CHECK IN!!! We must all have exciting lives....

You are right Michele, I will work on getting a picture update. These last twenty pounds have been the most significant ones, as far as people really reacting to the overall weight-loss. When I was down 90 pounds, I guess people were still hesitant to say anything. Now, I can't go through a day, without someone saying something. It almost seems that to them, I lost everything - in the last three months. When one has a large amount to lose, I think the first 50 pounds are kind of lonely. As in, you can be down so much and it still isn't the huge change it ought to be. I remember my first significant slowing (not platues, I had my first one of those at 3 weeks out) just after my three month check up. In August, I hit 100 pounds (that would be 4 months out). Two months later, I am down another 22 pounds. Still going down, and probably my shape is changed most significantly in the last two months, but it ain't the 20 pounds a month I was enjoying at first. This site fully prepared my for the end of my "honeymoon", and I am right on schedule. I try to keep that in mind, and keep my eyes on the prize (160). I try to find comfort in the fact that though I don't see a weight loss all of the time, I do not ever see a weight gain. Even when I am PMS. This is the best experience ever. I am so happy I had the surgery! Patty

I'm with Michele here - time for you to have a new photo posted!!! I can't wait to see all the updated photos for everyone! You have just done so fantastic. I wish I could say I hit that 100 but still not yet. I'm always pulling up the rear. ::sigh:: Oh well! Dina

I am an a recent post op (10-18)and had quite a few complications after surgery. I just got home yesterday. I had pulmonary embleisms and then internal bleeding from the blood thinners. It has been a long road so far. I have lost 18 pounds since surgery and I am concentrating on keeping up my energy level and maintaining a positive attitude! Thank you all for inspiring me even though I don't often say so! I hope to get my profile going in the next couple of days as long as my energy holds out.

Sorry to hear you had complications...I hope they've been resolved for you. Congrats on the 18 lb loss...that's wonderful! Your energy will come back, it just takes time. I was told it takes about 6 months to be back to your "normal" self. I still feel fatigued more than normal at 3 months out, but my mobility and stamina are definitely up. Take care, Michele

Oh Jill - what a time you've had of it! It's like adding insult to injury when the reason for your internal bleed was the blood thinners that were given you to obviously avoid PE that still happened. I hope you are feeling better and doing well now and hope that you are able to avoid any further complications from here on out!!! Dina

Hello...this is Joanie in Hermiston. I'm pre-op and having surgery on Nov.17th. I'm excited but NEEEEEEEEEERVOUS too. I know this is the best thing for me but lately I've been reading about complications on the boards. It's making me NEEEEEEEEEEEERVOUS...hehehehe. I'm leaving this in God's hands...he's gotten me this far sooooo I'm trying to keep the faith Talk soon Joanie

Hey Joanie - nice to meet you! Glad to hear you have a date and just come in and lament your nerves any old time you want. We all know how it goes and pretty much anything anyone could say is not really going to give you 100% relief from the jitters. But I will say that you should concentrate your energies on looking at those who don't have complications rather than on those who do. You'll have plenty of time later to focus your energies there....you should avoid the negative as much as possible right now. At least, that is my take on it. Glad to hear from a few more in the Eastern part of the state. I grew up in Grant County, so I know how isolated one can feel! Dina

Dina! You are kidding about growing up in Grant County?? My husband, Grant, was born and raised in John Day...I grew up in Lake Havasu City, AZ and after we got married, we moved back to John Day and lived there from 1992 to 2002. We moved to Athena, OR in 2002 and then moved to Hermiston in May of 2003 (Grant got on at the Walmart Dist. Center as a Mechanic Supervisor)...Whatta coincidence! I'm really trying to be positive and most of the time I am...just the little 'doubties' come in at times...I'll be sooooooo glad when it's over and I'm on the loosing side Thanks sooooooo much for responding to me...means alot! Joanie

Joanie - Yes, I did grow up in Grant County! LOL! I lived in Prairie City until 14, then went to high school in Dayville. Moved to John Day when I graduated and lived there until 87 when I moved to the coast. No doubt we know a lot of the same people! As for Hermiston, my brother currently lives in Stanfield but just got on as a driver for Walmart in Red Bluff, CA. He's been driving Swift for Walmart for years and years now. Small world, huh? Dina

I'm about 2 months out and have lost 39 pounds and 16 inches. I have eight pounds to go to break the 200 BARRIER. I haven't been below 200 in so many years that it is something I am very much looking forward to. The most important thing for me, though, is that I am off most of my medicines. I am taking 20 mgs of one diabetes medicine and will hopefully be off that soon. We're flying off to Hawaii on Monday and I am very excited not just to be going away for two weeks, but that I will be able to fit in the seat without fear of having to ask for an extender for my seatbelt! Pam