I had my surgery November 26 2007, I was 315 at the time of surgery. I started a very strict workout and diet along with the surgery, as I was very determined to get the weight off.

I now weigh 194lbs, and I'm still steadily losing. My goal is 175, and I'm working hard for it. I've never had a fill and don't feel the band but still get full after eating a good meal. I can eat bread, Pasta, etc, anything. Even carbinated drinks if I wanted to ( I drink nothing but sugarfree koolaid though).

Breakfast 7:30

Protein shake (24g protein, 120 cal, 3 carb)

rice cake (50 cal, 9 carb)

Brunch 10:00

half sandwich - varied meat and light wheat bread

(12g protein, 125 cal, 9 carb)

After workout lunch 1:30

Protein Shake (30g protein, 145 cal, 4 carb)

snack 4:00

half sandwich - meat and light wheat bread

(12g protein, 125 cal, 9 carb)

snack 2 7:00

Protein shake (24g protein, 120 cal, 3 carb)

dinner 9:00

normally a mix of fish (28g protein, 200 cal, 0 carb)

For a daily total of 130g protein, 885 cal, 37 carbs - 8 of which are from sugar.

I do 10 minutes on the treadmill as soon as a I roll out of bed, and do an hour of weight lifting at lunch every day.

Here's some pics:

me at 315

me at 230 (shirts are all way too big : P )

Me at 200

So my questions are these... First, I am thrilled that I've lost so much weight. It has changed a lot for me - one thing I wish I didn't lose though was the muscle. I've lost nearly half my max on all lifting, and at least a quarter of my rep weight on all exercises - even with the protein intake. Does anyone have any suggestions for changes in diet that would help me continue to drop weight steadily while gaining - or at least maintaining - muscle?

And secondly, I'm wondering about skin-surgery. I've lost weight kinda in weird ways. My stomach has gotten much smaller, while my love handles are the same size - which is odd. I work my abs and obliques HARD in a captains chair 3 times a week, but it doesn't seem to change anything. Also my skin is stretchy all over the place. So I'm wondering, should I consider cosmetic surgery, or is it too soon? I'm 26 years old. I'm starting to be shaped really odd because some areas are skinny... and some never got smaller : (. Kinda weird. Any advice would be appreciated - thanks guys.

Good one Scarecrow, you look fanastic!