I have not set a goal for myself and I'm happy at a size 10 pants. Everyone keeps telling me don't lose anymore weight you look wonderful. I can't eat greasy foods and try to avoid candy/sugar as I do dump on them from time to time. Heart gets to racing, break out in a sweat and sometimes I get really tired and must sleep it off. I can have one small piece of candy but it must be very small. Still have problems with meats. Pork is out and so is steak. When i saw my surgeon last he told me I MUST start eating more. A mouthful here or there is not enough to keep the old body ticking. I'm trying to eat more but now I'm dealing with gas and the awful farts so I don't know what's worse at this point. Suffer with gas and running everyone out of the room or going back to my mouse eating ways I'm going to try and start taking a Gas-X pill right before I eat and see if that helps me. Other wise on a good note. I'm happy I had this surgery as I have not been this happy and healthy in so long and it's fun dressing up and showing off the new me Donna 338/161

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Congrats on all your hard work. This is one hell of a ride,but a GREAT ride nonetheless. Gracie

12/21/05 - Today is my one year anniversary of having gastric bypass surgery. Here is my year in review: I've lost 120 pounds I'm dating for the first time in years and for once not worrying I'll be rejected because I'm "just too fat" I've uncovered some emotional/self-worth issues I didn't know I had I got to know my "self" a little better, which makes me more comfortable in my own skin I learned I did hide in my "shell" because I didn't feel worthy I rode 32 miles in one day I walked 8 miles without stopping I've participated in 9 different races (walking, trail, triathlon) I've gained self-confidence in knowing that I now have a body that reflects the active person I am I can snow ski without my straining my knees I can do jumps and spins in ice skating again I can buy clothes anywhere now and everything fits!!! I smile more and laugh more and take life a little less seriously. I re-acquired my lifeguard certification I became certified as an EMT I've made some great new friends I've (finally) met people who like to do the same kind of exercise activities I do I've gone from a size 24/28 to 8/12 (top/bottom) I've rollerbladed 10 miles on the Monon with the wind blowing through my hair and a huge smile on my face and felt like a little kid again I discovered I am crazy about hiking in the woods I got my life back. My Measurements Changed From: Calf: 21 to 15.5 Thigh: 31 to 20 Hips: 58 to 41 Waist: 40 to 28.5 Bust: 44 to 35 And, lest I portray that this journey is ALL fun and games (it isn't...), the down side: Horrendous allergic reaction to adhesive used with steri-strips after surgery Threw up within hours of surgery which scared me to death MAJOR pain in large/lower left port hole for 3-4 days after surgery even with narcotics Dizzyness/Lightheadedness upon standing for first three months or so Ulcer & Occasional Stomach Pain (for which I'm taking 2 drugs I would like to be off of...) Ongoing Fatigue Issues Ongoing Thirst Issues Constant need to monitor nutrition/food choices/vitamins & supplements Three episodes of becoming sick after eating over 12 months 1 CAT Scan & bag of saline trip to ER for abdominal pain couple of low blood sugar attacks diagnosed with protein calorie malnutrition Is it worth it/would I do it again? Definitely. This has actually been one of the best years of my life. I'm so glad I made the decision I made. My Goals For Year Two: Maintain my weight loss = wt < 164 Exercise a little more consistently Practice good food habits (more fruit, keep protein level up, less needless carbs, instead of grazing breakdown and have a meal) Religiously take vitamins/supplements Finish the Mini-Marathon Complete 3 sprint triathlons Ride across Indiana Run a 5k without stopping to walk Do a 20 mile hike. Continue learning about my emotions and relationships and how to have healthy ones Begin work on becoming certified as a personal trainer

So we took this challenge a few months ago? How did you all do? just wondering. Is everyone on track where they want to be? How is the eating going? are you grazing? I find myself grazing quite a bit. Especially on SUGARy things. Like, almond snickers ( i kno i kno) but i keep it in moderation or at least i try. I made my 145 goal but ultimately I want to lose just a few more pounds. I guess till I feel "okay". I am filling up that piggy bank for that well needed Tummy Tuck and Breast enhancement/lift. Everyone keeps telling me not to have the tummy tuck till after having kids...but i'm not sure if i want kids or want to adopt. Who knows Anyways, how is YOUR eating going? Are you able to eat greasy foods? Sugary Foods? How is your weight loss going! Enjoy the Holidays! Gracie

Thanks Donna! You are so sweet. You have done amazing with your weight loss. Congratulations!! Melissa