HI GANG

Well Hello All; I have taken some time off the boards to see if I could come to terms with myself. It seemed as though all I could do was obsess with what was and was not going on in my life and it was all centered around was I losing or not losing weight. I found that I was my own worst enemy and was driving myself crazy. So I took some time to reflect on things and put some things in proper prospective and you know what I found out? Well let me share somethings that may or may not help some of you. First I have learned that I do not have to get on the scales every single day. The measure of my weight is not and does not measure who I am and is no reason to put myself down or make myself feel like a failure. Next I found that it is a fact that as we get further past our surgery our stomachs are going to expand and we are going to eat more. That it is a matter of what we choose to eat that is going to make the difference. I have found that depending on the type food I eat determines how much I can eat. For instance, if I eat soft proteins I can eat sometimes 6 to 8 ozs., but if I'm eating dense proteins, such as steak or pork chops I may eat 3 or 4 ozs. I also discovered that at this stage of the game that it is very common to go a month or two or even three without any or very little weight loss. So I stopped beating my self up about it and I try to watch what I eat and how much. But as long as I'm not gaining any weight I am going to experiment with eating new things and I am going to concentrate on having as normal a life as I can. And I am going to continue to praise God for what He and I have accomplished in the past 10 months On Dec. 13,04 I weighed in at 328 today I am at 228. I have come from a size 48 & 50 pants to a size 38, from a size 3xl shirt to a large which I have not been able to wear since high school I know that I am living and eating healthier and hopefully going to live longer than I would have before surgery and that is what's important. Anyway, I will be back on the board again and if I can be of help to anyone please feel free to ask. Your Loser Friend, Jim

ALRIGHT JIM Very proud of you Donna

Hey Jim, I was just thinking about you the other day and I"m so happy to see your post. I totally agree with what you had to say, I've had to do the same for myself. I think that I am my own worst enemy most of the time and I really need to lighten up on myself, we are all doing great. Just look how far we've come since this time last year. I sure hope that things are getting better for you dear friend and I hope your wife is doing well. Please don't go so long next time, let us know how you are doing. Take care, Loni 12/16/04 RNY 237/140/138.5

So happy for you Jim!! It is good to see you back and so uplifting!! I think we all have MANY things to come to term with after this surgery. I believe you are right where you need to be!!! Love & Blessings Tonya Keep Up That WONDERFUL Attitude!!!

Thanks Jim. Even though this was your reflection, it kinda helps us too. It shows us that we are not alone in the battle and how much we are able to eat. Thank you for sharing this with us. I needed to read this. Really. Gracie 270/151 11# till Goal

Jim, You are always uplifting us. Thank you for your words of encourgement. Deana

Hi James Glad to hear from you. I haven't been on much either. Well It sounds like you have a great understanding of everything . Congratulations on hitting the Century club. Way to Go!!!!! Keep in touch Kelly