oh my goodness you look amazing.  congratulations on all your hard work!!
Lori

 Thanks Coreena. Any help is appreciated. 
Lori

Hi Lori,
Welcome to the NS board.  
I'm not sure where you are located but in the HRM we have some support groups if you would like to attend.  The one I facilitate is a private group for people who have had wls and are looking to share support.  
A couple of our members have had the bypass surgery and I'm sure they would love to share tips and ideas with you on how to get back on track if that's something you're interested in.  As well some of our members do attend water classes and WW and you could buddy up with them.
It's normal for your pouch to have some stretching after some time.  Perhaps you can discuss this with your family doctor and have some follow ups with tests to check your volume.  

Please know that you're not alone with this struggle to keep the weight off.  I too have walked that path and recently had a revision to help with restriction.  If you have any questions, feel free to msg me privately or give me a shout via email at [email protected]

Our group name is Owlss and we've been meeting on a monthly basis for over a year at a location in the HRM backed by a NS funded program (You can find our listing in a directory circulated at your local medical centre and read our article in the newsletter).  We also have an active Facebook group which is private that I can add you to via email contact.  Feel free to join us and you'll find we have lots of friendly tips or just a shoulder to lean on.  

Wishing you all the best. 

Coreena Hale
Owlss 
Founder/group facilitator
[email protected]

 Hi,
Two things I want to mention right off the bat- get tested for Sleep Apnea- it's common with overweight people, and if your fiancee complains that you snore, make that appt asap.  The sleep is the most precious thing, lol and with two toddlers you're getting less than most anyway.  With Apnea you feel tired allll the time, weight goes up, your body signals you to eat for more energy, but it's a vicious cycle.  Please get tested!  I got a CPAP machine two years ago, it changed my life.  I cannot stress enough how important sleep is for your health and wellbeing.

Second, I went last June and got the slimband.  I was like you, started at 160, and went to 276 lbs at my highest.  I was on the wait list with the province of NS for 7 years, give or take, then they switched to a new system and I was re referred.  When they said last year it was going to be 10 years wait I thought 10 years since my second referral.  I sat down with my hubby, (I have three teenagers) and said, ok, I am 41 years old.  I have spent a TON of money on weight loss suppliments, memberships, patches, pills, diets, books, exercise equipment, clothes, etc.  and am fatter than I ever was.... what is this going to cost me?  I went thru Medicard and they financed it, I pay 338 per month.  This was the best decision I could have made for me..... I am working it, I fall off the wagon sometimes but I can get back on it again... and am down to 212lbs now.  I know it's expensive but it's an investment.  NOW the rotter- June 23, 2011 was banded.  February 22 CALLED in to Halifax for pre op stuff for surgery- apparently the first waiting period counted too......... spent all that money.... could have got it for free...... BUT no guarantees, and I have a year in.  If you ever want to talk please don't hesitate to contact me!!!