Hi! My bariatric dr. told me to expect to lose for 12-14 months post op. As with nearly everything else, he hit it right on the head. He tells me that I will attain my goal weight, and since he's been right so far, I guess I have no reason to doubt him now. It's just so hard to imagine weighing what I did in high school! The difference, of course, is that even if it does happen, it won't be the same --the awful excess skin. It took me 18 months to get approval for WLS, I dread the thought of how long it may take for plastic surgery! But, I've got medical documentation from February 2005 regarding prescriptions for rashes and oozing under the flap, so that will my biggest defense. But as far as the plateau is concerned, he surprised me when I was prescribed Phentermine again at my appointment last week. He said that the difference this time is that WLS patients using diet pills, keep it off once it's lost (well that WILL be a first!) and he was right, in just a week, I'm already down 5 pounds. So that seems to be the jump start that I need. Just thought I'd share. Julaine

Thanks for the reply: Plateaus are a normal part of any weight loss, and even though losing the weight so fast with WLS it does leave us with excess skin. But I want to encourage all who have lost weight, and even though I feel fat when I see the skin hanging in the mirror, I am so glad that I have had the surgery. Over twenty years ago I had lost down to my Goal weight by dieting, I was also young, and following a popular diet program. I found out that there is more to how we see ourselves than just our weight. And it is taxing on the mind with hoping to look a certain way and then when it's near the end, it seems that it is not what we expected. I need to go to the Gym and tone up before the skin removal. It is never good to let the little things that this surgery has experienced to make us mad or hate ourselves. I am so happy with the results of this surgery, and I feel so much better than I did before. I know myself I have to focus in on the positive aspects and outcomes from having this surgery, and deal with the negative outcomes, But to me the positve far outweigh the negative. I have also learned that In order for me to be successful with this weight loss, or any thing concerning well being that I have to like myself for who I am. No matter what has happened plateaus can be depressing if I would let them. I look at my pictures of what I looked like before surgery, I still have all the old clothes that I wore when I wore my 6x shirt, and when I look at these pictures I see me. Heavy or thin I am still the same person, and I want to remember what I looked like at nearly 400 pounds. I never want to forget. I also realized that when I realized that it was alright to like myself, the rest falls in line. I do hate the excess skin, but this is just a temporary obstacle that will be taken care of. I want to applaud everyone for losing the weight, and finding the courage to have this surgery. And Queenbeejo. From what I see of your picture on this post you look great. Don't let these little obstacles make you feel depressed our mad at yourself. It is all a part of dealing with the mental aspects of obesity that keep us looking in the mirror from time to time and seeing ourselves as still fat. It is a nightmare that we have been awakened from. But it can be a memory that also can be beneficial to us, so that we do what it takes in a healthy fashion to not return to being the size we were when we started out on the WLS journey. Keep up the good work, Keep your chin up, be encouraged that you have came this far.

WOW!!! It is good to hear that others are struggling with the same thing. I was afraid I was alone out here. I have been at the same weight for about 2 months now and I can't get it to budge. I know I need to do more exercize and I will. Just comforting to hear others are at the same place. 15 months ago I could hardly move so I am happy where I am but would like to lose about 30 more and then have plastics. Good luck to everyone, Melanie

Hi Betty, I went in and got NewStarts number 1-800-78start. If you cant get Dr. Richardson via NewStart he has an office in Washington, MO and he is listed on this site under Dr.'s in MO. I think on this site he is listed in DePaul but not sure of that info. I hope this helps. SherrieD

Thank you for all the replies: I do know that it is necessary to eat more than 500 calories, and for the last week I have been in an up and down state. I am finding it easier to eat now and this has me concerened. Although my hunger has never returned I still enjoy good food. I am going to try and maintain myself at about 1000-1200 I am in the final stage of weight loss prior to the skin removal. I am still apprehensive, and since it is easier want to watch what I put in my mouth so that I don't start gaining. I know that I don't want to put myself in the position of gaining, I had lost down to my weight goal about twenty years ago, and there is always a concern I will have in maintaining the weight loss that I have even if I don't lose much more. This surgery has been one ongoing learning experence for me. But I am more determined to get to my goal and do it way that will be more beneficial to my health, once again thanks for the repies. Curtis