I looked through the forum topics and unless I missed it, there isn't one for image/ identity issues, which is odd considering the amount of adjustments we go through before, during and after surgery. For over 15 years I barely glimpsed my face in the mirror when absolutely necessary. Having lost 123 lbs and 23 bmi points, I have gone from having thighs larger than normal women's waists, to being frustrated that to fit my tummy almost all pants legs are huge on me! People do not relate the same way to me now. Every one is always saying " you look so good now" boy is that a two edged sword... Anyway, I do not recognize myself or my new capabilites fully, and find it frightening somewhat. Without so much insulating me from others, I find that I feel much more vulnerable. I was a hard worker, a fat person, then an injured then laid off person, then a full time college student having surgery and exercising, then I was a 4.0 graduate trying to get a job. Now I am not sure what I am,.... 185 applications and 12 interviews later and no job.... I do not understand many things going on in my life, and this is unusual and very uncomfortable for me. I find myself wanting to run, sleep, eat... And fight daily not to choose these negative escapes. Except I do know God loves me and is here to help me. I think this must be transition.... The most painful part of labor.... Getting ready for the birthing of a new me!! Anyone else feeling squeezed?

Hi joanne, my maiden name was " blue". Tail bone pain...Yes! I have lost 123 lbs- ( only 5'3)tomorrow is 10 months post. I still have 34 lbs to the dr's goal weight for me, and 47 lbs to my own goal weight, so I do not know how bad it will be by then. My 31 yr old daughter was just here from kansas city, and is 11 mo post op yesterday, and at 5'5 has lost 162 lbs!!! Her tail bone hurts so bad, she often sits on a small pillow. We had so much padding for so long, and now the whole bottom of our butts has just sort of dropped off!

I find the more calories I eat the more I lose. If I stay at like 1000 aday or less I stay the same weight. I figured this out cause I only lose once a month right around the time aunt flo comes around. And usually at that point im craving all kinds of stuff. Also im hungry all the time during that period. And every time like clock work I will lose 2 to 3lbs... I have been on amssive stall! I only have 40lbs to go and its driving me crazy!!! How do you guys deal with that? My head is messed up cause I weigh 179 from 297. And I still feel fat! The pants I wore last month no longer fit and I remember wearing them thinking how hot I looked and now my pants are smaller and I feel worse? Am I the only one who does this? Oh and im sorry about the capital letters... My computer is messed up and im at work!

Has anyone out there heard of and/or tried a health drink called Monavie? If so, I would love to hear all about it. I spoke to someone at my local support group who said she drinks it every day and has actually helped with her weightloss and overall health, I doi know it's a natural fruit drink, so any input would be helpful before I order it. Thanks. Joanne

Hi, Joanne. I'm glad your labs are normal and you are feeling better. I did want to let you know, though, what helps me with tiredness and fatigue. My labs have always been normal, but I do get very fatigued if I don't have at least one protein supplement per day. I do even better if I have two per day. I've experimented with this a couple of times and when I stop the protein supplements, the fatigue is only a couple of days away. Anyway, just food for thought! Congratulations on your weight loss! Sherry