Sara is right, you are doing great! I had a plateau about that time, and I'm having a slow streak right now too. I think my body is getting used to my walking routine and I need to change it up a bit. Keep up the good work!! Natalie 281/207/125

Hi Jessica, What you are feeling is so common and I experienced it too. Your surgery day was my four month anniversary Just try to focus on the positives and remember that this will pass and you will be back to feeling human very soon. Its rough early on, but focus on the 30 pound loss and the fact that you were able to have this surgery because there are so many out there waiting and hoping. As far as the protein drinks you might want to try making your own. I used banana and lowfat milk mixed with protein powder in the blender. You can also use frozen berries if bananas aren't your thing. Some people even add a scoop of peanut butter, but check with your doc about it just to be sure its ok for you at this stage. I found this much more tolerable than the premade shakes, so try it and see if it works for you Also try jello and popsicles if you haven't already. Hugs, Sara 356/282/175

Hi everyone! I had the vbg done on January 17. I weighed 450 on the day of surgery. At my 10 day appointment I had lost 30 pounds. I am only 2 weeks out, but am already having a horrible time trying to get my protien. I have tried about 10 different kinds of the pre-made drinks. They all literally make me gag. The last time I forced myself to drink an ounce of one, I threw it right back up. I have also tried about 5 different kinds of the powdered protien. I did o.k. adding that to soup and CIB for a while, but now it is making me gag too. The last 3 days I have taken in less than 300 calories and about 20 grams of protien a day because I can't make myself drink that stuff anymore. My doctor says puts everyone on a 50 gram protien/ 500 calorie liquid diet for the first 6 weeks. I am only 2 weeks into this and don't think I can make it. I am crying all the time, I feel week and lathargic, and I can't stand the thought of one more liquid meal. I know I am not taking in enough calories and protein and am sure that is adding to this feeling. From most of the posts, it looks like most people have to be on liquids for 2-3 weeks. Has anyone else had to be on liquids for 6 weeks? HOw did you make it? Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi Sister you are doing wonderful this is about your health and your life it is not a race to the finish line. do not discuss your diet or weight issues with people that are not supportive of your life style. keep your head high and stay healthy. avoid fad diets keep drinking water and getting your protien in. it is not about rushing it is about reclaiming your life 91 pounds is incredible remember yourself 91 heavy pounds ago and pat your back. We are our own worst critic stop beating yourself up for what you do not do and love yourself for what you do. Women are always looking over their shoulders in competition with other women forget it their will always be a younger, sexier, richer, luckier, lazier, smarter, dumber etc woman than you on the greener grass over there. embrace yourself now right where you are the hell with everyone elses opinion. God Bless You...... Dee

Hi Mary! It sounds like we are on the same path! I lost 50 pounds in my first 3 months and was so excited (had surgery on June 2, 2004****ep up the good work! As far as the hair loss, I too experienced that and I felt my protein was where it should be. I discussed this with my hairdresser and she recommended Nioxin products and so did my nurse. You use the Nioxin Cleanser, Scalp Treatment and Therapy. I noticed the hairloss decreased after about 3-4 weeks of using the products several times per week. My hair is starting to grow back, but I lost quite a bit so I have lots to get back. What a relief it was to know it wasn't falling out like it was. I was so depressed about it! Also, if you color your hair, you'll want to keep up with the coloring as my gray roots make it look like my scalp so it appears thinner too. Nioxin isn't cheap though, so be prepared. Good luck with the weightloss and the hairloss; believe me, it's worth it! Lenore