I was just talking about this with one of my coworkers who asked me to talk with WLS surgery with her last week. I am almost 3 years out, and trust me, one day you will be able to say, OMG I made it through and don't I feel and look great! You may still have medical conditions that effect your energy level no matter how much weight you lose. My weight came off slow, I was really scared a year out when I had only lost 50lbs. But I went and saw a weight loss specialist again and he realized one of the meds I was on actually caused weight gain! He also referred me to a doctor who finally diagnosed me with sub-clinical hypothyroidism and put me on thyroid supplement. That was the root of a lot of my problems. I was only on the thyroid supplement and off the other med that made me gain weight for about a month when things totally turned around. I started working out again because I had the energy and the weight just dropped off. I'm 4 lbs away from my goal, which I am perfectly happy with, and I have so much energy that I would never have guessed I could have the first year after surgery. I also totally understand the food and family ritual thing. I was always the small one in my family, even at 240lbs. I guess it has been easier for me though since I had moved away from my family for work just before surgery. But now my fiance's family is big into food, though they are blessed with thin genes...but I prepare myself all week when I know we have to have dinner with them on the weekends. I count my calories, and the day of the event, I eat very little for breakfast/lunch, like 300 calories between both meals, and cut the corners when the big meal comes. For example, I just use a drop of gravy for taste, load up on whatever veggies (bu****ch those potatoes), try to stick with white meat turkey, avoid the butter, and try not to feel guilty because I was very good all week! I hope this helps? It will get better, I promise. But remember, being obese took a toll on your body before the surgery, it will take some time for it to heal from the hardship it was under Blessings! Stephanie

Lisa, I just wanted you to know you are not the only one regretting it. I am only 9 weeks out and would have it reversed tomorrow if I could. I haven't had problems with strictures, I just hate it! I didn't know I would feel as bad as I do after surgery, but I can barely make it through the day. I am so tired all the time, where is this renewed energy I heard so much about. I was healthier before surgery. I can't even take my son to the park because I get so tired. Everyone says exercise, eat more protein, it'll get better. I say HA! I eat as much as my little pouch allows me, forget exercise, I'm just too tired to even think about it. If you have any information on reversals I would love to know about it. Good luck to you and hope it gets better for you.

Aside from the mental challenges, have you had any complications?? From the surgery itself? And thank you for answering my question, I was just searching today to see how long the surgery was being performed!!!! Overall have you led a happy and healthy life? Brenda

Is that link correct? nowhere man/ph/jay

Go to GNC and buy Smooth Move Herbal Tea. Good tasting and works gently. I HIGHLY recommend it. I was spending hours on the toilet til I tried this tea. Now I feel 'normal' in that regard... Pam 282/272/**220**/145 www.ellablog.com