i finally reached onerland today...but for some reason I'm not as happy as I thought I would be. I've had five surgeries in two years and recently had a ruptured disk in my neck. could it be the pain and perhaps some of the depression that is keeping me from being as happy? I haven't really lost much when it comes to clothes sizes and I have been getting easily plugged...which means a whole evening of ....well, you get the drift. Any words of encouragement? will it get better once I am able to exercise? I have kept my doc advised, but he is reluctant to remove any fluid. I hope my health gets better soon. all prayers are gratefully welcomed!

Hi ya!!!

Well you certainly seemed to have lost some - well done you: your ticker chart is very impressive!

Sorry you are not feeling to chirpy - when things settle I'm sure you'll be fine - het and just think you are not GAINING any weight - so that's a good thing yeah?

It's so easy to get sucked in 'inwardly' on this weight stuff to the point it is hard to be optimistic - which with added pain does not help - but could you try and get some uplifting peeps to come and see you? Maybe arrange a gentle shopping trip with a happy friend; with lovely cup of coffee and enjoy remembering how far you've come when opting to try new styles and smaller sizes?

Do something however small to make you feel more happy and confident - hair do - nails - speaking to an old friend far away??? You have done so well to get this far - compare yourself to 5 years ago?!!!: You've climbed the mountain honey - enjoy the view!!! Much love x

Your accomplishment while faced with such adversity is something to be proud of. The advice to find some way to celebrate is a sound one. Congrats and good luck to you in your weight loss efforts and I hope that your other health concerns improve soon.

I suffer from on again off again deppression. When I am in a deppressed mode I am very unexcited about my weight loss. Infact I start questioning why I am depriving myself. Are you taking medication? Does it need to be adjusted? I have found excersise really helps my mood. Hang in there, I know how tough a deppression is. Best wishes!

Can you believe it? A piece of plastic from a bag was under the scale and the scale was wrong!!! I'm at 216/217 and I really appreciate everyone's comments - You are such great people. Yes, I think I am a little depressed and will talk to the doc. I was supposed to go today but the cute neurosurgeon hasn't cleared me to get up and go yet. The worst thing is that I can't do much in regard to exercise except pt and the walk I sneak in for the doggie (She is litterbox trained but needs to go get her "p-mail). Any advice is taken to heart so I hope to hear from you all again. It's tough not being in onederland yet...but I will be!!:wub: