So glad to hear feedback from everyone on this subject. I really appreciate it. One Day at At time, Tracy

Has anyone else gotten into weight lifting/exercise as a hobby? I have a regular routine that I am into w/ specific sets of weights and measured cardio etc. When I attend my support group I have trouble finding anyone who is on the same course as I. Instead of worrying about the fact that I cannot eat this or that anymore I changed my focus to sculpting my body into the form I have always longed for. I have every confidence that it can be done. Its hard to get nutritional advice when your trying to build large amounts of muscle on limited food intake. I dont know that I have ever heard of a gastric bypass weightlifter before. I am working very hard at this and everyone just thinks its the surgery thats doing it. Hmpf! let me tell you, The last 20 lbs have been all me! Any other wannabe muscleheads out there?

I am sad to say that I haven't found or been made aware of any support groups in my area. I have lost down to just 10 pounds of my goal weight before when I followed "Weigh****hcers" it was the first time that I had every experienced issues with my appearance, experience, and had to adjust to a different life style. I come from a family like most of us that have centered around socialization involving food. So some of the hurdles that are involved with the changes that come with weight loss, I have already learned from. However no matter how much I remember from that experience, and no matter how different my appearance is in the mirror, I still see myself as big. It would be easier on me not to eat at all but I know enough to know the damage that this would do. The surgery has eliminated any hunger that I had so I now eat because I have to and not out of cravings or excessive hunger... It is easier for me to eat snack foods then other foods, but I try my best to avoid them. I am trying to get enough protein. I have told my family not to be upset if they insist on me going with them to a restaurant, and I chose not to eat. The upside to all of this is that the blessings that I am experiencing from the result of this surgery are outweighing past problems.

I'm officially in the Century Club! Surgery: 10/27/04 weighed: 228 ! Today 6/26/05 and weigh 127 !

Hi Tracy, Yes support is a big part of this journey. I go every month to my doctors support group meetings which is about 30 miles away. I also participate in my State OH board. I attend some of the dinners or outings that people put on. I meet alot of people every month that has had WLS. We started a Bunco club with our OH friends, and I am even going on a Cruise in February with about 40 people from Michigan who had WLS. This is a big part of my life Take care, Janice