Welcome Heather, I was one year past my surgery date on November 17th. I was 257 and am 141 now. My goal was 144. I have been staying steady despite the holidays. I try to eat slowly and chew my food for at least 30 seconds. Believe me that helps more than you know for you get full faster. I thought I would never get hungry but believe me you still do. Just remember you must always stay on top of things for this surgery and the rny are just tools and it is possible to stretch your pouch on any of the surgeries, believe me I have seen it. First of all you must work to change your behavior patterns. That is one of the most important things. Eat the amount your doctor allows. I use the little Fiesta bowl that is very small and fits on the Fiesta plate. I have learned to eat several small meals a day. My doctor says never let yourself get hungry. It works reallly well for me. You can actually lose weight this way. Try to stay away from fried foods and sugars when you are able to have them, just good nutritional habits. When you are able to, exercise. That will be very important. My vbg was the best thing I have ever done. It has given me a new lease on life. I have eaten a little more these holidays, but I haven't gained but I am not going to get complacent and I am trying to stay in control. Believe me 16 lbs is very good but also remember everyone is different. Try not to be in a hurry. The slower you lose is actually the better but it is always hard for us to absorb that because we are in such a hurry to get that stuff off. Believe me I was the same way. Just always keep working on your behavior, recognize your danger spots and deal with them. Dianne

Welcome Heather! Congradulations on your weightloss so far It only gets better from here. I am almost 3 months out and I have lost 50 pounds. I don't have any secrets to share except that you will find your own tricks that work best for you along the way I do advocate getting into an exercise program as soon as you are cleared by your surgeon. Walking is great, but adding the resistance training helps to boost your lean muscle mass which will help with weightloss and maintenance. Good luck to you on your journey! Oh and to answer one of your questions, I was told by my surgeon that the weightloss for VBGers is comparable to RNYers during the first year, but it is really important for VBGers to really change our relationship with food because we don't have the help of malabsorption over the long term Hugs, Sara 364/356/306/175

Hi, I had my surgery on last Tuesday and all of my stools have been loose. But I haven't had many. I have had that Pain as well and I find it's either because of too big of a bite or not chewing enough. I hope you feel better soon. H-

Hi Lisa, A big CONGRADULATIONS to you!!!!!! You are doing so well You are an inspiration to me! Hugs, Sara 364/356/308/175

Hi Sara, Congrats on the NEW JEANS!! Wearing jeans is one of my favorite things that happened because of WLS! Your positive attitude we bring you far with this surgery. Congratulations to you to taking the steps you found necessary to take control of your todays and tomorrows. Finding yourself through WLS is one of the best parts of the surgery. Enjoy the ride ~~ Sharon -121.5# (so far)