My hubbie did just that last night. His company does an annual trek over to clippers stadium for a catered picnic, and then his boss treats us all to that evenings game. Well, for the past 2 years I have avoided his company functions for the most part (and they have some really nice events including a beautiful holiday party at a country club in Hilliard), but he convinced me to go to the picnic and game with him last night. So some of his peers from his company were there and when they recognized Aaron they came over to say hello. One guy in particular (the guy who hired Aaron originally 7 yrs ago) reacted with utter shock when he saw me. It was pretty great! This was the best reaction to the changes in my appearance I have experienced so far. He actually took a few steps backwards and his mouth hung open for a few seconds when he realized who I was and said,"Whoa, you look really fantastic!!! Did you go and have a makeover or something???" to which I replied "yes, something like that" Ha ha ha. I could tell Aaron felt proud that his peer reacted that way. It made me shine on the inside to have my husband feel so proud of me. In the past I was always afraid of being an embarassment to him. This was truly my first BIG WOW moment. Just wanted to share. Hugs, Jaimee -102# (-142 total)

Michelle, Before your post, I had been wondering how the loss would affect my height and being 5'2" before surgery, your post freaked me out!! Just ran and measured and I am proud to annouce, I am now 5'3"!!!!! HOLY COW!!! I have grown!! I stopped growing at 12 years old, so this is HUGE to me!! I am in shock and now my BMI has changed a full point...in my favor!! LOL So now my ideal body weight, if I lose 100% of excess body weight is 130lbs (before it was 126). Right now I am on track to lose 107% of my excess body weight, making me on track to weigh 121lbs!! Personally, I just want to get to 130-135 and then let the plastics do the rest What great news for my day. Now for you, I would call your surgeon about your loss in height because you might need to be tested for bone density. You might not be getting enough calcium, or at least perhaps not the right kind you need. I would be concerned with a loss in height. I can understand a growth because you can stand up straighter and the chest area weighs less, taking some burden off the spine, but a loss of height would worry me a little. I think you have a great goal though and it looks like you are VERY close to making it!!! Erica 258/155/130-135ish

Anyone shrink in height during this process? I started at 5'8, now I am 5'6.5. Which is all fine and dandy except it changes the BMI calculation. And I am using it for my goal ..pfft. @ 5'8 = 152 @ 5'7 = 147 @ 5'6 = 142 I'm sticking with 150-160ish Michelle 324/188/ 150-160ish

Okay, I had surgery Nov. 10th and am down 116lbs. now, my question is this I weight 195lbs. now, what size should I try on? This sounds silly I know but I was in a 30 something before surgery and I go to the thrift store to buy usually, and they don't have a fitting room. Also has anyone looked into plastics yet? Thanks so much for the info.

my surgery date was 11/24/04 and yes, i did it for a while. i have since stopped. i just wanted to continue to chew and act as if i were eating even after my stomach was full. i don't do it anymore. i think it may just simply be a phase you go through or a different way of mourning food.