Thank you guys sooooo much, this is yet another blessing this surgery has allowed me to be a part of! My friend Mikia who is trying to get pregnant is very overweight and not considering surgery.. please visit her page and lend your support guys!! http://obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=C1149471493

Jamie Chelle has some great advice. Don't beat yourself up over the past, just start now to take charge of your future. The surgery gave you a tool, which you can continue to use for life. Just make a return to the basics, high protein, low carb and lots of water. The weight will melt off again in no time. Try to focus your depression on exercise, instead of food. Join a gym and punch a punching bag. Go for long walks. If you can replace some food with physical activity, the weight will come off faster. Many blessings. ((( HUGS ))) Karen G

Hi Michelle, Congratulations!!!! I am happy for you. Take care, Diana

Congrats! Jamie

(((JAMIE))) 1st of all, don't think you are a failure sweetie because you are not at all... You've done wonderfully and it's not OVER... You still have the tool hon and it will be with you for the rest of your life... I highly doubt you have stretched your pouch... You are obviously going thru some very tough times right now and food has become your "best friend" again... I know how you feel there -- I've been having some issues as well with using food as my friend... But don't let it rule your life hon... Sometimes it's good to take a step back and realize how far you've come and that your journey is not over... Don't throw in the towel cuz you still got what it takes to get back on track hon... You just have to want it again... Perhaps a local support group may be in order if you need some face to face interaction with people who will be able to help on a more personal level; otherwise, you know your OH family is always here for you... Never forget that!!! As for how to get back on the weight loss train, start back with the basics again... Do what you did shortly after you had surgery and eat smaller quantities... It does in fact shrink down the size of the pouch again... Sometimes I have to do this to get back on track... Also make sure you are eating high protein foods - chicken, eggs, etc when it's time to eat food... Eat 3 times a day with 2 snacks in between - ( for snacks cheese always works good for me)... This of course is my docs protocol on how to eat post-op... Some eat as many as 6 small meals a day... I do the 3 and sometimes have 2 snacks in between if I feel hungry... If you eat a good protein, you will notice it does not take much to fill you and make you satisfied... Also make sure you are pushing water in between the times you are eating... Avoid caffeine at all costs - It makes me a crazy eater & I literally want to eat everything in site! I don't care for water all that well so I drink SF Koolaid sweetened with Splenda or decaff. iced tea... Still counts as fluid intake and it won't hurt ya at all... I hope this helps in some way Jamie... You're going thru a lot right now and sometimes having someone supportive to talk to can make a world of difference... Remember I'm here for ya if you need it... You can email me if you'd like to talk more... I'd be happy to help in any way I can... Please take care and don't give up... You are not a failure hon - no way, no how!! Chelle