hi jennifer; I too have just had my surgery 6 weeks ago, i have to tell you this it is a real struggle to keep away from the banned stuff, but whenever i thing of eating some illegal stuff such as sweet or high carb food i just tell mysef i havent gone through all this pain and expenses to ware it away that eaisly. I sweared to myself to keep away from any bad food mainly sweets until my birthday which is 5 months away, i do treat mysely every weekend by eating a bag of chips or so. All what i can tell in has to come from unside you, if you don't change your way of thinking , this operation will become a total loss, try to prepare and eat food you enjoy, if you crave sweets go for the unsweetened stuff they really tast good. Hope this helps. Mona

I don't think you are over eating. The first month is a trying time, I thought I was doing everything wrong. Your still healing and your body is adjusting to what you can and can't tolerate. If you are eating to much, you will NOT be able to keep it down. I have lost 65 lbs and feel great-I have called my doctor many times with questions and concerns. Please email me if I can help with ANYTHING! Katrina

The best advice I think I can give is to keep it in perspective. You didn't get to 365 overnight... it took a lot of work to get there, just like it did to get to 195. I too have slacked off on the exercise...for more worse reasons... LAZINESS! I don't have any health reason preventing me from working out and that makes it worse in my mind. I think I have popped up a about five pounds since my lowest weight...I only can say that because I was skimming through my profile... Apparently, I was at 151...FOR A DAY! I recall being steady at 155 before PS and since PS, I've been maintaining at 158/159/160... so since I know that 3 lbs is implant... I'm okay.... but there was a time when I was over 160...I went up to like 164 and I began to freak out... I didn't really start exercising again, but I made sure to be consistent with my protein. Do you still take protein? It really makes a difference for me! Water and protein will help you!! I just can't seem to make my mind click that exercise is for overall health.... in my warped mind, if I'm not trying to lose, I can't see the point. I need to get over it!!! From what I can see, you are in a good place because you WANT to exercise and that desire will keep you motivated. You are in control now!! I don't know about you, but I know that if I see the scale has gone up...it's no mystery why... I know what I put in my mouth! I make choices every day and sometimes they aren't the best nutritional choices... I do know that if the time comes to choose between letting myself lose control again and gaining the weight and getting back on the elliptical.... I'll be on the elliptical. I have to get on the scale everyday. I know that some say we shouldn't do that...especially during rapid loss period, but for me now...I HAVE TO! I never even owned a scale when I was a biggie... That's how I keep myself in control. I have to see the number...I have to watch the number... I drink my water...drink my protein and snack.... So far, so good. I hope something I said helps! Teresa in Texas VBG 4/7/03 303/159

Hi Robin. I hope it's not too late to answer your post. I haven't really been looking throught the message boards too much lately. It has been since April 2005 since I had the surgery. Like you, the holidays brought many rich sweets and pastries to my mouth, and I indulged. Now, I am having a hard time getting back on track, as well. Exercising at Curves since December is helping, but I am up and down 3 or4lbs every week or so. Today I am searching for the diet recommended before I left the hospital. After seeing my doctor that did the surgery (well, he saw me 2 weeks after the surgery) he kinda gave me my walking papers, and unless I was having complications he didn't need to see me again, so I have been on my own. Support groups are small in demand in my area, so I have only attended a couple of times. Recently there has been a new group formed in my town by a doctor that does not do the VBG. So, when you tell these people the kind of surgery you've had they are like "ooooooh we don't do that kind!" Oh well, I have really been enjoying Curves--it has been a good support for me! Oh, sorry, back to the topic! I don't believe you should be kicked in the Arse! hahaha Just get back on the wagon, and try again! We know this will be a lifetime committment, and a lifetime struggle. I have lost 88lbs. and can't seem to budge a pound in the last almost 3 months. Exercise is supposed to help, but remember you add muscle weight at first, and possibly lose inches first. My family doctor says that the weight will start falling off again once the muscles are toned. And hey! Whatever exercise you do to keep your body moving and getting your heart rate up is better than being totally sedentary! I'm impressed with how well you have done. The weather here in Tex. is sooooooo unpredictable this time of year. I would have loved to go for a walk today, but when I left Curves I went to the grocery store and as I got out of the car the wind was whipping around so hard it also brought in much cooler weather, so that blew my plans! Well, I am rattling on and on again, so with that I hope this month is bringing better days to you. I hope you will let me know how you are doing. I would love to hear about your journey through these few years. I haven't really talked to many people that have had this surgery. Best wishes. Carol

Hi Kimberly, Thank you so much for responding to my request. At least I know someone out there was reading it. Yes, I am working with my surgeon and will be going to see him or his nurse practioner this week.......again. Again, "thank you"!!! Eileen