I've got some new pics posted on my profile ... me in the purple-looking paisly top. Hope everyone is doing well, and have a GREAT day! Susan

I am nearing the end of my Journey in weight loss but like you for the last part of this I am in a state of ups and downs, and like many find it easier to want to snack. I was in a wheel chair untill the weight loss and I know that that in itself is no picnic. It is hard to stay focussed on things when you seem to be at a stand still, and going no where. The main thing is to try and not get upset with yourself and fight the depression that plateau periods can cause. I have twenty more pounds to lose before I go in for my abdominal plasty and I have been experimenting with sugar free deserts made only with splenda. I put on eight pounds one week, and had to struggle to get it off the next..... It seems that as we near the end of the journey the harder it is to lose weight. I have to stay focussed on the fact that I do not want to return to where I started. For the most part I have no hunger so I eat out of boredom, and anxiety, and it is getting easier for me to eat than it was earlier. Don't let the ups and downs get you down. Also as far as not being ambulatory try to excersise your upper torso any form of excersise however we do it will help to burn thosse calories. Your aritcle has made me realize that I am not actually honest with myself. I wrote my Dr on a Christmas card that I was in control and could lose as I needed but the truth is I haven't been focussed enough and can't seem to get past the ups and down stage either. I am right at 200 pounds, and that is a lot better than where I was at 377, but my Dr wants me to lose down to 180 before he discusses my abdominalplasty. The main thing is not to beat yourself up. I know that with foucussing in on this you will be able to start the weight loss again and get past this plateau. Keep in there and keep the good work up.

hi there oct 21st 04 here im below goal too and bobbing from 138 ish to 146 ish same 8 lbs although its prolly a god thing for the gain as i really shouldnt loose more but its hard to get you head around that fact. I too geta wee bit nervous seeing the scale go up and it unnerves me that i smile when it goes down now when i am below goal. Its scarry that i can actually smile about loosing more when I know that I shouldnt. I guess ive been praying for numbers to go lower its hard to break that cycle and feel good about maintaining and accepting th occationaly 5 lbs gain depending on time of month stress water weight etc. Chin up your not alone i bet all of us in the maintence phase are seeing the rebound of a few pounds

Thanks!

Merry Christmas to you too, and many Congratulations on your weight loss. I just hit goal today, what a nice Christmas present that was! Hope your new year brings you all that you are looking for! Surgery date: 10/25/04 weight then : 292 lbs. weight today: 147 lbs. minus 145 total