This is my new motto. I am about 16 months out and I since my surgery I have lost about 150 pounds. Throughout the last few months, I have gained between 10 and 20 of that 150 back. I have had some major stress issues which I think may have contributed to that but sometimes it seems that the more weight I gain, the more I want to eat because I just wanna say screw it! I'm not sure where I discovered that attitude because throughout my whole weight loss, I have been nothing but positive and such an advocate for people who have contemplated having surgery. My turning point came a few months back when I ordered an 8 inch sub from Jimmy Johns and ate the whole thing after having one of the worst days at work. When it was gone, I couldn't believe it! 6 months ago, I was only able to eat about 2 to 3 bites of chicken and I just ate a whole sub. The worse part about it was that I didn't even feel really full. I knew I had a problem. Thank God for my support system consisting of Dr. Forney, Dot, and Mona!! (not to mention my mom!!) I made one call to Mona and from there, she made a call to Dot who called me and set up an appointment. This whole process took maybe 20 minutes-THAT'S IT!! Since moving to Omaha, I have struggled with finding doctors down here who knew how to help me. Well, I went and saw my Scottsbluff friends last Thursday and had some x-rays and everything looks good.....stress can do some crazy things to your body. I just need to make better choices when choosing foods-LESS CARBS!! Sometimes, I forget that the surgery wasn't just a quick fix----IT'S A TOOL!! No matter how many times they tell you that, you can forget. I think I'm back on the right track now and I have posted pictures around me of when I did weigh over 350 pounds to remind myself of what I would be going back to. I REFUSE to be fat again and I hope that my extra 40 pounds enjoys my body while it can because it WILL be gone before next summer!!! I just needed to vent but thanks for listening!!

We're home alone too....I did go bowling with 2 of the grandkids...they certainly are a blessing!!! We're having tacos.....later and lighter, Beth in NP

Thanks so much everyone, I am still floating in that cloud somewhere between disbelief and surprise! Jimmy I would love to have the name and number of the Imperial support group. My next question is: What kind of time off should I expect to take from work? From heavy lifting, heavy cleaning, etc.... why I ask is hubbys 40th class reunion is May 26th, and we are hosting the noon meal here at our farm and I do not want to be getting over major surgery right before we start the major painting and cleaning projects that come with that kind of event.

Hi Cindy, WooHoo! That is wonderful. You can email me and I will help you find a support group in or near your area. There is one in Scottsbluff on April 17th, Alliance April 9th and Grand Island April 16th. Let us know how you are doing. Mona

Glad it all went well! Welcome to the BAND. karen