I weighted 397 when I finally got approved for surgery. I lost 30 pounds pre-op eating two shakes, some lite yogurt, and a McDonald’s southwest grilled chicken salad a day. I had my surgery on 6/12/12. It has now been just over three months and I have lost an additional 56 pounds - so 86 in all.

I had various goals that meant a lot to me over the past three months. One was getting under 350. One was getting under 340 which is what I weighed when my mom died 19 years ago. Then it was getting under 320. Now it's getting to 307 which will mean 90 pounds lost.

My other goals have revolved around movement. When I started this process I had to illegally park in the visitor parking at work each day. I simply could not walk from the parking lot - and could barely walk from the close-up visitor spots. I now park as far out in the parking lot as possible and even walk around the parameter of the very large parking lot several days per week at lunch. This has been HUGE for me.

I cannot really see much difference in my body yet. 311 is still a very heavy body. But I can sit in a booth now. I have moved my car seat up several times. I no longer need my seatbelt extender. I can sit in outdoor plastic chairs with arms. My clothes are falling off me. My rings are too big. My bangle bracelets fit again. And my feet don't hurt nearly as much as they used to.

I think I am craving some connections with people who are over 350+ because so many of the stories I read here are about people who weigh so much less. I realize we are all on the same journey - but those of us in the "super morbidly obese" category have a much longer road ahead - and I for one want to walk that road with some of you who know just what I'm facing.

I'd like to hear your stories - support you - cry and laugh with you - and seriously do this journey together!!!

Amy in Chicago

Hi there-- I was 344 when I started this process. I am about 4 3/4 months out and have lost 109 lbs so far! I have choosen to do the 600 - 800 calories, less than 40 carbs, min 60 protein plan. I love my sleeve and feel like it has been a sucess. Good luck with your journey!

Ladies there are obese, morbidly obese and then Dang he a biggen! I fell under (Dang!!!) at a starting weight of 505 and am at 455 right now with just about a month of loss. But have just started this long journey and will not give up. Yes I have to hit the onderland mark not once but three times to get back to being me. More to come.

You all have done great so far!

7 weeks ago I weighed 431 pounds...today I weight 374...you are are encouraging..I just I can encourage someone as well.

7 weeks ago I weighed 431 pounds...today I weight 374...you are are encouraging..I just I can encourage someone as well.

Way to go Mensch!!!! Every single pound counts - and I am so proud of US!!!!! Don't the 300's feel great? And before you know it you will be in the 200's again! I am thrilled for you and will continue to keep an eye out for your posts! We can do this!!! We can!!!!!!

I was at 419 at my heaviest..day of surgery i was at 393. My surgery was on 9/10/12 and today 9/29/12 im at 356! Feel great but like you i dont think i look different mabe my face. But i do notice shirts fit me better so that helps knowing it is happening!.

Excited to see people that started over 300 lbs. Reading all the threads with people that only need to loose 100 pounds makes me feel that I have so far to go. First visit with surgeon was at 364, did high protein, low carb diet and was 331 at surgery on 9/13/12. Two week post-op weight was 313. Thrilled to be down 50 pounds. Clothes are loose and I am excited to be starting this journey.

I have surgery in a few weeks. My heigheat weight (known weight anyway- I'm SURE I was over 380 at some point) but my heighest known was 379. Now I'm 367- down 12lbs and hope to be down 5-10 more by surgery. So we'll see how things go! I'm very hopeful!

It's so encouraging to read these posts. Everyone is doing well! I am exactly 8 months out today and am down 108 (31 of that was pre-op). Feel great and life is good! Losing has slowed waaaaay down - I'm lucky to lose 8 pounds in a month. And it's not steady; I'll stall for two or three weeks, then lose 3+ pounds in one week. Keep up the good work, everyone!!

My heaviest weight was 347 back in April when I began the process. When I went in for surgery on Monday 9/24 a week ago, I was down to 300 and feeling much better. Right now only being a week post-op I am having a difficult time. I can easily drink my water but am struggling with the protein shakes and feel like I need more calories but I don't want anything other than water. I hope this feeling goes away soon, so my energy levels come back up. I am looking forward to the day when I feel like I truly made the right choice, somewhere in the back of mind I know I did. I just want to really feel it!!!

My heaviest weight was 347 back in April when I began the process. When I went in for surgery on Monday 9/24 a week ago, I was down to 300 and feeling much better. Right now only being a week post-op I am having a difficult time. I can easily drink my Water but am struggling with the Protein shakes and feel like I need more calories but I don't want anything other than water. I hope this feeling goes away soon, so my energy levels come back up. I am looking forward to the day when I feel like I truly made the right choice, somewhere in the back of mind I know I did. I just want to really feel it!!!

It will go away. Try sugar free popsickles. I remember right after my surgery I couldn't eat a whole one. The flavors tasted so good and the cold was refreshing. Be patient. Your tummy is healing. Keep trying with the shakes. Be gentle with yourself!!!!

I don't know if I count since i've been out now for 3 years. . .before surgery i weighed 360 lbs and the day of surgery i was 332 lb. . since then I've lost 150 lbs and feel really good. . . I'm very proud of my success. Chicago, you have done extremely well. . . i love your goals you set for yourself. . . those a fantastic! Keep up the great work. . . this is definately something others can emulate from you! Absolutely brillant!

I started at 420 and lost 51 lbs pre-op. Down a total of 201 now. So I think I fit your criteria.

I was 360 lost 22 pounds pre-op, was 338 day of surgery and currently 232.

Congrats to everyone who has lost weight, and good luck to everyone who is in to the process of having surgery! It felt awesome to get out of the 300's, cant wait till Im out of the 200's!

I don't know if I count since i've been out now for 3 years. . .before surgery i weighed 360 lbs and the day of surgery i was 332 lb. . since then I've lost 150 lbs and feel really good. . . I'm very proud of my success. Chicago, you have done extremely well. . . i love your goals you set for yourself. . . those a fantastic! Keep up the great work. . . this is definately something others can emulate from you! Absolutely brillant!

Boy did I need to hear that today. Thanks for the kind words. I am inspired by YOU!!!!!!! Wow - 3 years! Awesome!!!

Had a not so great weekend with food. Long story but I was with others who are eating lots of stuff that isn't good and I let myself dip into it. But I am home now, had a good dinner, and did weigh - down another two so at 94 now. Yeah!!!! So very thankful!

My heaviest was over 370.

I have a little over 3 weeks left until surgery and hope to be under the 340 mark by then. At 351 as of this morning.

All of the big losers here have definitely been inspiring, especially considering I want to visit Onederland twice to reach my goal.