Hi Amy- I struggle with this too. Not so much sweet junk food- makes me sicker than a dog. I started this journey at 266 and I am at 178 right now ... things I do that seem to be helping- I seem to eat compulsively- which is hard when you have kids, a husband, and a mom in the house makes life hard... I have eliminated alot of the junk- both in my house and at work. someone posted something on the main board which hit home with me- even if it costs a little more, it is worth the extra money- so as far as sweet type items- i keep sugar free jello and pudding at the house- so when the kids bug me about dessert, i mix the pudding with light or fat free cool whip, crush a few grahamn crackers and walla, a dessert without all the sugar that would normally be there. I also go ahead and portion control that by putting it in small cups (the gladware kind****ep blue bunny yogourt on hand, and either will eat that or mix that with my protein shake. I have a hard time drinking enough- but i do like propel- so I coughed up the extra money for that because at least I am drinking it- both at work and at home. For the super bad cravings, I will go buy blue bunny sugar free popsicles or peanutbutter ice cream bar. But I don't buy them often- because I overindulge when I do. I buy the small mini bagels- one of these is perfect size for breakfast or a snack and I put lowfat cream cheese (berry mix) on it. I eat cottage cheese, and I also made up tuna salad- I figure that way I have something premade, and easy (and high in protien)- cheese sticks, that works too. Also, I bought some caramel rice cakes- they have 40-50 calories and work for a crunch. I do a protein shake a day or try to. Occassionaly, I will get in two. It is a choice and one I struggle with daily- but before you put that bite in your mouth- think about it. I am not flaming you, but offering suggestions, because I have been self sabotaging myself .... as far as the vitamins go- I make a week up at a time in a pill container- and I put it by the coffee pot (yes, go ahead and flame me, but I have 1-3 cups a day). and I take my vitamins that way- plus the propel has some in it too. Missing vitamins is NOT something to play around with. You can cause some severe damage by not taking them so you need to either get into a routine where you do, or find a way that works for you to get them included into your daily regiment. Hugs, Amy Z

Thank you all for all your encouragement,,,,,,,,, it really helps knowing you are all out there.... love joann

My surgery was 11/29/04 and I am down 99 pounds. I am 5'6" and would like to end up being 150# I started out at 280 on surgery day and was 320 at my highest weight. To date I have lost 139 pounds total and have 31 to goal. My WOW moment was when I went out to Seattle to see my family. I had not been home in 4 years because I was embarassed about my weight. My family was shocked at the change in me. Even my mom and Sister who were here the week after my surgery. I am able to eat fairly normal meals now. I do focus on protien and water still because I don't ever want to get complacent on those or on my vitamins which I take religiously. I am feeling so much better. I do run out of energy if I fail to eat right and I notice it right away. That helps keep me honest. I haven't touched the foods that I know are triggers for me. I consider that a door that needs to stay shut in my life. I am definitely making healthier choices and it doesn't bother me to not have the "goodies" at parties and stuff. I am thankful every day for this opportunity to make a change and I am grateful for all the support I get in this community. Thanks so much for being open and honest and real. It really helps. God bless you all, Jaimee

Hello there, I haven't posted on any of these boards in a while...been out taking care of things. I am down 96 pounds since surgery. I lost 20 a few years before that so 115 from my highest weight. If I never lost another pound (and I hope to lose another 50) I would consider this surgery a success. I am exercising at Curves three times a week, am off all medication, my knees no longer hurt, I can walk miles, climb stairs and go dancing in high heels. It is a miracle. Yes...I look like a lumpy sharpei when I'm naked. Yes, I still have issues with food and depression. Yes, I get cranky about not having food to turn to and want to strangle someone. But even with all that...this has been an incredible journey. Thank you all for being here along with me. Jo Age 57 VG 11/10/04 331/235/1??

Hi Amy, I'm definitely having the same struggles. I spoke with my surgeon about it a *very* little (I didn't want to confess too much) at my six month post-op visit. I really only told him that I was hungry a lot of the time, I didn't admit to the junk I was eating. He referred me to a psychotherapist that specializes in behavior modification. I have NEVER seen a therapist before, and I was kind of offended when he suggested it, but after a few days I calmed down and realized he only wants me to be successful. I sucked up my pride, made the appointment, and now I have had three visits. Even though we are definitely not into the deep stuff yet, just having someone to talk to causes me to think before I put something in my mouth, and I have been doing so much better. The scale is actually starting to move (in the right direction) again. So, as someone who would never even consider seeing a therapist before, I would recommend it now. I know that many will not agree with my statement, but there are a lot more than physical reasons that we got to be MO. Our surgery bypassed our stomachs, and talking to a skilled specialist can help us bypass our heads. L.