Hi everyone - sorry I don't have a pic to post as I love "seeing" all of you as you respond - it makes it more real. I avoided pictures like the plague pre-surgery, so don't have any, but am working at getting a more current one up. Ok, here goes. Thanks, JaNae for posting this - it really helps gauge our progress. 1. 277/179/150 (dont' have any idea if 150 is reasonable but it's a nice round number). I turn 50 in Sept and am encouraged that I will have hit that 100 lb loss milestone before then! 2. I eat 6 times a day, and generally don't cook. Usually my "meals" consist of the following: protein drink with a few strawberries or 1/3 banana; yogurt; string cheese; light popcorn (the 100 cal packs); beef jerkey; cottage cheese with pineapple; South Beach Protein Bars (the small ones that have 10 grams of protein and 100 calories). I occassionally have a South Beach or Lean Cuisine frozen meal. My husband does cook some, and when he does I'll have a small hamburger patty, piece of chicken, vegies, etc. (I am bad about eating salads and vegies - I like to eat fruit but just don't do many vegies). We eat out quite a bit and I can always find something that is fun to order because it it's different - either to split with someone of to take home leftovers. I estimate that I eat between 700-1000 calories per day. 3. I had a stricture at 6 weeks post-op that was hell, because I threw up a lot, couldn't eat, and started getting malnourished. The "fix" was a piece of cake and I have felt fine since. I now have a hernia that is going to have be repaired at some point. 4. So far almost everyone has been very supportive. My husband and sons have been terrific, as have my boss and coworkers. I have had some issue with my sister and my best friend, each of whom are very large. My sister wants the surgery but her insurance won't pay for it - she tries to be happy for me but it's really hard. My friend had distanced herself - our weight was one of our bonds and now that is gone. 5. Definitely easier. I feel great! I exercise and actually don't hate it. I can eat pretty much whatever I want - I have ventured out into the carb world and the sky hasn't fallen. 6. Advice: Hang in there during those horrendous plateaus. I was stuck at 195 for 6 weeks. I really thought I was done losing. Then suddenly it budged, and I've lost 16 lbs in 4 weeks. I am sure it will happen again, and it is so hard to stay positive when it does. My immediate reaction is to quit eating and that is exactly the wrong thing to do! Lisa

My dear Chocolate Angel, You are so way too young to give up on finding friends and a special person!!! Right now your schedule is so full that it must be really hard to have TIME to meet anyone! How about volunteering at something? In one of your posts you mention the leader of your support group. Could the two of you do some things together? (Two people instead of one take the fear out of going into a bar or a movie...) MAKE some time for fun!! On line dating is also a possibility, and that is actually where I met my second husband, who is from Pakistan. Just be careful if you do the on line stuff, OK? Just remember we are always here for you! HUGS,

I have gone from a 48 C to a 42 B, but I still wear Just My Size from Wal*Mart. The 1100 style is all cotton and holds the girls very well for me. Inexpensive, too! HUGS, Pat

1. Pre-op/Current/Goal 2. What is your daily food intake like? 3. Any complications, problems or issues? 4. How have your family and friends adjusted to the "New You"? 5. Do you think the further out you are getting that this journey is getting easier or harder? Why? 6. Any advice you would like to offer.... 1. 218/143/135-139 2. B- one slice of whole wheat toast with slice of cheese or peanut butter L- side salad, chili from Wendys or side salad and WW dinner D- 2 ounces of chicken and vegtable, WW dinner/salad Snack protein drink or stallone pudding 3. No complications has been remarkable journey 4. Everyone is doing fine with it. 5. The last month or so I have developed hunger pains again, not bad at all. 6. Go into this with a positive attitude, I think this is so important. Jodi Dec. 12, 05

99% of the time I get one of two things when eating out... either A.) a grilled chicken breast sandwhich, of some sort, dont eat the bun, but eat the chicken, sauce, cheese, etc or B.) Grilled Chicken Salad, again, so many different variations and I will eat the chicken, cheese and depending on the other toppings, might try those too. Dont eat the lettec The other 1% consists of eating soup of some sort and supplementing that meal at home with a protein drink. Really though, the variety of chicken sandwhichs and salads amazes me. They get creative and it makes it an easy choice.