I had surgery 10/31/03 RNY was 257 and am now 137. I'm struggling to keep the weight on. I don't want to lose ANYMORE!!! I'm happy and healthy though and THAT was the goal for this life changing decision/journey!

Hi Beverly, You're absolutely not alone at all with the image issues. I look at myself naked in the mirror and I still see a fat girl. i see lots of lumps and sagging stuff, nothing really tight and firm anywhere! I started in a size 28 and now wear size 14 on bottoms, size large on top. It blows my mind!!! I don't think anyone can really help us with this, except for to say that it is getting better for me. I'm learning to take compliments on my body and my looks. I always had a pretty face but now men watch me, make passes, etc, and I think there's something stuck in my teeth... why else are they staring? haha. My boyfriend is very very skinny (6'3 and 170#) and he likes ME! so freaky! Any of this sound familliar? (well, except the boyfriend part) For plastic surgery... I REALLY need it on my arms and tummy/apron area. My breasts would be nice, as would my inner thighs, but those aren't as critical as the arms/tummy. I'm looking into going to Brazil or Costa Rica because it's much cheaper. I haven't had much luck finding good information about it, but I'm still looking. There is a big convention in Las Vegas for www. metnetbrazil.com this month but I can't attend. Maybe next year. No real rush, i just really want it done. Horrible that we go from these huge fat bodies to these nasty saggy ones. Stupid skin! Anyway, hang in there, you're not along at all!! Amy Lap RNY 10/22/03 5'9: 349/203/180???

beverly, i also have more back problems after surgery then i di before i am trying to get to 160 before i go and look into surgery. are you going through insurance to cover the ps? i am going to try too, i see others that are my weight or sometimes heavier and seem to look so skinny compared to me i am like look at you your so thin and they tell me what they weigh and they are like 10-15 heavier then me i definityly got a self image problem lol take care michelle

we have the same rebirthday cut your calories to see if this helps also change your exercise routine sometimes our bodies get stuck in a rut get moving...what was your initial weight and what is it now keep up the good work michelle open rny 10-06-03 330.5/171/135

My name is Beverly, I had surgery October 1, 2003 performed by Dr. Prystowsky. I stand 5'4 tall and had a start weight of 359 (367 my heaviest about 4 wks prior to surgery). I have currently lost 126 pounds and weigh 233 pounds and still losing (average 4 pounds monthly). My personal goal is ANYTHING under 200, then pursue tummy tuck, thigh, breast surgery (I have more back problems now then before surgery!) I drink a protein shake every morning (nearly), otherwise eat what I want in vast moderation compared to prior to surgery, must be working, I'm still losing! I look forward to hopefully connecting with some people to help share my rewards, frustrations, and not be alone so much as I have been in this process.