I am still losing but much slower now. I stalled at 160 lbs for like 3 months so I thought at the time that I was done losing. But here I am at 147 lbs and slowly but surely losing again. I had really given up on my doctor's goal of 140 lbs for me and felt it to be unrealistic. However, I go to the gym 3-5 times a week, walk to work every day and still count my calories. Early in September I suddenly started losing again and now I am only 7 lbs from my doctor's goal My advice to you is to hang in there, follow the rules and I am also a firm believer in exercise. I know that not all agree with me but I would not be 147 lbs today if I had not exercised since 5 weeks after my surgery. It doesn't have to be rigorous. I exercise at least 30 min per day and some days it's just a nice walk, a swim or even just a little dance on my living room floor Good luck Kolla Highest weight -> 327 Before surgery -> 304 Today -> 147 Goal -> 140 (doctor's goal but mine was 150) It's the new me: http://www.pjus.is/kolla/images/index_12man.jpg

Hi, Sheryl: Congrats on the insurance (potential) approval! You are way ahead of me on that one. Not only did my insurance NOT pay for the bypass last year (October 25, 2004) , but I can kiss another major lump sum goodbye for the next procedure. I am having a full lower body lift (body sculpting) on November 18 (a little over a week away; tick tock!!). I'm not really worried or stressed about it. I mean, after living through GB, this is "just" major pain, but not on the same level of "scary." (and, besides, I'm actually looking forward to the three weeks off of work!) (By the way, my insurance company DID tell me they thought I needed the gastric bypass procedure last year. They encouraged me to go ahead and do it ... it was just that they just wouldn't pay for it.) Good grief. Anyway, the gastric bypass surgery cost me $20K. This procedure is costing $15K. Hey, it's only money -- and I figure it this way: I'd spend if buying a new car, finance it, and pay it off over five years. Then I'd need a new one. The new body and health will last me much longer. And I'm worth it. (So what if I had to refinance the mortgage?!) After 135 pounds lost, I really need the lower body lift. (Although I do get seriously entertained by the ridiculousness of the loose skin!) Aside from the obvious physical (saggy) issues, it's become a morale issue, as well. You can't help but feel that you're still "fat" (even tho logic tells you it's impossible). My plastic surgeon gives a discount to bariatric patients and tells me he believes that I am going to have EXTRAORDINARY results (now THAT is what you want to hear!). He's kind, caring and very talented. I am really looking forward to an improved self image. The way I've chosen to view it is this: it's kind of like wanting to get rid of your fat clothes. You don't want to keep them around, because it's a reminder of what you were (and makes it easier to go back), and it's a reminder that you used to be something you're not real happy about. So, I figured, get rid of the fat clothes ... get rid of the fat skin. Don't need it any more. Best of luck to you!! -- Darcy

Hi Y'all, I finally called my insurance (Blue Shield Access+ HMO) to see if they cover reconstructive surgery. I am not ready yet but if I have to fight I want to start now......Well to my surprise, I was told that if my PCP determines it to be a medical necessity, they do cover it....WELL blow me down! It seems too easy. Has anyone else been successful with their insurance company covering it? What did you have to do? Etc, etc......If you don't want to post it here, please email me at [email protected]. Thanks Sheryl

Thank you so much brokenwing. My goal is to get some pictures this week.

You look awesome!! Congratulations!! Patty