Thank you for your response. I appreciate it. I think I have to remember that we're all different and I'm not going to loose as fast as others. I have lost over a 100 pounds but I'm thinking I should have lost more by now. I'm an overachiever at times and I guess that can be a bad thing. Thanks again. Talk with you soon. I hope to see you in Vegas! Keke 368/258/175??

What a beautiful bride you're going to be next week. I'll be there in spirit... Love, "Mom" 10 pounds below goal and holding

You look SO good, Vi! I'm so proud of you. I sent you an invitation to add me. I'm "blakemama"; just so you know who I am. Cheryl

Hey, Keke, sorry to hear you're feeling discouraged. I didn't really have an idea how quickly I would lose weight, so I can't really answer your direct question. My surgeon said I "could" lose for between 18 and 24 months, but that my actual total loss and how long it took would really be based on my physiology and whether I was able to truly change my diet and exercise habits. That being said, I try to keep a positive attitude by focusing on the long-term, rather than the short-term. If I thought of my weight loss on a day-to-day basis, especially this far out, it could get downright depressing. Because I now tend to stay the same weight for 2-3 weeks, then lose for 1-2 weeks. And I don't start losing because I change what I'm doing; I just start losing, lose a few pounds, then stall again. I've come to accept that this is how my body works. I try to stay positive by focusing on what I have accomplished so far. I keep a pair of "fat" pants in my closest, and I have pictures of myself at my heaviest around at work and home. Because although I may not have "arrived" yet, I have made excellent progress on my journey. I focus on my improved health, and my ability to basically do whatever I want without worrying about physical limitations. Like you, I'm an emotional eater, but I'm working to replace those old, unhealthy thought patterns with new ones. You have to learn to identify your automated unhealthy response to stress ("mashed potatoes will make me feel better"), and replace it with a new, healthy response ("i'm sad/angry/upset because of [insert whatever is appropriate here] and that makes me feel [insert here]"). I've recently realized that when I was stressed, I used food to stuff whatever I was really feeling. So rather than experiencing the emotions and working through them, I'd have a cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake. While would make me feel better temporarily, but I'd still have the original stressor, plus the guilt from eating stuff I knew I shouldn't. Now I skip the cheeseburger and fries, and force myself to deal with whatever the real issue is. Easier said than done sometimes, but it does get easier the more I do it... Anyway, keep working on the emotional eating - it's tricky to manage, but I have faith that you will find a way. I know it's something I will always have to be cognizant of or I will slip back into old habits... Alright, I'm done rambling now - hope some of this was helpful. Good luck sticking to your plan, girl - I know you can do it! Kellie Lap RNY 10/25/2005 396/228/165?

For those of you who haven't lost as much as you thought you would by now........how do you stay focused and positive about not loosing as quickly. I know I've been on a plateau for a while and it's hard to not get discouraged but I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize. To those of you that are at your goal..........I congratulate you. I also realize that I'm an emotional eater and I'm having to make sure that I grab the right snacks and not stray too far during stressful times. Oh well...........I guess I felt like rambling for a minute. Have a great week you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keke