I am 5'3 and started at 268. I had Open RNY on 11/04/03. As of the 15th (I finally decided to only weigh myself twice a month), I was down 60 lbs, so I am down to 208. I lost about 30 lbs the first month. Then the weight slowed WAY down. Then right around Christmas I dropped 20 lbs, and then January I lost like 4 lbs. Very frustrating. I have made an effort since the first of the month to really exercise. If I can't make it to the gym, I will walk 2 miles in 30 minutes (give or take a few). I know I am losing inches because I brought a new pair of size 18 jeans on 02/08. They were tight, but the 20s were kinda baggy. Today, I can wear those jeans. The fit perfect! I know that I am a big boned person, and I know I have a more muscular build too (with what little muscle is under all that fat). So, I know if I make it to say 165 or something ...I am going to look damn good. I get discouraged reading about the huge weight loss of others. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy for them, but I feel like a failure. Plus, my hair is falling out big time! You should see my sink after I do my hair in the morning...it's disgusting! I keep my hair short and I do have some highlights to help give volume. I just pray it stops soon! Anyway, the point of the story, there are others right there with you. I understand. We are doing good! WE really are! Just keep your chin up...and know that you have a place of support! ~~Eileen~~

Hi, I am also 3 months post op. I have lost 83 punds so far. I don't eat much, usually cottage cheese, tuna or yogurt - I have found these to be good for me. I tried a few other things but seemd to have trouble keeping it down, so I went back to the safe foods. I also like and crave ice cream. The Blue Bunny brand is great, only a few bites and I am satisfied. Yeah!!!! I am not having any complications, except my hips hurt only when I sleep on my sides. Not sure whats up with that. Keep up the good work. Julie

I never thought I would see the day where I would be complaining that clothes at the store are too big. I went to DOTS today to look at some clothes(cause they are have a buy 1 clearance item get 2nd clearance item 50% the clearance price sale) and I was looking at some things that I liked and noticed that a lot of it was too big. I got a 'pleather' outfit(skirt and jacket). The skirts all ranged from size 26-22, and i am now in a 20 (from a 26/28). I REALLY liked the outfit so i tried on the skirt in the 22 and it fit but was loose, so i bought it, HOPING that I can get to go out karaoke-ing or something before I lose too much weight and cant fit into the outfit anymore. Its odd that now I am buying outfits that I will probably only ever get to wear once, but it is fun going up and paying for my purchases and complaining that a lot fo the stuff is 'too big' Also wanted to note the "time of the month" phenomonon(sp?). Its odd cause I had gained a pound during that week and in the past 2 days I LOST 2 pounds, so now I am only ONE pound from the half-century club, and 14lbs from my first goal. I hope to be able to be under 200lbs before I get to the dox in April. I HOPE HOPE HOPE i can make that goal, I may be a little disappointed if i dont. Okay I am rambling now, so I better get going.

Wow you're doing great! I'm down 84.5 pounds I'm having a liitle difficulty eating food but ususally some kind of deli meat and cheese no cravings but let me tell you Blue Bunny has great icecream bars. I had a few bites of one of those I bar is 0fat, 13 carbs,4 sugars and 4gms protein. They are pretty big, so all I can handle is a few bites, they are awesome. ;). They have fudge, fudge and vanilla, rasberry and cream and orange and cream. complication: 2 strictures, ulcer and gastritis (4 EGDs) exercise: 2-5 miles a day, weight lifting program for toning, stretches Meds: Prilosec, Carafate, multi vitamin and calcium vitamin Water: working on it, up to about 70 oz a day. Protein: definately not getting enough of that from food. Doing a few shakes still. Keep up the great work. ~Tiffany

what are they?