Hi everyone! Now that we're two years out, how are you all doing with the sweets at this time of year? I've handled it quite well over the last 2 years (of course, 2 years ago it was immediately post op and wasn't an issue). I guess last year I was so excited and doing so well that it was easier. This year it's not the case. It's like I'm addicted to sugar. I've put on 10 pounds and am no longer losing. I'm not working out either, which is probably the biggest problem! I'm very determined to start working out again and it's not going to be a New Year's resolution but a daily decision. Has anyone switched over to no refined white flour or sugar and gotten off of sweetner completely? I'm really looking into making a drastic change but doing it all a little at a time (so my family doesn't freak out!)! I had this surgery to drastically change my life and I want to be healthy! Any ideas would be great! Thanks!

Congrats to you Vickie!!! Boy - gotta tell you... I was so busy and preoccupied the actual anniversary of my surgery slipped my mind ... Thanksgiving sure was different this year... the first since surgery that I have prepared myself.... my focus on food was different.... I loved all the cooking and the preparation... but really surprised myself when I couldn't finish what I put on my plate!!! and felt satisfied!!! that was indeed great! Even enjoyed that pie!!! Well... I am hovering at about -140 lbs since surgery and not having to work at it!!! That is great for me... and I don't have to obsess about food in that way... instead I am becoming a gourmet cook!!! (but boy, I gotta tell you guys, I have thrown away more food in the last two years as I have all the years of my life put together!!! and that's a lot of years!!!!) I am still struggling with bad fibroids, lupus and chronic anemic but all in all - I am still here above ground! which is a truly good and amazing thing! B

Happy 2nd Suriverary November Sibs! 2 years and 202lbs gone! love & hugs, Vickie

Paula, You are most definitely NOT alone!!! I just blogged about this a few days ago.. I get so frustrated with myself and it's so hard to keep plugging.. but my doctor always told me that at some point the surgery will be done doing its job and I will have to do the rest. I'm down nearly 140# but I still have another 75 or so to go just to get to "normal" and another 50 to get to my surgeon's goal of 200. When I wrote my blog, I said, "I just wish I'd seen more people who weren't superlosers when I started this journey." Not that it would have changed my mind, but maybe it wouldn't have set me up for disappointment. And I think there's a stigma associated with NOT reaching your goal "like everyone else has" -- be kind to yourself. Look at all you HAVE accomplished.. and now, doesn't doing it the "old fashioned way" seem a lot more achievable to you than it did before?? I know it does for me. I have told myself to think of it like this: I was able to go REALLY FAR thanks to this surgery.. and the timeline for "the rest of the way" is my own. I'm not in a race. If it takes me another two years to lose 75# with diet and exercise, then OKAY.. at least I am healthy. At least I am able to exercise without causing more damage to my body than good. At least I am more likely to SEE two years from now than I was two years ago. Maybe your body is just used to the way you've been eating and you need to change it up? Do you or have you ever used a program like Fitday (www.fitday.com)? It's a great way to figure out what you're putting into your body vs. what your body needs. maybe you're just missing something? Don't be discouraged.. plenty of us did not lose all our weight.. PLENTY of us are still working towards our goals.. and with the right attitude and a realistic set of goals, we WILL get there in our own time. Stef Lap RNY 11/12/04 5'11" 390 -> 258 -> 175 (AND NOT GIVING UP!!!)

Dear Nov 2004 Brothers/Sisters, I need Help!!!My weight on the day of surgery(265lbs),my lowest weight(190lbs @ 6mos. post op).I've bounced between 190-195 for the past 18mos.I'm now at 200lbs!!!!!! I'm still med free (reason I had surgery),and my labs are great!!I'm still very upset that I'm still OBESE!!,according to the BMI chart.I'm still doing my vites,shakes,water/crystal light,walking.I would like to attend my support group but I now work 3 to 11 pm (since mar.).What do I do now??Has anyone experienced this??I only see people that have reached their goal.Am I the only one STILL OBESE????? Please help!!! Paula RNY 11/30/2004