I was working out 4 times a week. I hurt my back a few weeks ago so now I cannot work out. In fact, I am on bedrest and can't even WORK! I loved going. It was a stress reliever and gave me time for ME! I can't wait to get better and return to the gym. Allison

I still have about 40lbs or so to go to goal...I don't think I was anywhere near considered a "lightweight" though when I started.. at 328, I guess I was somewhere near the middle of the pack. I consider myself still in the weightloss phase, but it's going SO SLOW now...easily discouraging. My doctor says that I can expect to take up to 9 more months to get the rest off. I've noticed the same thing about posting. But I am just as guilty. The wls has become so much a part of my life that I am not always thinking about it. I've settled into a routine and...now that it is summer, am out trying to live every moment I can doing all the things I've not been able to do, pretty much my entire life because my weight ALWAYS held me back. It doesn't help that work has been busy too, which is always when I do most of my reading/posting. Let's continue encouraging each other as much as we can, I'll promise to do better.

Hello Felicia, I lead two support groups and the same thing happens with the WLS veterans there too. People seem to get more involved with living than participating in any type of support group. Many don't bother having their follow-up visits with our Dietician either. She can't keep me away. The statistics show us that the WLS people *****gularly participate in some type of support group get the weight off and KEEP the weight off. Looks like YOU are going to be one of the good statistics because you haven't given up. You have done so much to encourage the other October people and have come so far since we began. Try not to feel left behind, you are ahead in so many ways. Honestly, I feel that you are a leader on this journey. Times when I have felt discouraged, your enthusiasm has carried me along. I thank you for that. I never had a specific goal weight in mind. My goal was to take my grandchildren for a walk and to feel healthy. Believe me, I must have walked my little Melanie about 500 miles so far and feel really healthy. The numbers on the scale only drive me nuts. As for the plastics phase - OMG NO WAY. That scares the daylights out of me. I'll be 60 years old next month and my hubby and I will learn to love the wrinkles. boy I am long winded today ~ sorry about that. Sending you big (((HUGS))) - you are NOT alone. Annette

Reading the board lately I am beginning to think I am the only one left that is no where near goal... Price of being a "heavy weight" instead of a "light weight" I guess... I am thrilled for the people at goal, almost at goal or in the plastics phase. Just seems like when we were ALL in the "weight loss phase" everyone managed to find time to post and support everyone. And now that there are only a "few" of us still in that phase the support and posts have dwindled to almost nothing. Again I am so happy for everyone that is at goal, almost at goal or in the plastics phase. Guess just having a "left behind" feeling moment. *sigh* *huggles* Felicia =0)

Read this and am sitting here crying my eyes out!!!!!!!! Hugs Judy