Hi Jackie, Good luck to you!!! The hernia repair/TT was WAY more of a challenge for me than RNY!! I pray you heal quickly!! 1. Have you had a tt? yes, 11/3/04 2. How much skin/tissue was removed? 6 lbs. 3. What size were you before tt? 10 4. What size do you anticipate being after the swelling stabilizes? I am currently in a size 4 or 6, depending on brand..I think my swelling is about gone, but I hear it takes more like 6 months for everything to settle 5. What is your total weight loss? 173 lbs. 6. Are you happy with your results? OH YEAH!! At 3 months post-TT today, it still hurts to sneeze or cough!! The hernia repair and meshing made mine much more invasive and I had alot of drainage....including a seroma that put me back in the hospital twice, once to have more surgery to put in another drain! Pain in the butt! now I've just started physical therapy to work on scar tissue that is building up and irritating a groin muscle and causing pain. The saga continues. But, it's still all worth it!!! Less than sixteen months ago I wore a size 28, and today I sit here in size 4 dress pants!! I had dreamed of someday wearing a 12!! Unbelievable!! Happy healing!! Kathy

HI Amy, Keep up the good work...you are on your way! I also hate to walk alone so, what I do is use my walkman with some great tunes and walk away. For me, it helps pass the time and it seems like I have a little more pep in my step when I have some good tunes on! For a few weeks here it was extremely cold but, I still got outside and walked...very briskly! Today it is supposed to get up into the 40's...a real heat wave for us! Deb

LOL,,,,Post some Pics,,,as paul harvey say ,,we need the rest of the story,,,,did you get the ex from hell off your back,,,???inquiring minds want to know,,,Steve

HI Amy, I can SO relate to the weight gain over the holidays! I gained about 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I know the reason is that I got careless and fancy free with my eating and the lack of exercise. I got back to exercising daily ( I walk and run on my treadmill) and I also closely evaluated my eating habits. I have cut back on the carbs. and increased my protein. I also increased my water and fluid intake. I am happy to say that I have taken off most of the weight that I gained and I am back into my size 10 jeans...and they are even comfortable. I have to say that this experience was a real eye opener. When I would express my concern about the weight gain with friends, many of them would tell me that it wasn't a big deal and everyone gains weight over the holidays. I had to tell them...and remind myself that I am not like most people and a 10 pound weight gain could very quickly turn into a 25 pound weight gain. So, what I have learned is that the weight can creep back on real quickly, it can also come back off with some hard work and commitment. This has been a real eye opener for me...as I am sure it has been for you as well. Keep your head up and moving in the right direction...and good for you ( and me!!) for catching this early and wanting to get motivated to get back on track. You will do it! If you need more support, e mail me and maybe we can kick each other in the butt to stay motivated! Deb 250/145/135

Amy, What you need is a pat on the back and If I was there a good hug. You did the best thing you could do and that is reach out for help and support. We are all in this toghter and helping each other stay or get back on track is each one of our responsibility. You know you are heading the wrong direction and you realize that, Awsome! (thats the pat on the back) The first thing I will tell you to do is going to be the hardest but I know it will turn you around and that is go back to the beginning. Very high protein and stay with it for a good couple of weeks or if you can a month. Yea, our version of the atkins diet. Be sure to get in at least 80-100 grams a day. But most of all get OFF the carbs!!!! This as you know is giving you your cravings and the evil carb monster is dragging you back into his home. See If you can get back into eating some protein drinks and carb bars. Secondly make sure you are eating every two-three hours so you do not get hungery and binge eat. I'm currently at approx 1400 calories a day and am maintaining my weight. Find that spot for you between 1000- 1400 that works for you and try to drop that extra holiday weight. You did this once before and It worked.....Go back and do it again. (that is the Hug!!!) Most people, I believe, fail because they forgot the basics and remembered more of what they did for years or decades and worked harder at getting back to a "pre-surgery normal" life than they should have. Whi*****ludes quick foods which are high in carbs and sugers. You can do this just stop, breath, grab you post op guidelines and get to it!!!! All you have done is stumbled you have not failed!!! You are now back in a frame of mind that will let you succeed, so go for it and make us all proud of you. Feel great about what you have done and are doing again! I wish I could write as good as I can talk. You can do this!!!! Shawn -202 lbs Open Rny10/29/03