journey as yourself.... Right now, it scares me to death as to how much it seems I can eat. For so long, I couldn't go beyond 3-4 oz of dense protein without my pouch sending me signals. Now, I make myself stop after 6 oz....and not because my pouch is rebelling!!! I wonder if I killed it?? Looking forward to some September 2004 buddy checks!! Beth At goal and not wanting to let it slip away.....

yayyy pam I am thrilled for you about your progress in the last three months. It's very inspiring! What did you think of Paris?? I'm sure it was a blast, but did you like it there? Keep up the fantastic work! You are making me realize the value of that exercise!~ Love, Sue

Hi All, Just wanted to share my great report from the doctor. In the past 3 months I have lost 15 lbs. of fat and gained 3 lbs. of muscle!! My doctor and I both are thrilled, and this puts me only 12 lbs. from my goal weight. I NEVER thought I would be able to say that I am 12 lbs. from my goal!!! Also, I had a "most expenses paid" trip to Paris France the end of May and the first of June, and we walked 8-10 miles every day. Not only did I "keep up", but one of my friends thought that I faired better than anyone else!!! Two years ago I would not have even been able to fit into a plane seat to fly to France, much less walk all over the city for 8 days straight!!! Being thin is GOOD!!! Hugs to all, Pam

Hi Teri, Wow we are dealing with the same problem.. stop snacking, keep exercising...and yes, make time for ourselves!! I can so relate. Congrats on getting "the girls" done.. mine are like pita bread (my mom's analogy!) so it's pretty sad, thank goodness for a good bra! But my lower half bothers me way worse, so that is what I am considering a priority, if I do decide on getting some "work" done. I hope we can jump start our group and our motivation and get those stubborn few pounds off that want to creep back. Stay in touch! ~Sue

Hi Ruth, it's so nice to hear from you! You look great! I agree with you re: the grazing... it is awful, it is a terrible habit that is guaranteed to sabotage us if we arent careful.. I am so struggling with that. I read some of your profile and re: the bulimia stuff... I can totally understand how that can happen. In my case, I am unable to throw up at all, unless something is stuck and hasnt already gone down. I think it's because of my silastic ring that I have around the stoma. So believe me, there are many times I wished I could, since I was way too full and wanted to turn back time. I seriously dont know what's going to happen if I ever get stomach flu or food poisoning, since I dont think I am physically capable of vomiting anymore...But I am proud of you for facing that demon and overcoming it. You have to stay strong and realize that is NOT the answer for us.. we have to keep ourselves from overdoing it like that in the first place, and not be filled with regret after over-indulging on a regular basis. Keep in touch. I really want to revive our little board... ~Sue