Att Leslea Bolton! And update for all...

Just want to say thanks for getting me out of my "shell"! Yes everyone I am still around! Have been hibernating and depressed tho. So glad spring is finally here! My weight has plateaued- my own doing... eating more carbs, less exercise but I am starting to snap out of that. Since surgery on Aug 11, 2003 I have gone from 330# to 210#(-120#) and have gone from a size 3-4X(28 to 32) to 18/20. Clothes shopping has become fun again especially since I am so close to graduating from Plus sizes! I will definitely need a tummy tuck- have lots of hanging belly skin and underarm floppies but that will have to "weight" a little while longer. I do have "after" pictures but have not got around to posting them yet. I have been extremely healthy throughout this entire process- I almost feel guilty saying that given the complications that others have. I did have almost daily nausea and vomiting up until about the 6th month but one day I woke up and it was gone just like that! I am finally able to eat more meat- chicken, fish and roast beef have been difficult unless smothered in gravy or softened/shredded in soup. I am not using protein powder as much as before but can feel when I have a need for more protein. I get tired and headachy. I try to have a banana a day for potassium which seems to help too. When I crave sweets or chocolate I call on my newfound friends- Russell Stover sugar-free candy(the truffles and toffeebar are to die for!!!) and Blue Bunny and Edys SF/FF ice creams. They do not taste like "diet food" at all! As always I welcome everyone's input and questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] Michelle

Michelle it is great to hear from you. We had our surgery real close together but you have been more succesful than I have been. I'm afriad the admitt for the same reasons you have stated. Winter was real hard to exercise and I have had no trouble eating or drinking. My surgery was 8-29-03. I am down 96 pound. Even though you feel like you are doing less you have done a great job. Don't let this littkle set back dampen your spirits or keep you from doing what you know you can. I know the nice weather has made it easier to get out and walk. Good luck and we know you can get through your plateu. DeAnne

Hello Michelle welcome back I was wondering what happend to you. we all missed you. stay in touch. and congrads on your weightloss that is awsome news I actally went down more sizes too i'm so happy I had this done. take care keep up the good work. Laurie

Michelle, I'm so glad you posted..you too DeAnn....Jason had his surgery Aug 8th and he has only lost 97lbs....and I say "only" very lightly because no matter what...we've all lost a BUTT-LOAD of WEIGHT!!!! I think you should be very proud of yourself!!! Everyone is diffrent...youare still a SUCCESS!!!! I am very proud of you and I pray that you feel proud of yourself. All these feelings of shame and guilt are what got us here in the first place. Anyone that goes through this surgery is a winner...because we all had to go through a lot just to go under the knife and recover. You've been through so much already..this should be a happy time..you WILL loose more weight...and you have come so far already!!! I'm happy for you...can you tell?! Keep up the great work! You are already an inspiration!!!!!!! Love Deb

Michelle, the changes you have made are nothing to be sneezed at! hurry and post those new pictures.

Michelle, I think you are doing wonderfully! Keep up the good work. God bless, Andrea P.S. Looking for those new pictures!

Michelle, Glad to hear from you, I was worried about you. I think your weight loss is awesome. I have hit a plateau as well and only 2 months out, but I know I need to kick myself in gear. Can't wait for the warmer weather to stay, BRRRRRRRRRRRRR I am freezing today. Do you have that trouble? I never did before this surgery but now I am always cold, I guess losing some insulation. Take care of yourself and be proud of what you have accomplished thus far. Hope to maybe see you at a meeting sometime soon.