Well, it is no longer January but January 27th was my three month anniversary. I began at 251 lbs. I am 5 ft. tall. I have lost between 58 and 60 lbs as of today. I have lost 8 inches in my waist! Two inches in my calves, two inches in my thighs, 6 inches in my chest, three inches in my hips. I have gone from a tight 22 to a comfortable 16. I have no problems with dumping, stay away from beef in any form, eat mostly turkey, fish, cheese, and chicken for protein, and am able to eat salads and fruit. I do eat complex carbs such as brown rice, tortillas, and occasionally a piece of bagel or bread. I think my diet is pretty healthy. I wouldn't feel good about eating only protein. I walk between 40 minutes to an hour, swim at least 20 laps, or work out for an hour on the treadmill and eliptical machine at Shapes, most days. I do some weights two to three times a week. And I do a kickboxing class one to two times per week. That is my biggest workout of the week! I began a class at the University in town and am so pleased to be able to walk from one side of the campus to the other before and after class. Takes me about 15 to 20 minutes each way. The last time I took a class, I could barely make it in the building from the parking lot out front. What a difference! I was on two different antidepressants, and am now taking none, and I no longer take reflux meds. I go see my surgeon for a follow up appointment on March 1st and am anxious to see how they view my progress. I feel great and blessed!

Karen, Thanks for the compliment. I personally think my before picture is hideous but it shows just how obese I had gotten. Not something I am proud of. No way has this been the easy road. I daily have to give my struggles up to the Lord, like my love for chocolate. But He has helped me through it all. Blessings to you.

Hello All, I am a little slow in getting to the roll call this month (been busy with all my newly found energy!). I was 3 months out on 1/23 and I've lost 53 pounds to date. My weight loss is erratic. Some weeks it's 1 lb. Some weeks it 5 lbs. I do the same thing everyday so, I don't know what the difference is. I'm just happy for the loss. I haven't thrown up at all and I've had no complications. In the beginning, I dumped on potatoes (twice) so, I haven't tried them since. I've dumped on sugar free candy 1 time... so, I haven't eaten that stuff again. I haven't tried anything with more than 3 g of sugar of it for fear of dumping. I am able to eat my protein and I drink about 90 oz of liquid a day. I'm doing weight lifting classes 3 to 4 times a week at the gym. I'm down from a 30-32 to a 20-22. Jackie -53 :jumping:

Wow, I saw your pictures. You are looking great. Keep up the hard work. Who said this was the easy way out? It isn't easy, but it works and so that makes it the best way. Karen

Hello Karen, Congrats on your weight loss Isn't it just the best feeling of accomplishment when people notice how great you look. I know the feeling of it being weird from other men, especially at church, whether you are the pastor's wife or not. But, I think it is good encouragement for us as long as they(men)don't cross that line. Sometimes I get embarrassed at the compliments because I don't want the attention, but I think it does give me encouragement to keep going. Keep up the great job and many blessings to you on your journey.