Somehow, I've done it. I had my 9 month check up with Dr. Simon a few days ago and according to their scale I am down 114.5 lbs and at goal. I have to wonder how this is even possible. I'm now 170 lbs at 5'11 and wear an 8/10. He also said that I may continue to lose since I'm only 9 months out...I guess we'll see. I wouldn't mind getting down a bit more. I went to London/Munich/Prague/Amsterdam for 2 weeks with my husband and had an awesome time. It was amazing to hike through medieval towns without loosing my breath, without needing an extender for my seat belt, and just having the energy to do it all. I ate good food with very little trouble. Also, I actually made myself try on all the clothing I packed before I left because I was so afraid that the tiny clothes I pulled out of the dryer weren't mine and wouldn't fit! LOL, This journey has been fun and bizarre.I will post photos as soon as I get them sorted out of my camera. Anyway, it's good to be back and catch up on the board. So much has happened since I left--we have a new marriage announcement, a few surgeries, and many accomplishments--WOW!!! Congrats to all of my friends that are doing so well! And to those frustrated with stalls--do not give up! Every body is truly unique and on its own schedule. Just stick to the plan and your body will continue work for very hard for you! Hugs, -Laura

I had the most unbelievable woo hoo moment tonight!!! I've been saying since the beginning that if I could only be a size 12 again I would be happy, but then I saw a 12 and thought maybe a size 8! I'm in a size 6 now and honestly would be MORE than happy at this size for the rest of my life! Well, I thought I'd see how close I am to a size 4, I never thought it'd fit in a million years, but you know, I just wondered if they're close. THEY FIT! I was SO excited I was laughing my crazy head off in the dressing room at the Wal Mart! My 6 year old son was in there with me and bless his heart, he just didnt understand why I kept showing him the size label and cheering, I'm pretty sure he thinks his poor mom has finally gone off the deep end! WOO HOO, how fun!!! Rebecca

Love your new tat I want one in the same place but my dear hubby doesn't like them much go figure when he married me I had 5 already. Marcey

Marcey, CONGATULATIONS!!! I didn't even recognize you from the photo, I had to go peek at your profile to even know who you were. You look terrific! And how wonderful that you fit on all the rides at six flags; someone who has never struggled with their weight wouldn't even understand what that's like. Isn't it wonderful how effective WLS can be? You are living proof that it's worth the risk, worth the discomfort, to end up with your health and confidence restored. Best wishes to you, Sheryl

Marie, we probably don't compare very well with each other, because while I originally started out at 300 lbs, I am taller than you, 5' 10", so our BMIs are very different and weight loss different as a result of that. Also, I'm 42; age certainly can affect metabolism. People in their 20s will usually lose faster than people in their 40s or 60s. I lost about 40 lbs prior to WLS, and have lost 80 lbs since WLS last October. My weight loss has really slowed down, but I still seem to be losing at a moderate pace, 8 pounds in the last two months. Ideally I would like to lose 15 more pounds, but if I don't, I will be thrilled to stay at this weight for the rest of my life. I'm healthy again, and that's what is important to me. I am "bad" in that I almost never exercise. With a full time job and twins to raise, I just don't manage to fit it in. Everyone says the key to long term success is exercise, and that may end up being my downfall. I try to be very good about my food choices, but honestly, I do have treats from time to time. My big thing is not to beat myself up about treats; instead I give myself permission that it is OK as long as I limit the quantity. So if I make brownies with the kids, I eat 1/2 brownie. And with my new little stomach, 1/2 brownie is very satisfying! Then I make sure I eat healthy meals the rest of the day. I think the other advice you received on writing down your food & exercise is good advice; it can be easy to kid yourself into thinking you are consuming less than you really are. Why don't you try keeping a food diary, and see what it reveals in terms of total calories? Then take it in to see your nutritionist, if you have one at your surgeon's office. Good luck to you. Sheryl