My high weight four years ago was 350. I lost down to 308 before surgery. I now weigh 207. I want to get under 200. I may get down to 180, Ill just have to wait and see. My doc is happy with my weight loss and does not care if I lose any more or not

Okay, so how much did you weigh when you started this journey? How much do you currently weigh? How much more before you get to "goal" be that whatever it may be. I started at 257, I weigh 154 right now. My immediate goal is to be "normal" so that's 150 for me. I do however want to lose down to 140.

What's changed in my life since surgery? 1)...I've lost 117 lbs...was 362 the day of surgery (my all time high was 386.5) and today am 245. 2)...I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that I have made LIFE changes that will allow me to get smaller and be healthier for the rest of my life. 3)...I look forward to going to the gym and even to being a little sore after lifting weights 4)...I don't cringe anymore when I see my reflection in the window or glass door of a store front as I approach, instead I smile an think to myself..."DAMN!!!...that's ACTUALLY me...how cool is that?!!!" 5)...No more glucophage, all my bloodwork levels are great...cholesterol, blood sugar, protein, b-12, iron...all good! 6)...enjoy all the little things...tying my shoe laces straight, crossing my legs and putting my purse in my seat beside me at the movies (okay, it's a REALLY small purse but it still counts), being able to squat in my kitchen when I need a pot or pan from a low cabinet instead of calling my son to come and find it for me...and then being able to actually stand back up without help after getting into that squatting position. 7)...I'm a tub person...love me some hot soaks in my bathtub...love being able to just get up and out of the tub easier instead of having to get onto my knees first and push up off the side of the tub. 8)...I just enjoy feeling like a more "normal" sized person. Paula Lap RNY 10/14/03 362/245/

Hi Catherine (and everyone else) I feel exactly the same as you. I have not had the kind of weight loss a lot of people have had. I am strugling to make it to the 100 lb. loss mark. I finally quit weighing myself every day and now only weigh once a month (a few days after my period). I am down 81 lbs and I feel great. I too am able to eat more kinds of food but I try to stay away from the carbs... when I eat them, I feel like I'm never full and want to eat the whole rest of the day. So, I am eating protein instead. Cheese, cashews, more cheese, deli chicken or turkey slices.... I feel like I am on the Atkins Diet which is fine by me. I know Carbs got me in big trouble so I'm making sure I stay away from them. But, like all of us, I do crave a salt & vinegar potato chip or cheeto or cookie... if I have one, I don't beat myself up, I just try to do better and DRINK MORE WATER! I've heard that is the best thing to do. You did the right thing by posting here... I hope you feel better now... I know I do. Thanks! Pam Open RNY 10-13-03 309/228

1. I am healthy 2. I look better than I have in YEARS 3. I can go up and down stairs without needing to puff on an inhaler! 4. The seatbelt actually feels good to wear 5. I can sit in an airplane seat and stuff both hands next to my thighs and still not touch! 6. I wear a size 6-8 in most clothes 7. I've lost 103 pounds in just a little over 7 months 8. I'm happy with who I am on the outside now. 9. The dog can sit between my legs and not crowd me off the chair 10. I've made ALMOST every goal I've set for myself. 11. I've given courage and inspiration to those that need it. 12. I had a hellacious surgery and survived it only to realize I'd do it all again with all the same problems 13. I've gained some great friends here at AMOS 14. - I BOUGHT A HOUSE AND I CLOSE THURSDAY - it's OUR FIRST!