Wow. I started at 427, and am now somewhere about 240, more or less. I refuse to live by the scale. I DO live by the Size. I have dropped from size 30 jeans to a misses size 18, and even that is a little big, but I'm not quite in a 16 yet. Being pear-shaped, I am in a size 12-14 top. The boobs were the first to go. I walk home from work every night -- 1.5 miles. I try to hike at least 3 miles every weekend, or at least run all over the place on my errands. I am saving myself a world of nuttiness this holiday season, parking at the very fringes of mall parking lots and just walking. The exercise is good, and I don't go crazy trying to find a parking place. As for plastic surgery, unless a miracle occurs and my HMO gets generous, it isn't going to happen. I have more elasticity than I thought, so my tummy isn't so much of a problem. My upper arms and thighs are kind of ugly, but I don't worry about it much. I'm 51; I had wrinkles BEFORE I had the surgery; and I can't justify the expense to deal with the whole package. Also, I don't WANT enhancement of those boobs. I LIKE buying smaller sizes! All in all, this was the best decision I ever made.

Jane, I was just thinking that we needed to do an update! Thanks for posting the thread. Let's see, I started at 396 in 12/97 with non-adjustable banding surgery... down to 255 then up to 310 on 10/23/03 when I was revised to the RNY. Currently, I am at 177.. that's -219 total of which 133 is from the RNY. I'm comfortably in size 14's and can wear some 12's. My tummy tuck was just approved and is scheduled for 1/27. The doctor said I have about 15 lbs. of skin that should be able to be removed from my abdomen. Eventually, I will have my arms and thighs and rear done, but that will take time and $$. Happy Holidays to all of you! Jackie

Thanks Jane for the thread, I am doing fine. My highest weight was 355, day of surgery I was 325. Today I am 182. BMI has gone from 54 to 29.4! I have gone from a tight size 32 pants to a confy size 10. I work out six days a week and have even become an instructor at my gym! I can say in all honesty that I could not have done any of this a year ago without my surgery. I do not regreat for a split second my decision. My next journey will include plastic surgery (tummy tuck, boob job, arms, legs and perhaps butt lift) I plan on an overhaul! I wish only good things for all of you during this Season of Joy! Tanya 355/325/182/150

Yeah Lucie!!! Everything will be great! I can't wait to have mine, too! I go to see my doctor on the 6th of January. I hope to set a date, then. Good luck and I'll be thinking about you. I have a lot of skin to be removed. It will probably take off the extra 20 lbs. I have to go! Let us know how everything goes. Your Weightloss Buddy, Jane

I am so glad that this worked out for you. I love your attitude, it will help TREMENDOUSLY in your recovery! Keep up the good work, lady! Love, Pam