I weighed 398 I am down to 212. I think every pound has been hard to get off. They told me it was at least an 18 month program. I just set small goals and try to meet them one at a time. Right now my goal is to reach 210 lbs. I feel a lot better now than I did the first 6 months.

It's so funny that we are all going through this at the same time. I swear, this week has freaked me out because I feel like I am eating ALL the time! And definitely not good for you foods! I baked some awesome chocolate chip cookies that are being eaten all day long...by me! I also have started drinking with my food lately. I guess I just got so comfortable now post op that I have started to slip on some of the rules. I had my 9 month post op appt and the surgeon was concerned about me losing too fast. I surpassed his goal for me, so he cautioned me to not over exercise or to skimp on meals. Well, I don't ever exercise and am now eating cookies!! Of course, my period is due next week, so I eat more the week before my period anyway, which may be the case with you too. Not to mention, A LOT OF US are emotional eaters and hello, the news lately hasn't been exactly great. I know I eat when I am depressed and watching tv has very little good news lately. I am going back to the basics. Protein first, lowering the carbs, drinking at least 64oz of water, and getting a little exercise in. I am almost at "my" goal and don't want to lose sight of the success I have had so far. Not even for the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. LOL Don't beat yourself up!! We are just coming to the test with this surgery. Will we or won't we make the choices to make this a life long change. You can do it!! Coming here and posting this message proved that to me!! Erica 258/144.5/130-140ish

Thank you so much Summer...By the way, you look wonderful! Hope to be in touch more on the boards now that school is in and summer is coming to a close...I have to say I love life being so much fuller now!!! Take Care, Debi

Hey DQ, I can so relate to what you are going thru. I have gone thru the same thing for the last two months, except for the fact that I have gone down to more sizes to a 12/14, and only have lost 5 pounds. But I just wanted to tell you to not give up and keep up the protein, water and exercise. It will move again, just wait and see. I am also 5'2, and started at 287. Now at 200, and in a 12/14, I feel really good about myself and my success. I still have about 55 pounds to go. Take care. Cathy

Hiya Lori. We are the same height and started around the same weight. dont give up, I am sure that you will lose more, although we dont want to get too crazy about our weight (I think your goal is very realistic IMHO) - healthy is the most important thing, I feel. Maybe you should consult your nutritionist, he or she might be able to give you some insight on things that may be bogging down your weight loss. I know for me I really have to stay from all complex-carbs. Basically no breads, pastas, rice, sugar. I do have a BIT of bread from time to time but it always ends up feeling like a lump in my pouch so I certainly dont do it too often. I do enjoy fruit though - a nice natural carb that is easily digested by my body. Keep us poste don how things are going. God bless you and keep you, ~Andrea