I was in the hospital being prepped for surgery. I was scared, cried, wondered if I would even wake up again. I did wake up again. I had a tube up my nose, and a binder around my mid section, as well as a cathider. I wasn't feeling any pain, but I was extremely groggy. I remember wanting a drink, but they wouldn't let me have one. At best, I could use swabs on my lips (like I didn't cheat). I also had to breathe into an apparatus, to keep my lungs strong, and I wanted to get those dumb things off my legs. My stay was ok, with the exception of one night nurse. Now, here I am, 1 year later, I've lost a whole average person (151lbs), and fit in size 18 jeans, and a size large top. I can also walk up a flight of stairs without needing an ambulance afterwards. I'm feeling 10 years younger, and can keep up with my son. We went trick or treating last night, and I went up and down 9 flights of stairs 3 stories each. thats alot of stairs. Anyway, I just wanted to share a bit of my story. Hope everyone else has a great surgerversy this month. Bright Blessings Mindi

Carla; I think the word normal may be our enemy. This is one of my more recent hypotheses, so let me know what you think. We all have this idea that once we've shed our excess weight we're going to be "normal." For me, I thought I would be happier and the things that brought me down about my life pre-op would resolve themselves. But they haven't...yes, I'm skinnier, but I still have all the same real life problems...bills to pay, house to clean, husband that can get on my last nerve, job stress, etc. So I started asking those around me that have never had a weight struggle and guess what? They have all the same problems. They may not have to count protein grams, but they worry about if their pants are getting a little snug and if they are, they make an adjustment until they fit right again. I've really tried to learn to listen to my body in the last year. Feed it when it's hungry, don't when it's not. If I'm craving salty foods, I eat them because there's likely a reason my body wants salt. I don't worry about the days I eat more because they seem to balance out with the days I eat less. And, I try to let my clothes be my guide. I don't step on the scale nearly as much as I used to. As a matter of fact, the only reason I've been on the scale all week is my one year follow-up is today and I wanted to see where I was before getting on the scale at my surgeon's office. And right now, the scale isn't moving, but my clothes are getting to big, so I don't really get that, but whatever. Blessings, Jennifer

That is so great Surgery Sister, WOw 151lb.. that is awesome. you are doing so well. Congrats and Happy rebirthday. Carla

Carla: Thanks for posting your thoughts...what is "normal" Well, I too stuggle some days (I think we all do). I have talked to some of my friends that have always been a "normal" weight and they say the same thing! I couldn't believe that they have FAT DAYS I think I'm just beginning to find a sense of normalcy in this new life of mine. To date I've lost 127 pounds going from 329 to 202 (so far but it's not over). My surgery date was November 17. It's weird I think I eat a lot now but last week I went out to lunch with some coworkers (something I rarely do) and they all said "well dang you make us look like pigs because you eat so little". Hmm...I guess my life is just different now. I finally feel like I can blend in a crowd of people and NOT be the heaviest one in the crowd. I finally feel like I eat to live and not live to eat. Some days are good and other days I still stuggle...but for the most part I really like who I am on the outside just as much as I've always liked who I was in the inside. Finding your inner happiness is the key in my opinion. The daily struggles, and stress will be there no matter what...it's how we deal with them that makes the difference. By the way...I'm DYING to be under 200 and that's my struggle for now. Congrats on your weight loss! Tanya 329/202 healthy & happy

Dear Betty, I range anywhere from about 800 to 1000 on an average day. I can't speak to sandwiches as I don't eat them. I eat crackers but not bread. I can eat about a cup worth of food to a cup and a half if I push myself. I try to limit the carbs but it's tough during PMS. I do get in more fruits and veggies. The fruits help for the sweet tooth. Sally