Weight at morning of surgery: 286.5 Weight today: 176.9 Total lost since Surgery: 109.6 Weight lost prior to surgery: 0 TOTAL LOST: 109.6

Weight at morning of surgery: 295 Weight today: 171 Total lost since Surgery: 124 Weight lost prior to surgery: 13 TOTAL LOST: 137 I'm now wearing a size 6/8 on the bottom, size 12 on top. Went from 52C bras to 38DD (though they're nothing but empty bags LOL). It's so wonderful to be able to wear button-down shirts that don't gap in front! Went from a 54-44-56 figure to a 41-32-41. I'm going to my 20th high school reunion in a few weeks and I'm thinner now than I was in high school No complications other than an existing lymphaedema in my legs that is gradually getting better. The docs believe it was a condition from before surgery that I never noticed but as time goes by it should improve. In the last several weeks I went to amusement parks, rock concerts and outdoor cafes. Sat on rickety folding chairs without worrying about them breaking. Walked up and down steps without passing out. Went skydiving for the first time. Am currently enjoying the 90+ degree weather without horrible irritations in my "folds" and without sweating if I move more than a few feet. Bought sexy clothing at Victoria's Secret and it wasn't the "biggest" size there. And as a result of that last one, discovered some really great "positions" with DH (who is 7 months out and 125 down himself). The skin thing isn't as bad as I thought it would be particularly in my middle. My husband jokes that I now have three asses (but that's OK, with what he's lost, so does he). My upper arms have batwings from hell so that's something I MIGHT mull correcting in a year or so. Until then, thank goodness for 3/4 sleeve shirts! I think the weirdest thing is something I never really expected and that is that I'm no longer "visible". When I'd go out shopping or to a mall or to an event, it was always a subtle reaction from people who noticed "the fat girl". The sidelong glances, especially at the supermarket, were always there but to be honest I didn't care much. It was only once that was gone that like the toothache you just learned to live with, you really start to notice its absence. Nobody "sees" me anymore, which is totally fine by me. I am happy to be just another face in the crowd...if anyone notices me it's because of ME...not because of the external baggage I carry around. It's a very fine point but one that has become very obvious over the last couple of months. Does anyone else feel that way? Best wishes to everyone!

Christine, What does your surgeon say? You can't compare yourself to anyone here or in your life for that matter. We all lose at different rates. Plus, RNYer's tend to lose faster than Lap Banders (not every time but more often than not). Are you exercising? Avoiding carbs? Getting in your protein? Getting in your water? Another thought is this: do you attend support groups? If so, maybe you can talk with other Bandster's and see how they are doing. But, first and foremost I would call your surgeon and maybe even see the nutritionist. Please stay connected! It helps our success! Hugs, Karen

Karen- I am not doing as well as you. I am getting a little discouraged also. I had my surgery september 15th and have lost 43 pounds so far. That is good I admit, but it could be so much better. I see how many people are losing close to 100 pounds in a year and I am nowhere near hitting that goal. What can I do to speed things up? Do I need to eat MORE or more often? I have 8 cc's in a VG band. I have been avoiding the Obesity Help website because it is a reminder of how poorly I am doing. Christine

I haven't checked onto this boards in months! Here are my details: Weight at morning of surgery: 223 Weight today: 116 Total lost since Surgery: 107 Weight lost prior to surgery: 3 TOTAL LOST: 110