I would have to lose 37.5 pounds by October 5 to reach goal (the highest weight within the normal weight range for my height - not my ideal weight). That would be about 2.4 pounds per week. I'm not losing quite that fast any more. Sugar is not my problem (although I haven't tried it), my problem is pretzels and corn chips. My other problem is inconsistent exercise. Maybe I could make it, but I'm not going to kill myself. I am delighted to be below 200#. That was my first real major goal. I would of course be happy to reach "goal" at one year, but I am pretty darn happy with myself now and I have a way of living I can live with. I wish the best for you. I wonder if maybe your expectations are too high. Julie 330/312.5 at surgery/196.5/159

Congratulations! What great news! What an amazing mind shift. Sometimes I can't get over it myself. Here are some of my recent Wow!s. 1. People not recognizing me. 2. People asking me when I'm going to stop losing weight, and their response when I told them I'm still 200# (or I was at the time). 3. Carefully judging a space as one I could "squeeze" through, only to find that there was plenty of room. 4. Being told I look 10 years younger. 5. Fitting easily into a plain old size 16. 6. Having to put away some of the new "thin" clothes I bought in March because they are way too big. 7. Seeing a number lower than 200 on the scale when I thought I was plateaued. Isn't this fun! Julie 330/312.5 at surgery/196.5/159

Hopefully once you start getting your nutritional needs met your doc will calm down about the number on the scale. I too only really tolerate the isopure. This is what works best for me. In the morning, I take 1/2 cup of milk and mix in ONE scoop of isopure. Let it sit for a while (5 - 10 minutes) and it will dissolve better. The smaller amount goes down quicker and easier. Then I do the same later in the day. Sometimes I will puree some frozen strawberries or raspberries into it, but only if I have the time. I take my protein like medicine, not food. I've heard others like those coffee tasting AchieveOnes but I've never tasted them. I imagine they might kill that flavor as well. Good Luck! Julie 330/312.5 at surgery/196.5/159

I would need to lose 35 lbs to get there... it could be doable... but I won't pressure myself! We'll see...

Hi all, How are you all doing with the challange of meeting goal by one year? I am not doing well. Unfortunately I can and do tolerate sugar. But I am still going to work my hardest to get back on the wagon. Or in this case maybe get my tools lined up in my tool box! I just wanted to know how you were and not let this theme fade. Ann