I say lets keep posting. I fine if very encouraging to see how well everyone is doing. Surgery date: 10/13/04 Starting weight: 284 Todays weight: 180 Loss: 104

Hi! Pat! I am now 8 mts out and here is where I stand as of today: wt before surgery: 310 wt date of surgery: 276 wt as of today: 175 Total wt loss: 135lbs (this include the 24lbs I lost before surgery). From a size 26/28 to a 14/16. I am 51 years old and as of me I don't have a goal; I am glad of the weight loss so far and would not care if I didnt' loose anymore; but, I know I will. Remember it takes about 2 years before your body levels off after the surgery to maintain your body weight. Make sure you still drink lots of water, get your protein & vitamins in and continue your exercise regiment you have set up. Also, remember when you exercise you gain muscle; muscle weighs; but you loose inches, so make sure you take that into account. I have a muscle disorder so I can't exercise too much, I will probably have to have the surgery to remove the skin around my stomach but so far not too much a problem. Just enjoy what you have achieved, if you put too much emphasizes on how much more you gotta loose, you'll only bring on stress if your body makes muscle and you weight your self and you think you have not loss any weight. You will know if you are still loosing, your clothes will tell you. About every 3 mts I have to start buying new clothes, I start looking like the home boys if I don't. Be proud of what you have achieved; this surgery is a journey. Hang in there, we're proud of your accomplishments and keep up the great work. Take care and God bless you and yours.

I say keep up the roll call Surgery date : 10/19/04 Starting weight: 314 Today's weight: 210 Total loss: 104 lbs I am sooooooooo happy and blessed that I had this surgery

Hello there.. My name is David... I know what you are going to.... I had the surgery back in OCT 2004.. I have met my weight goals.. and have learned how to keep the balance.... My dietician and weight trainer.. said.. to increase my protien intake.. but also balance out with some additional GOOD CARBS... such as sweet potatoes once in a while during the week..... The dietician and my primary care physician told me introducing GOOD CARBS into the increased protien intake will Cause a stall in the metabolism without slowing it down.... causing a plateau like state.... I was 370lbs going into this and I hit my target goal of 210lbs now ... I have maintained 210lbs now for over a month and a half without having to eat anymore than the usual birdlike portions we are all acustomed to.. LOL... Also I go by the RULE OF THUMB principle.. if my body says eat/snack.. DO it... but of course... eat only till you are full or a half a cup principle.. and you will never go wrong.... Hope this helps.. it has worked for me... and two of my friends with similar situations (having the surgery - POST OPS).... Sincerely Yours, David

K You might try the Over 50 Forum http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/amosforums/over_50/ Sheryl