Ok it's time for an update.

August 9th will be my 7 Month aniversary. Things are going well. As of 7/27 246 lbs Lost 120lbs My weight loss has slowed over the past few months but it has been consistent. I have yet to try anything with Sugar or get into trouble with carbs. I think this last 40 lbs or so will be the toughest. I feel great and strong physically but some recent set backs outside of the weight-loss world has put a strain on my nerves. I try to keep things in perspective and not let it pull me down to far. Of course the old routine of food being my drug of choice in these types of situations sometimes is hard to break, but to my credit I have been able to stay focused and on track. I have to say that I am loving the summer time more this year then ever. My energy is up and I am blown away by how little the heat is affecting me nowadays. I never was one to stay indoors even at my heaviest but this year the difference is totally noticeable. I am also starting to notice a sense like I fit into things better. Whether it be clothes, crowds, chairs, etc... That feeling is creating this increase in my confidence overall, but it's also seemingly lowering the level of worry and stress in my life, for a lack of a better word. There may be pictures in the near future. I have plenty of bad ones from "back in the day" but I need an updated good one. Anyway I thought I would send off a quick update. Take care and see you at Crums's support meetings!

Stephen, First off I want to congratulate on your success with your WLS. It sounds like you have been doing a great job and you will have no problem reaching your goal weight. I am pre-op but having my RNY surgery on monday. I am feeling a little anxiety but when I hear stories like yours it is such an inspiration to me and so many others pre and post-op. I can not fatham how I am going to feel 120 lbs. lighter. Keep up the good work and try to update your profile so people like myself who are routing and praying for you can see how your doing. Take care. ~Julie~

Stephen, WOW! 120lbs in 7 months! That is just terrific and I am sure it must be wonderful to feel like you fit in better -- to have the freedom to walk into a room and not worry about fitting into the chairs -- WoW! I have to ask this question to you and anyone else who is post op; one of my concerns is how I will handle the impulse to eat my way through a problem. Just curious, what do you do when you feel those urges now? I know what logic says, go take a walk or do some other activity to get your mind off of food to work the problem out, but when Ben & Jerry beckon what do you have to tell yourself to pull away from the fridge? I would like to try to implement a few behavior mods pre op to get a little practice on how to change these old habits. Thanks for sending in such an inspiring update and keep up the great work on reaching your goal! Terri

Hi Terri: Regarding your question about food urges - just my $.02 - REMOVE the items from your house that you should not eat. The Ben and Jerrys should no longer be housed in your freezer! This is what helped (and still helps) me. Sometimes I get bored (okay, it's rare) and that is when I would eat the most. If I get bored now, I go grab a 90 Calorie Dannon yogurt, or I cut up some chicken. Here's a fun (and possibly gross) thing I do with chicken. I will cut it into semi-large strips, cook it up and when I eat it, I pull it apart in strings with my teeth. It's kinda fun, but then again, I am a twisted chick at times. It allows me to take those small bites, eat slow, and just have some fun with food. Did I just ramble? Bottom line, in order to help you avoid foods that don't mesh well with the new way of eating, remove it from your house. You might find a carb or three in my house, though, but we do not talk anymore! (Sorry to hijack the thread from you, Stephen!) Tara

Keep up the great work...and don't forget the pictures! -Deb

Hey thanks for all of the positive responses!!! Terri the truth is that at times all of the tools that I am learning to get past those times don't work. There truly are stressful times that you are going to be pulled back into your old bad habits. I will say that for me I do give in at times but it's a controlled giving in if that makes sense. I try a few diversion tactics first and if that doesn't work I will go for something high protein like a protein bar, shake, or other protein food. (Meat, fish, Cheese) Above all you have to still avoid any carb or sugar foods because I think that those are the foods that will pull you back down. Of course the danger here is that you start giving in to easily or you feel guilty for giving in. For me I avoid the guilty because I am staying within my own guidelines nutritionally and I am able to get past it without getting into any real trouble. I am also still learning and I am not past this type of problem in any way.

Congratulations!!! Sounds like you're doing great. Thanks for the update. Maggie

Stephen: You truly look fantastic! It was nice to see you tonight. Keep up the good work!! Tara

That is wonderful Stephen! Keep doing what you're doing and you'll succeed. It's a rough journey, this much I've learned being a newbie. Stay strong.. you will overcome this! Take care, Michelle