Have you had plastics??? Either way, you've had great results - either your scars are invisible or your skin has shrunk beautifully!! --BT

Dearest Barb, I feel for you in so many ways. Trust that getting help is the first step. The rest are difficult too. Our tool of fast loosing can last up to 18 months. Mine quit working in August and I have gained and lost the same 3-5 pounds since then and am stable( I think) at 160. Please keep busy: Exercise helps with not being happy as it produces a wonderful chemical release that makes you feel good( I know this to be true from running 5-6 days a week. But keep busy too, with other things, work, find hobbies, going out to do things with friend****ting a few meetings: Overeaters annonymus( folks there totally understand the eating issu.I went quite a while when I lived in the States) Get support. Come on here every day. commit to a daily food plan and committ to eating only what you say and not a piece more. Boy as I write, I sure am talking to myself too, Barb, Thanks for the posting. Maybe some of these tools can help me with my last 10-15 pounds I want to loose!! Above all: Take care of you...find ways to spoil yourself and treat yourself as the special person you are.( I know it sounds so easy and YES< I feel hypacritical writing this as I need to do it all TOO) Barb, Know you are a very special person and one whom I am always overjoyed at hearing from. Ihope is some small way, I can learn from you. BRAVE BRAVE woman!! Know I admire and respect you so much. hugs from Germany, jacqueline

I, too, have been eating more and just can't seem to quit. Fortunately I'm still in my 2 pound buffer, but I know I'm eating more. Part of me wonders if it is "normal" at this point in our post op lives??? When is that bounce back supposed to come? Barb, I do have to say that exercise helps. I've read that for evey pound of muscle you gain your body expends 60 calories, just maintaining it. So 10 pounds of muscle is 600 calories. I've been doing weight training and really do believe it has pumped up my metabolism. I try to do weight training 3 times for about 30 minutes and cardio 4 times a week for 30 or 40 minutes. It really comes down to an hour in the gym 4 out of 5 work days. It is doable. I know you've been exercising, but have you tried weights? Hang in there... Courtney

Good morning amy - you have mail!!!

I'm so happy for you and hubby - the holidays will certainly be special for you both this year. Good luck with your santa wish - I'm sure since you've been such a good girl things will go your way in no time! hugsssssss....Linda