Thank you, I'm not alone! My surgery date was Oct. 21, 2002. I lost 170# and have so far gained 13 back in the last 2 months. I am right now 265# and was hoping to get under 250#, not start gaining it back before reaching my goal. I've complained to my surgeon since the very beginning that I can "really put it away" His response was always, "well, you're losing weight aren't you?" That was fine and dandy until now, when my window has closed and I'm putting the weight back on. How are you all dealing with this? I'm just depressed and feel doomed! If anyone wants to chat, my email is [email protected]

Wow! You are looking great. What an accomplishment 210 lbs is. Keep up the good work. Becky

Had surgery on Oct 7, 2002. Lost 101 lbs during my first year. Lately I have gained 19 lbs. Recently got back on protein first plan and I am dropping weight again now. I know my problem was cookies every night. I did not eat many cookies before surgery! I think this just goes to show us that surgery is our weight loss TOOL not CURE! I know we can all do it. Stick to protein, lay off the carbs and exercise. Seems so simple but old habits do come back. Especially when sweets do not bother you! Best wishes to all.

Today is 6 years that I had my RNY by Dr. Stainly Klein in Torrance Ca. I have lost about 160 lbs, still struggle with a few lbs here and their, but who am I to complain. I actually have a few size 8's in my closet and I even tried on a pair of jeans the other day that were 6. My feet are bigger then that!!! I guess comming from a size 28 1/2 that is a big deal. Life for me has changed alot. 3 years ago, I took a leap of faith, moved from L.A. to Phoenix for a man(oh my), good news is, we are newlyweds since November 1st, . I was 2 months before my 48th birthday and this was my first marriage and my first true love. I am so glad I waited for Mr. Right and not just Mr. Right Now. Life as I know it over the past 6 years has changed so much. I have had the highs and lows, but nothing compares to life as a 312lb person who was just existing from day to day, eating my self to death. I have to keep being reminded that I am not the same big person because some people will say, you are so little I cant beleive you were ever that fat. That word little was never uttered in my life as it related to me. Some things even 6 years later are still foreign to me. I guess I was fat for so many years that it may take that long to get use to this way of life. I actually still find myself over compensating for space and slamming my hip into something. I guess when I was fat, I always had to figure out how I was going to slip past things. I feel so fortunate to have been so blessed to have this surgery and to have had the experiences that I have had. I still have my ups and downs, life is life, but the one thing I dont have to worry about anymore is "Am I going to die soon from all this weight" While I dont log into the support system very often, its nice to know that its here. I wish all who are waiting for surgery good luck, please make sure you have a very very experienced surgeon and all who have had it, I hope you are well and happy in your new body. There are also some of us out their that still struggle with our weight even with the surgery and I say, hang in their and remember how you felt at your lowest weight. No matter what weight we are, we are loved..... Susan RNY Open 3/30/98

HI ALL YOU GREAT PEOPLE, WELL OCTOBER WAS A YEAR FOR ME. AND FOR ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO THINK I'LL NEVER BE SKINNY---------- I WENT FROM A SIZE 22 TO A SIZE 4 OR A 2......... CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT . WELL I WAS ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM IM DOING GREAT I LOVE ME . AND DR. COOPERSTONE I LOVE YOU TOO.