CJ????

I see No Op under your name?? You did not have the surgery??? But have lost how much weight if you don't mind me asking??? Lisa

Lisa, That's correct... I've never had any sort of surgery. I've lost 79lbs so far, and still going. In the long and short of it -- I changed my lifestyle pretty much the exact same way post WLS patients do. Basically I put myself on the post-op eating plans, and began excersizing, and viola! I eat the same portion sizes, etc etc. It took ALOT of self control... because if I ate something 'bad' for me, I would NOT get sick (which, it's different for post-ops). However, I "convinced" my brain that if I were to eat something 'bad' for me, then I WOULD get sick... and that worked! I do all my own cooking for the most part... so I know exactly what is put in my meals. Anything that has a nutrition label on it, you bet I'm reading it!! I count my carbs and my protein religiously, and I take a bunch of supplements. I began when I was tipping the scales at 250 lbs, and in a destructive marriage. I lost about 70 lbs right off the bat, then I got divorced and yo-yoed +- 20 lbs after that, plus stopped taking as good care of myself. January 1st rolled around and I was at 188, and I got myself BACK on the "post-op plan" (I guess that's what I call it), and now I'm down to 171, and it's still coming off at a healthy rate. I have several friends and some family who've had the surgery... so I knew alot about it and the concepts involved. I've battled with obesity my entire life...and whether you do it via WLS or not, it all comes down to self control. But nonetheless, drastic weight loss is the same -- whether it's by surgery or not. We all deal with the same general issues (social, phsychological, physical, emotional, etc etc). But yes, you did read that correctly... I am in fact a non-op (there's a whole bunch of us on the "Non Post-Op Messageboard"). Gone from 250 to 171. From a size 22/24 Womens, down to an 11/13 Juniors. My goal is to get to 140. *CJ* 250/171/140 non-op

CJ, I was reading your story last week and meant to tell you how much I admire you and your committment to better health. It must have been quite a challenge and I can imagine that it took a lot of self disipline. Keep up the great work and thanks for being such an inspiration for all the great support you offer here terri

Awww, thanks Terri! That's really sweet... Here I was, sitting here wondering if anyone pays attention to me here... It was quite a challenge... but I had to do it. It's not over yet (I don't think it will ever BE over, actually)... and it's a constant fight on a daily basis. It does take ALOT of self discipline and self control... let me just say this, being around these boards makes it a heck of a lot easier to stay focused. This place is great! CJ

Hi Lisa, you mentioned that not too many people reply to your posts, so here I am replying now. Nothing much useful to say here other than as of today I am finally half-way with grad school (gimme a half-hoorah). Dave

Half-Hoorah!! I have 3 classes left for my Masters Heading down the finish line - I'm thinking of going on for the PhD - I think I might be crazy Best Regards, Tammy Count down: 9 days!

We don't ignore you CJ!!!! I read your profile sounds like you have had a heck of a turn around in your life- congrats!!!