Hello!!! Well, I would guess the closer we get to goal, the more we would slow down. So far, I haven't had the slowing down really....I guess I thought that it wouldn't make a difference month wise, but goal wise....I still want to lose another 80 lbs or so. So for the questions...lol!! 1. I DO eat my protein first, I drink around 5 bottles of water each day and one diet snapple, equaling over 100 ounces per day!! I have noticed more energy and more weight loss since really increasing the water. I am taking my vitamins really good, it's a habit now!! I am glad for that! 2. I don't know that my appetite itself has returned, but the craving for carbs has. I have caught myself a few times trying things I shouldn't and I had my first true dumping experience this weekend after trying a nacho chip with all this rich cheesy nacho stuff on it!! I won't do that again...lol!! I am a stay at home mom, so between taking care of the house, and my little one, I homeschool my 10 year old daughter. Some days I find it hard to get my 3 meals in, let alone continuous snacking, for which I am very glad!!! Since I have lost the weight, I seem to have so much more energy, so the exercise is actually going very well!! I have added more exercise, and trying to do some toning, these arms are disgusting flabby...lol!!! Not to mention the stomach, but the arms are noticeable to everyone, not just me I am sure....So, I have been doing alot of weight training with my arms, more reps!! 3. I have had quite a few people really notice my weight loss!! I don't notice it as much at all, except for when I try clothes on!! I am married so no NEW loves, but my husband is very proud of me!! 4. I stay home with the kids and homeschool, but I do have way more energy to get more done. My husband hasn't given me a raise though....lol!! What is up with that??? 5. I am not going to therapy or anything. I talked to my Dr. on Friday when I went in for my check up, and he was glad to see that I was so upbeat. I haven't suffered from any of the depression, or feelings of loss as far as food goes. I don't know why, but I have felt so wonderful since having the surgery, not feeling deprived etc....and I know for that I am very fortunate, after talking to people around here who I know who have had the surgery, and reading the posts on here!! I feel great, and my attitude, my self esteem, my energy level, everything has improved!! Thank God for that!! I am very glad I made the decision to have this surgery, and not one time have I had any doubts or misgivings concerning it. I am very happy!! I have a new spring in my step!!! Take care, Teresa

Well B, Here are my answers: 1. Most of the habits are solidified. Water being the hardest for me. Some days, I get 100oz others I get 48, so still working on that one. I am pretty faithful on my vitamins and now that I found a multi-vitamin that is small and I don't have cut in two, its going much better. Protein is good; I usually get between 60-80g a day depending on how the stomach is handling food that day. LOL yep I am one of the lucky ones with a picky pouch! I am on a plateau and have been for the last two weeks so yep my weight loss is slowing down. I am hoping after this week of "little monthly visitor" and getting back to basics, the scales will move on Sat! 2. Appetite has returned, although not full force. Carb demons are rearing their ugly head. I work from home when not travelling and am home this week. I have moved my office to another room so that I have to walk through two rooms to get to the kitchen. This has helps tremendously! My office was in the room right next to the kitchen and specifically the fridge. Exercise is going but not as well as it should. I am starting with a personal trainer this weekend to hopefully help with this. He is a good friend and doing this on his own time to get me into an exercise routine that I can do at home or on the road. I spent 98% percent of my life in hotel rooms and have no motivation to go to the gym onsite. I do get swimming done about 3 times a week. Again its a motivation thing. If I get to the pool, I will spend anywhere from 1-2 hours in the water. 3. Lots of people notice, but I still don't see it in the mirror. That makes it hard to accept the compliments but I am trying. The worst is when someone says "youre wasting away".... my thought is "yeah right, I still weigh 296lbs, no way am I wasting away. Get real" Now to friends who know me well, I have commented this way and it has become a joke, however, there are acquaintances that are just nasty about it. I try to take the high road in that! 4. No new job, but looking! I got a raise last week that is overdue but I didn't have the courage to ask for. I finally did and voila got it ! 5. No therapy here, although I have thought about it. My support group so far has fit the bill for me. Thats whats happening in my world. Hope everyone else is doing well. Lise Lap RNY 11/29/04 409/296/190 106lbs to goal -- woohoo and yikes !

Hey B - You're just full of questions aren't you??!! Ok, let's see: 1. I'm really good with my water and vits. I do sometimes forget the b12 sublingual but not often. I try my hardest to do protein first. I make sure to get about 70/80g in a day. 2. My appetite has returned darn it all!! Sometimes at night when I'm tired I go for carbs. I've been pretty good but have slipped a little in the last 2 weeks. I need to get hard on myself and get back to basics! No harm done though. 3. People at work are starting to say that I look good. Some folks (even ones that I don't know that well) say, "hey skinny" when I walk by. It's a little weird for me. I like it but at the same time I don't if you know what I mean. I need to work on that a little. I feel the same even though the body's changing. That ole' fat mentality just doesn't go away over night! 4. No new jobs, promotions or firings - same ole' same ole'. No news is good news?!! 5. I do see a therapist once a month just to check in. I haven't really felt the need to do any in depth head shrinking. Things are pretty good in my part of the world lately. Hubby's happy, sons are good and I'm still shrinking (slowwwwwly but surely). Keep up the great work all and to all!! Deb

I go the e-bay route too for clothes, both buying and selling these days. Now this is a little pricey (@30$) but the Body by Victoria full figure bra is working for me. It has my puppies riding so high they are getting vertigo. You could probably find some on e-bay for less. Don't get the ones with padding though unless you actually need it! The clothes shopping is frustrating at times. Especially since pants don't seem to be made to sit at the natural waist anymore! If I order something half the time it is too big by the time it gets here. And losing from the top down and with the loose skin has things fitting funny anyway. Eddie Bauer outlet online has some petite deals and they tend to be true to size. Because they're name brand they're also resellable. I'm only 5'2" so I'm sharing your pain! Way to go with the hair. I wish I could get mine to grow beyond my shoulders. Hope this helps! Carey 243/168/130

I was thinking of picking up some of those panties. Care to share where you got them? How are they working for you? We are going on a cruise in 2 weeks and I dont want to wear pantyhose with my dress for formal nights, open toes sandals would look cuter, but I know I need some support there! Janet