I have been back to drinking soda for awhile. It was one of those things that I just had to have. Of course they are all diet. At first it was painful to drink them cause it hurt my tummy but now I do just fine with them as long as I dont try to drink it to fast.

It's funny you should post this, because the butterfly has become my new "symbol". It is on my webpage, and I found the prettiest butterfly ring from Avon that I wear proudly. Whenever anyone comments on it, they get to hear my story! I feel just like a butterfly, one that had been in her cocoon for far too long!!! Isn't it great to be able to spread our wings! (No pun intended, because my arms do resemble wings, somewhat!) LOL!! 300/224/190

Welcome Dee! There is great support and info on this board. Nancy

Robyn: I just posted this under a different topic, but it looked like you might be able to find a little encouragement in them, so I'm reposting it here. Best wishes to you -- I'll keep you in my prayers. -- Darcy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` I visit these boards occasionally. Post "not-so-often." Admittedly, I have no reason -- I just stay incredibly busy with life (sometimes that's good ... sometimes that's bad!). I find people's differences fascinating. Everyone here is so unique, so individualasitic, so wonderful, and so very diverse -- but it somehow seems that it scares more people than comforts them! My wish is that that everyone finds it in themselves to be able to believe in themselves. It breaks my heart to think there are people who visit these boards who suffer emotionally because they haven't lived up to the weight loss that others have been experiencing. I encourage you to celebrate your differences!! That's what makes you be YOU! The truth is everyone here was INCREDIBLY BRAVE to go through with the surgery, and EVERYONE is a success because of that. I remain hopeful that each of you is healthy and happy! I am close to the "century club," but not focused on it. I *AM* focused on the way my health has improved. Numbers are only a readily-available visual measurement -- the true measurement should be how you feel! I feel AWESOME compared to the miserable, house-bound, severely morbidly depressed person that USED to occupy this body!!! It shocks me now to recall how emotionally distant I had become -- distant to my own self. Many hugs to all of you -- -- Darcy

I just want to say GREAT JOB to everyone!!! Surgery: 10.12.04 Starting Weight: 278 Current Weight: 196 Total Loss of: 82 I'm eating most things really well, not eating things w/sugar or high fat, eat a lot of chicken and fish, need to work on those veggies, do eat some fruit about 4-5 times a week. Still drinking my protein shakes at least once a day sometimes I will get in 2 a day. And as always 70+ oz of fluids daily. Keep up the great work!!!