Thanks Amy. Congratulations on your continued success and your upcoming surgery!!! You will do great!! Take care--

Good morning, Today is a big day for me!!!! Just a quick update: I am 21 months post op, I started this journey at 266 lbs, I have been struggling for months to lose my last few pounds to goal--I then went on vacation and gained 7 lbs--8 days ago I bucked down on my diet (mostly protein) and vowed to continue until I reached goal-- Well!!!!!! Today is my birthday (43) ANNNNNDDDDDD my scale read 164 lbs this morning making me a 102 lb loser, a century club member (finally) and at my WLS goal weight!!!!!!! I am now considered "normal weight" and no longer "overweight." So please be happy with me There are lots of pictures in my profile Some of you researching surgery may ask "was it worth it" YOU ARE DARNED RIGHT, IT WAS WORTH IT!!!!!!! What I realized after my vacation was that I have this wonderful tool, and if used correctly it will help me to control my weight for life--that I have control--I knew this, but it took gaining again to believe it - that I will never have to be obese again. This is the real deal. What is life like now? Most days (I estimate 5 out of 7), I drink my water and take my vitamins & calcium. I get a B-12 shot each month; I try to exercise 3-4 days each week. I am healthy and strong and can take on any activity I choose. My children love it when I come to their schools because kids think that I am their sister!! I have so much more energy for EVERYTHING!!!! Don't get me wrong, my world isn't perfect, I still have to work at maintaining my weight and making the right food choices but now I know that I can do it long term!!! For those of you just starting this process, please stay encouraged!!! Your dreams can happen!!!!!! Jean

The time sure does fly...it is so hard to believe that 21 months ago I began this journey, one of the best decisions of my life! This year I have had my tummy tuck (2/23/04) and now I am scheduled for my breast reduction/lift (8/6/04) and eye lid surgery (8/26/04). So far all my surgeries have been covered by my insurance, Aetna. During the course of my TT, I did see the scalle hit 135lbs and fluctuate up and down 3 pounds from day to day. I now seem to stay at 139lbs, which drives me crazy. I have not changed my eating habits that I am aware of over the last few months. I have not exercised that much, which I know is not good. I have noted that even though the types of food I eat has not changed that I am now able to consume a little more quantity. That scares the HE** out of me. As we girls say in the south...As GOD AS MY Wittness....I never want to gain weight or be considered a "big girl" ever again! All suggestions will be greatly appreciated, good luck to us all...Bobbie

Have you tried any of the protein shakes? Some taste better with a little sweetener and vanilla. How about the powder (Citrucel?) for the constipation? Good luck Friday, prayer heading your way, Darla

Hi Heidi, My name is Patti,I had surgery 11/25/02 at BTC in PA with DrMarymor.I started at 274 and am at 142 for the last 4 months,I would like to drop another 10 lbs if possible but can't seem to get back in the swing of things with excercise and eating habits.BTC had told me I was probably where I would be,because I'm 43 and all I'm not going to get to 125 lbs very easy and if I did I probably wouldn't look very healthy.Everyone tells me now not to lose anymore that I already "look"skinny enough,of course we are never happy.I do not see myself as being skinny,and everyone who tells me this doesn't see me naked,LOL.I'd like to look into plastic surgery,I keep saying if I could just have a tummy tuck I'd probably go down another 10-20 lbs and a size or two and then I'd be happy.I am happy where I am now but always want to look better,do you know what I mean?Well just wanted to say HI Take care, Patti(PA)