Hello there. I started at 217 and am now down to 157. I have been as low as 151, just couldn't break the 150 mark! I have seen a plastic surgeon for a full tummy tuck and hernia repair. He seems to think about 18 pounds will come off with that. Just waiting on insurance approval...and keeping my fingers crossed. I realize that this would be easier if I were to exercise regularly, but just can't fit it in. Perhaps with the kids back in school I will have more time. Of all the weight I have lost, none and I do mean NONE has come off my breasts. I was a 46 DD to start and I am now a 38 DD. I lost the fat around, but none of the breast tissue. The doc wants to do a breast reduction as well, but I don't think insurance will cover that one. But I can dream. Anyway, nice to see this board. Never found the anniversary board before.

You are NOT the only one. I started out at 330 and made it ALL THE WAY down to 256 before the rebound and now fluid retention has pushed me to 270. I know I have a scar, but did they DO anything in there??? I admit I have been a bad girl the last couple of months because I have been (still am?) depressed about the whole thing, but I am trying to bend over far enough to pull myself up by the boot straps. I am 5' 3" tall and started in a 26-28 am now in a 24-26. Most days I think why did I go thru all that? Any of this sound familiar? I am guessing it does. Hang in there, there has to be a solution somewhere. Elizabeth

Hi Melinda, It's been almost 2 weeks since your post, so you may have everything under control all ready!! I hope so!! We have reached what I consider the hard part of our journey...learning how to maintain without gaining. I find myself "testing the waters" more than I'm proud of, and on a couple of occasions have gained a couple pounds (this morning, for instance!) Here is a few things I do to keep in control, and not let the fat monster win again!! Good Luck!! Weigh yourself regularly so that it cant' get too far out of control without your knowledge. I weigh pretty much everyday, but don't worry about the numbers unless they've stayed about the same for at least three days. If you get out of control, force yourself to go back to a "protein only" diet for a day or two.....kick your body back into fat burning, as well as affirm yourself on your ability to control your eating. I am doing this today in fact, after a weekend of munching!! Record what you eat and drink and exercise. Strive to improve it each day. Reread your profile and take a long look at your fat pictures. Do you really want to go back there?? Get support...go to a meeting, get more active on the board, or go see a counselor...whatever works for you!! Get at least 20 minutes of exercise in early in the day...it helps to make you feel good about yourself and make better choices throughout the day. I hope this is helpful!! The key thing Melinda is that you keep fighting! You've come WAY TOO FAR to give up now!! Kathy

Hi Melinda, I feel for you! You are doing the right thing though: reaching out and doing something about it. Do you currently exercise? Even if you just walk to the end of the driveway you will feel better. By doing something proactive it can motivate change. Best of luck because we have been through too much to lose what we have accomplished. Please take care of you! emily

Hi there! Ok...well, I think I AM in the same boat. I will be two years out this October. I am 5'9" and I started out at 369#. To date I have lost about 139#, but I am still in a size 18-20. My energy level is sooo much greater than it was, but some days it could be better....I am really feeling saggy.....my arms...legs...belly....can't wait to find a PS. Anywho...just wanted to let you know you aren't alone....I totally feel ya....hang in there...email me if ya like...until then...take care, you.... PS: Disregard my pic..I need to update something fierce....check out my profile on yahoo....the pic posted on here is about 5 mos out...the one on yahoo was this January, 2005 http://profiles.yahoo.com/inocntheart73 -Shelley Oh, and my clothing pre-op was greater than a 32...I was bustin out of a sz 32 and that was the biggest I could find, so I was probably more like a 36 or so...., so I have lost a wee bit.....