Hi all! My 18 months is at the end of the month (27th) but I thought I would post now since I will be out of town that day. Nothing has changed for me since 10 months out. I still weight 160-162, depending on the day. I have tried everything and am ready to give up with all the hype. I did not have this surgery to be "dieting" and trying every silly fad that comes along. I will continue to eat healthy meals with at least 2 protein shakes per day. I think I like the "6 small meals" idea better than 3 larger ones. I exercise almost daily, cardio and strength. That said, I feel and look much better than I did. I am able and willing to do many more things than before surgery. My husband thinks that I am "hot" and he told me the other day that he is proud of me and notices all my hard work. I feel that I am no longer an embarrasment to my children and grandchildren, and I enjoy the occassional times when someone does not recognize me. I would do it again, even though the results have been somewhat of a disappointment. My biggest fear is that since I am still "obese" in BMI, that I will still have the health issues that go along with being obese in the long run. That, and the fact that with even a 10-15 pound re-gain, I will feel like a real failure. My hope for this surgery was to get quite a bit closer to "normal" BMI, but that does not seem to be in the cards. So, in addition to the heath risks of being obese, I have an added component of malnutrition to contend with. That is going to have to be OK. I will deal with it and get over it. I am really glad to see that so may of you have been more successful. Here's to all the October sisters!

Michelle, You should see your surgeon to be on the safe side. But if it doesn't hurt, don't get all anxious. I have had two surgeries, (5 herias repaired) since our initial WLS. Until there was pain, my surgeon said there was no rush to get into the OR. The pain was intense and quick when it happened though. There seemed to be no way to know how or if it would happen. The surgeries were done laproscopically. The first time I was back to work in about one week. The second time they gave me an antibiotic that was on my known allergy list so I was out a bit longer. Originally he said he wanted to wait and see if I needed plastics and would do a tummy tuck at the same time. none was needed so he just fixed the hernias. Good luck. Annette

Hi Jenn: I wanted to refer you to my plastic surgeon. He is recommended by obesityhelp.com and does seminars with them. He just finished a Las Vegas seminar. You can check under events, obesityhelp.com and see if they have any in this area. I had a RNY in October 27, 2006. I lost 110 lbs, I am 63 (almost 64) and many plastic surgeons don't want us older gals but Dr. Katzen specializes in RNY and lap-band patients after their surgery because he knows we have a lot of hanging flesh and you can only push so much into our jeans. He gladly accepted me. My first plastic surgery was 11/25/07 with a circumferential tummy tuck and thigh lifts. This surgery took off 15 lbs. My 2nd surgery was 3/5 and I had a breast lift with liposuction on my back and under my arms. Also was Juvederm in a few deep wrinkles on my face. I am done with surgeries and wearing my first bikini. I have 5 lbs to lose still until I reach my roal of 140. Good luck. You will Love Dr. Katzen, he is gentle, very talented at body sculpting, handsome and a joy to talk to - he really listens! Dr. J Timothy Katzen 310 859-7770 Diana usually answers the phone, be sure to tell them I referred you. 9735 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 407 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 PS He is very reasonable because we are affiliated with Obesity Help. Karen Skaggs

Oh my goodness, I forgot about your gall bladder! That DOES stink. My brother-in-law has had an abdominal hernia for eight years. He keeps putting off its repair. Depending on its placement, etc, I think you might be able to wait a bit until your extreme makeover. Probably each case is different Yours needs to be looked at before too long to assure that everything is OK though. Let us know!

Michelle, it sure sounds like it could be a hernia. It might be good to have it checked out sometime when your doctor can see you. It might be new, or it might have been there for a while. Did you feel something happen, or pull in that area? The only good news about having a hernia is that I hear you can combine the hernia repair with your tummy tuck (if you need one and if your insurance won't cover the TT - mine won't) and the cost is much less, since you are already under anesthesia!