For the fifth anniversay of my surgery I checked in to read how others were doing. It was so depressing reading the pain of how many people had gained the weight back and what trouble they were going through, it broke my heart. I had to stop reading and get off the site. I was telling a friend of mine who had been considering having weight loss surgery done when I realized I was more or less telling her that it doesn't work. Her comment was...do you think that those it works for don't post just like you and the ones in trouble are the ones that do post? BIG POSSIBILITY! I've just celebrated my fifth year. I'm keeping my weight between 170-173. Since October of this year one of my dreams have come true. I can eat salads!!! I just couldn't keep them down till now. I can go to any restaurant now with my friends and order Salad or soup AND salad. I'm just so happy about that. No more foods just cause I know they'll stay down or the excuse... "I've already eaten so I'll just have dessert." I can have a major salad for a meal and dessert. Small things excite me! I was just at a major dog show on the weekend. I can run the ring without a sweat, no knee problems or high blood pressure, no asthma attack while running, my diabetes is under control even WITH a dessert. Life has been good. There is hope out there after surgery. Keep on trying. Ken

I just wanted to write a note.....I am so sorry that you are having so many physical problems! I know the frustration...mine isn't because I am vomiting or am nauseated, I haven't had problems with that since surgery....I lost 100 pounds to get down to 120 pounds.....stayed there for almost one whole year! Then the trouble started....and boy did it start!! I have always had problems with munching......even as I was loosing weight, but of course, couldn't munch a lot because my tummy was so small, but munch no less.....I started gaining weight....and haven't stopped...I now am back up 60 pounds!!!!! Discouraged! My doctor had me stop munching, and eat only my meals....I did pretty good for about 3 weeks...only lost 2 pounds......that was it! Now I am back to bad habits.....I used to smoke...hand to mouth....for 35 years!! 3 packs per day!!! Now I munch!! Hand to mouth again! I have always been overweight..even when I smoked, but now, I am way over weight and even with a tiny stomach can't keep the weight off! I feel like I have lost the battle! I don't vomit, but my teeth are rotting, but I thought it was because I have hypothyroid, fibrmyalgia, have had 8 children....and all added up together, isn't good! Hang in there, I'm sure we can all figure out something, I have been praying really hard....and am going to talk to my doc about a revision! I hope he will do it! God be with all of you!!! Linda in Oregon! Dr. Felix in Fresno, California did my surgery, awesome doc!!!!!

Jennifer, Like you, I've been away from this site for some time. My original GBS surgery was in 11/2001 ... and I lost quite a bit for a while, but then discovered that I had an SLD and had to have a revision in January 2004. But have continued to lose since then. I started at 360# and am now at 210#. I feel very good and am very happy at my current weight but I know that I am still classified as "obese". What I would appreciate knowing from you is how you kept the weight loss going all the way to 130!! My gosh that's impressive!! I exercise regularly and I actually love it. It's so much easier to exercise when you have 150 pounds less to move around! But I've been kind of "stuck" at 210 for several months now. If you don't mind sharing, how did you keep your weight loss going? Thanks for any advice you might have! SW Sunsprite

November 26, 2001 was a new beginning for me. It was the day my gastric bypass (Roux-En-Y) surgery was performed at Centennial Medical Center by Dr. George Miller, Jr. I was inspired by Carnie Wilson, daughter of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. If she had not come forward, I would have never known about this marvelous tool. I have found the secret to my success is not eating red meat nor sugar. I also work out on a regular basis, plus I am very active at my job at the Holiday Inn Express here in Clarksville. From a size 24-26, to a size 4-6 is a dream come true for me....considering my height is 5' 7". 153 lbs gone forever.....and now I can wear a bikini too......Dr Miller asked me during my first consultation why I wanted this surgery. I told him " Two reasons Sir....first I want to regain my health, and the second reason is "I want to be a babe again.". Thanks to dedication and hard work, I have finally achieved both goals. Blessings to all of you, Lynne

I just read your e-mail and wanted to let you know that I also have a lot of feelings of frustration... But, must say a failure you are not. (or anyone brave enought to do something to better themselves) I had my wls on November 14, 2001 and lost 180 lbs, had a tummy tuck and arms done and am still miserable, still have a flabby tummy and disgusting legs. I feel as fat as I ever have and always want to eat.. I have been trying to loose 20 lbs for the longest with out any success. But, of course I can not succeed as all I do is snack, snack, snack, like I have no control. My self esteem is also shot... But, I had to let you know you are in no way a failure..... Your are actually very brave. Keep on fighting... With love to all of you....