Hello!

I have been traveling a lot for work and I kinda missed being on the board for a while.

Well, I am 7 months out and down to 183 from 275 when I started this journey and 115 from my highest. I have lost 80 since surgery. I am kinda a slow loser but I am ok with that. I went from a size 2X 22 to a L 10/12. I still have a way to go since I am only 5'5. I have been 'blessed' with a cast Iron pouch. I can eat almost anything so I have to do this with self control. I don't really dump. Greasy food causes me horrible stomach pains but I had issue before surgery, now they are worse. And I mean this is from a few teenie tastes of hashbrowns. But sugar and bread are not issues for me. Darn! LOL

The last few months I have been up and down on the scale but this is normal for some of us, frustrating, but normal. At this point, I am afraid everyday I will not lose another pound. I am hungry a lot not so it's hard not to snack all the time esp with PMS. Same ole troubles just a bit more control now. I am telling you this (esp the newbies) so you understand this is not a 'fix' it really is a TOOL to help us. Not everyone dumps. I have really had a great journey. Well, after they fixed my blocked intestine. Darn surgical staples!! That was an experience.

Anyway, I feel great and I look better. I still really struggle with exercise. I always will. Long hours at work and then I can say I am lazy when it comes to it. So I try to do things around the house to keep moving. I am much better than I was before. I still have about 40 pounds to lose to be in the 'normal' BMI range. I don't know if I will ever get there but I will take it day by day.

Heather,

I am so proud of you and the accomplishments that you have made. Like you I must have an Iron stomach too because I don't dump. I don't even have an issue with sugar but that doesn't mean I have been in the candy section at the store. I do make better choices and I have been working out almost every day. I am 7 weeks out and I have lost 65pds so far. I am doing great and even though the weight isn't flying off I feel great in my skin which hasn't been the case most of my life. I want to thank you because you were one of those individuals I would look too before I had my surgery. Even though I was scared most of the time I think you as well as others helped me get through it. I am loving the energy I have and the flexibility I have now with my joints. You are looking awesome and keep up the good work. It can only get better from here.

Shannalee, I am sooo proud of you! I have watched your journey and you are doing great! 65 pounds is amazing! I know how you feel about the 'feeling good in your skin'. The most amazing part of my journey is not feeling like a 'outcast'. In some ways it makes me mad how people now react to me but I am so blessed to have made it this far.

Also, thank you so much for your kind words! I am sooo glad I was able to help in any way. Don't ever hesitate to reach out.

Congrats and good luck to you!!!

Heather, I have watched your journey before and after my surgery on 2/14, and u have been an encouragement to me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being open and honest. I have lost 42lbs and have been stalled for 30 days with no loss. I do the Zombie 5k 4-5 days a week and use Fitness Pal and nothing. Do u have to put whey Protein in your diet, as well as "food" protein? I reach and average of 65-80 daily. Just frustrated at 180.2, and I too have an Iron pouch.

Surgery 2/14-217 , CW 180 GW 140