Just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing. I started a new job about a month ago and am loving it. But, I'm not able to be here as much as I want to anymore. I went for one of my 6 week weigh-ins as required by my surgeon. 5 weeks ago when I was there I weighed 136, I had just had my bowel obstruction surgery and was 6 lbs. from goal. I really hoped I would make goal by my next visit. Well, at this visit, I was 124.5!!! I was amazed that I am still losing that fast. They said the second surgery probably had a lot to do with it, but I'm not complaining. Anyway, I am now 120 and don't want to lose anymore. They told me to not skip any meals or snacks. They said to always carry some kind of fruit or healthy snack for me. They told me if I was still trying to lose weight, they wouldn't recommend fruit, but it's o.k. for maintaining. And they said if I find I'm still losing, I could add a protein drink or two. I am feeling amazing. Can't wait to get a tummy tuck. Actually, I would love to have a lower body lift, I just have to check in to how much it costs. My butt is a little saggy, my thighs are horrible and this tummy has to go. I won't even get started on my boobs right now. . Take Care, Marcia

Sheryl, Sounds like you are doing Great keep it up and stay positive. Hugs, Marcey

I haven't put out an update in quite a while. My weight loss has slowed, but I am at least holding my own. I hit 175 about a week ago, which is 10 lbs away from my personal goal of 165. Then I crept back up to 178, fluctuating back and forth. I seem to do a lot of that. My BMI right now is 25.2, it just amazes me! Like everyone, I am strugling more with old behaviors creeping back; snacking, craving carbs. I am trying to give myself permission to give in to the urges occasionally but limit the quantity, and seem to be having some success. So if I am craving tortialla chips, I have some! Like 4. Then I close the bag and put it away. That is so different that the old days, when I would have eaten half the bag. So I still count it as a success. My body shape, wow, clothes that used to be tight, even a few months ago, are slack on me. I'm buying mostly XL, but some L clothes. Having a lot of trouble finding pants that fit, due the remaining belly flab from years of obesity, plus carrying twins, my belly got terribly stretched out. My breasts are so saggy, I would think a plastic surgeon would take me just as a charity case; anything would be an improvement. Again, I'm having difficulty finding bras that fit me well. I don't have a lot of time or patience for shopping. Work is keeping me busy, and I have been traveling frequently on business. It is nice to have bought some new business clothes that flatter my figure! Even better to meet new clients, or new colleagues, who I am not embarrassed to meet, I no longer feel that horrible self-conscious embarassment I used to feel at close to 300 lbs. That was such an awful feeling, and it is gone. No longer embarrassed to live in my own body. What a gift. Acid reflux seems to be an issue, so I'm staying on Protonix and it's working great for me. Other than that, it's my daily vitamin regimen: multi-vitamins morning and night, B12 at night, and calcium citrate chews during the day. I don't always get it all in, but I do my best. All in all, I am so grateful for WLS! It has changed my life. Even if I do gain back some weight, I am so much better off than I was before. As we approch the first anniversary of our surgeries, there is much to celebrate! Best wishes to all for continued health, weight loss, and healthy weight maintenance! Sheryl

It has really been slow. I guess everyone is busy. I still read the boards everyday. I still keep up on my journal. I am close to being done. I went to a our support meeting and a Dr. Curtis Martin, plastic surgeon, spoke. He was wonderful. At the end I was talking to him and he ask if I was thinking about stage 2 which is what my doctor calls it and stage 3 is maintaining the wt loss. Anyway I told him I was only 10mths out and he said I was tiny enough that he would do the surgery now. I was amazed. I have never been told I was tiny. Oh well I hope the board picks up. I see where some are wanting to meet in LVegas. I would love to but I could never afford it. Oh well everyone take care. Jane r

Oh Vickie, My Bikini Twin ( although you look MUCH MUCH better in one), you are just too freaking sweet! Thank you so much. I will email you two different address's. Packages go to my moms house, regular letter mail comes to mine. We have a habit of getting packages stolen from our place, or placed at someone else's door. LOVE YAH! Erin