Hi! My name is Connie and I had the RNY surgery in October of 2005. I have lost 110 pounds so far I started out at 240 pounds and now am at 130. I work out religously but unfortunately I am still dealing with the loose skin especially around my midsection and have bascially went from a size C chest to a padded B . Any suggestions on dealing with emotions of still feeling fat and hating the fact that you look good in your clothes but not out of them. My husband always tells me to quit picking at everything and be happy about what I have accomplished. I am happy but I feel like my journey is not over yet because this is not the body I feel I am suppose to have I still feel like there is still a skinny person waiting to come out. I am also interested in any plastic surgery stories good and bad to help me deal with and make an informed decision regarding having plastic surgery myself.

March 23-25 sound good to me! :D

Hi, I'm Heather (and I'm very quiet on the board here .. due mainly to 2 small wonderful *oh but what a handful children*), I had my surgery on the 6th of October. In a lot of ways it's hard to believe that it's only been 10 *almost 11* months since surgery. The pain and the chore of getting liquids in post-op are memories that I have to dig deep to find. I've struggled with the weight loss emotionally. Everyone in my life has told me to stop losing *the comments started 4 months post-op.. I don't think I had broken 190 or size 16*. At this point, I'm still technically overweight and haven't even lost 100 pounds since surgery. But, I try to think of the comments as a blesssing. People care enough to say that I need to eat and they are honest in their opinions. A lot of co-workers didn't believe I really needed the surgery pre-op and I told them I carry my weight evenly and that hides SOME of the excess weight. But, come on .. I was big and my life was suffering because of the exhaustion, hypertension, pcos, and infertility. If this surgery did nothing other than get me off two of my three blood pressure medications I would have been happy. As it is, I'm off the medications, I'm wearing a size 8 (GAH! They're getting lose), I was promoted to a new job (I really have to attribute some of this to the weight loss), and I'm more confident with who I am. But, in the end emotionally... Being called Olive Oil is just as bad as being called Big Drawers. Gah.. I'm not trying to offend anyone. This is the one part of surgery that seems to be "irritating me at this point of my journey". I'm looking forward to plastic surgery, possibly baby #3 eventually(before plastics but not until 18months post-op), remembering to always eat PROTEIN every two hours, and the ability to laugh off other people's comments. I do try to read often and think of you all when I hit a goal or setback. HUGS and Congrats to everyone! We've made it this far!!! My stats highest weight/pre-op consult/surgery morning/today/goal 277/263/257/163/150

I'm next Hi my name is Jane. I am a stay at home mom of twin daughters who are 8 years old. I have been married for 9 years but I have been with my husband since I was 18. I am 46 years old and I have been obese my entire life. Never ever have I been normal. I had my surgery Oct 17th. It was the best thing I have ever done. My highest weight was 311. I am done to 160-164. I have lost roughly 148lbs. I have stayed the same for almost 8 weeks. I think I'm done losingand that is ok. My life has changed so much I do nothing it seems the same. I have so much energy. I work out but I love to jog. Working on running a 5K by Thanksgiving Morning. I can run a mile and a half. 10 mths ago I used an electric chair at times to grochery shop. I have gone from a size 28 to a size 12. I went from a 48DD to a 36C. I went from size 14 underwear to a size 6. Feel free to look at my pictures on my journey page. Thanks Lisa this was fun. NOT ONE REGRET. STILL WAITING TO WAKE UP AND THIS ALL BE A DREAM SO SCARED THAT FAT PERSON WILL COME BACK. JANE

I'll be next Lisa Marie Hi Lisa Marie, I m 43 and had my surgery Oct 17, 2005 am 5'4" and have lost about 125#'s and wear a 12 - 14 size. My hubby (of almost 20years) and I have been blessed with 2 kids. Our 18 year old daughter who we take to college for her freshman year tomrrow and our 16 yr old son who is awesomme but couldn't be more different than our daughter. I am also a registered nurse. I had my surgery for most of the same reason that you all did but my true motivation was that 5 years ago I was diagnosised with Multiple Sclerosis. At which time I was put on steroids often and high doses but I also had a huge dose of "what does it matter anyway" and gluttened out big time. I figured at the very least the weight loss will make it eaiser to get arund and it has done that wonderfully. Unfortunatey my disease still runs at will but everyday I can get up and move my arms and legs the rest is all bonus. I have to admitt that, with the exception of the last 2 weeks, I have found the diet almost easy to follow but the exercise part I simply physically can't do. I find these boards my mainstay in terms of support and am grateful for everyones input. thanks - Ann