Stephanie, I'm confident that you know all the rules. Just make sure your calorie intake is not too low to stay out the "starvation mode". I'm sure you will get there, (or come close). The window doesn't close at 18 mo., just more difficult from what I've been told. Stick to the plan, 4 lb. in 10 days is great at 14 mo. out, you will get there! Doug

It has been a year and 2 months and I am down 155

Honestly, my hubby has taken this all in stride. However, right about my 5 month anniversary, he had a serious accident and a much more major life change (temporarily anyway) when his lower left leg was crushed, rebuilt and he's had to learn to walk on it again. I know what you are saying about men who wouldn't give you the time of day before. We've talked about that in our support group! My thing is people I do business with that didn't give me full respect before losing 132 pounds, even though my position and responsibilites warrented it, but now they say I'VE changed (and I mean in the context of my job, not looks)!! No... I only look different to THEM, I'm still the same, confident, intelligent person. In some ways it has really been a revelation to me about how other people viewed me as an obese person in the workplace! Thinking about it, I'm a little suprised I haven't been "hit on" by more men, but it may be that I don't give off that "available" vibe. Women friends and family have actually commented more on how SEXY I look than men... hmmm... maybe the men are scared? Tammy

Hey everyone I am starting to do a personal project. I have given myself two years with food research and writting to come up with a cookbook for the bariatric family. You might be bariatric but the family isnt and to fix a meal that everyone can eat. This idea came with hearing many people saying they have to fix so many things seperately from the family. Or there family wont eat the foods we do. My husband from day one loved how I cooked better than other ways of eating. He said one of the benefits is he can just eat and not worry if it is bad or unhealthy. Because it is all healthy. He can just sit back and enjoy the meal. My mother said she enjoyed my Thanksgiving turkey so much she gave two thumbs up for the cookbook idea. So what I was wondering I am in a creative mood , Are you willing to share how you eat and foods that you fix for ideas of which I will create a recipe. Also for those of you out there are there foods you wish you just knew how to put it together right the healthy way to be able to eat it again? Tell me what you wish you could eat again and I will explore the creative options on the meal. Believe me I have changed all sorts of meals I grew up on into healthy alternatives I can still eat now. Many of them actually taste better than the resturant version. But maybe I am bias. Well tell me what you think Amy

Tanya, I'm so sad to say I'm not going to make it to the Richmond event this time. My dad has been very ill and I have to be with him that weekend. Have fun and I'm looking forward to the pictures!! Tammy