Kim, I am in Jax, Fl I just wanted to say it has been a year for me since the surgery and I have lost 60lbs, those were lost within the first 6 months. While I am extremely happy that I went this route because my life has changed drastically just by losing that amt, I still want to lose more and the scale is not moving. Granted, its because many of my bad habits are back and as before, I have no idea how to get rid of them.. but I am still trying and when I think of all the problems that other gastric patients have, I am thankful that I chose this surgery. But I can honestly say that on the really bad days, I am kicking myself for not having the gastric Thank goodness the choice is still up to me, I can get this weight off if I want to bad enough...I just have to get moving and stop expecting it to fall off on its own I would love to talk to you more if you ever need an ear Take care and God bless, Susan 286/225/175

It has only been 3 weeks post op and I could(have not tried) eat a whole burger, etc. Or atleast it feels that way. I keep telling myself 90% of hunger is all in the head! I guess I am a little frustrated with lack of WL this week. I can't believe I am actually looking forward to going back to work on Monday to keep be away from the evil thoughts!

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to share this recipe. I was having problems getting all protein in(I am not a meat or fish eater**) and was having hair loss and fatigue(hair loss started 6 weeks out). 1 8oz bottle Boost High Protein(chocolate) 15g protein 1 scoop Any Whey Protein Powder(unflavored) 17g protein 2 Tablespoons All Natural Peanut Butter(any brand) 8g protein 1 Snicker's brand Marathon Protein Performance bar(Chocolate Nut Burst) 26g protein Any type of protein powder would work as long as it's unflavored. I was feeling lethargic, so my Dr said to buy the drink Boost. I bought it in an 8 pk and chose the High Protein variety. I bought chocolate, but vanilla would probably work just as well. I got the box of Snicker's brand Marathon Protein performance bars at Walmart. They come in a box of 6 for around $9. They are very yummy. I have been having trouble finding protein bars that are good, I like these the best so far! Anyway, I pour in Boost, 2 TBSP PB and 1 scoop protein powder. Pull apart bar and toss it in and blend. I like to add a lot of ice then blend again. It takes me 2 sittings to drink this. It makes a lot when you add ice and is very rich. I put unused portion in freezer, pull it out when ready to use, let it thaw a little and add more ice. Other than having lots of protein, it does have 1020 calories and 29g fat and 9g fiber. I have been drinking this every other day for about 2 weeks and on those days, the only other things I have other than water are fruits and raw veggies. This may be way too much for some people and leaving out the Peanut Butter cuts the fat by 16g and the calories by 210. It is working for me. I am 3 months out and have lost nearly 55 lbs. **This is good for people like me who dont like meat, eggs, tofu, milk or fish or who are otherwise having trouble getting all protein in. Another idea would be to split it into 2 or 3 servings and and only have 1 serving per day. This would cut the fat/calories but also the protein. I would love to have other protein smoothie recipes....let me know if you have any.

It has been a long time since I did any type of update on my profile, its not long, but I did include a before and now pic... scroll down to see

How do I put words into this little box to express what I am feeling now? What words do I choose to make you feel the gratitude and love I want to express? What emotion icon can I use to make you feel the giant hug I want to give you at this very moment? First I had this surgery and you, my WL family gave me the courage when my courage was waning. The strength to go on when all my complications weighted me down. The cheers when I came out of the dark and..... When through all of this I discovered I loved to make Inspiration Weight Loss bracelets for us, YOU supported me. With each and every email I get I make a new friend and when I read the post about how the bracelets have impacted your lives I want to cry tears of pride and joy of what "WE" have accomplished in living our new lives. I have dreamed of doing my bracelets full time. I lived for the day I quit a toxic, stressful job that lead me down the path of over eating and despair. TODAY I QUIT!!!!!!!!! I gave my two-week notice and they asked me to leave today. I no longer will feel low, unworthy and a loser. I can now make my bracelets full time, and live my dream and it's all because of each and everyone of my family here. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! Love you all from the bottom of my heart! Kathy 330/299/168