A little before my surgery in Oct 2011, I posted a profile on OKCupid (I like the site because you do lots of interesting quizzes and things to help you match with people... just my unsolicited opinion, LOL).

In it I said I planned on having bariatric surgery in October, and my exact words after that were: "... if you don't like me now because I'm big, don't think you can waltz into my life once I am smaller and hotter... like me for me, right now, or don't waste our time."

A few nice guys contacted me, had some nice dates, but one really stuck out.  I met him in person in December 2011, and long story short, it's been a year and a half of heaven.  He liked me big, he likes me small... and that's that.  He takes my breath away, even more than a year later, with his love and concern and caring... and I can't believe I wasted 20 years on my husband when there were real men like that in the world. 

I get hit on every so often now, the 157 pounds me, and none of them know I once weighed 340 pounds.  But honestly, I am not sure I could ever date anyone who didn't know that.  It's a part of me, like my brown eyes, my love of cottage cheese, and my three kids.

Audrey

I've just gotta say, you are so pretty!

I remember when I could finally fit in the auditorium seats at my kids' school... I felt so "normal"! 

Audrey

I order with cheese AND sour cream.  Pouchy loves it. 

Unless you have a sensitivity to fat (which some people do), there is no reason to not eat it in moderation...

Audrey

My boyfriend and I met when I weighed 280.  He didn't care then, and he doesn't care now that I'm 157 and have boobs that droop to my knees.

And FYI, when we met, neither of us was looking for a relationship.  It just kind of happened over time and took us both by surprise.  My advice, for what it's worth: stop looking and start enjoying life... if you are meant to meet someone, you will.  And if you are not meant to, you will have still enjoyed life.

Audrey

Sherry,

The only time I saw that happen was in the past month or two, when my weight was truly stabilized but everything started settling and readjusting and so forth.  I have pants and shirts getting too big in some places and tighter in others, but my weight has not changed.

Part of that is because I always only weighed myself once a week, on Mondays.  So I almost never "stalled" or worried about weight not moving, because it almost always moved at least a bit between weekly weigh-ins.

As for my plan at one year, it was the same as at the beginning,and the same as it is now.  Almost no sugar or white carbs to speak of.  Full fat is my friend.  I don't count calories (I probably average 800-1200 a day, if I had to guess... maybe up to 1800 on super-hungry days when I have run a lot).  Stop eating when full.

Audrey

I started getting really tired and taking naps around the year mark... ended up my iron level had tanked and I had to double my iron supplements.  All better now...

Audrey

My goal was 180.  I ended up at 157, which feels too skinny to me.  I think no matter what you, or your doctor, expects... your body will do what your body will do.

Audrey

I am 5'7", 157 pounds.  I wear a size 10-12-14 pants depending on the maker, and size L top (although XL feels more comfortable to me).  I run 5K nearly daily. 

When I tell people those sizes they are always shocked, and say I look much smaller.  I think when you lose weight through RNY it redistributes itself differently than if you lose weight by more "conventional" means.

Audrey

So happy for you!  That's one thing I am looking forward to this summer, riding the rides at Six Flags with my boyfriend and my kids... you and Lesa look great!

Audrey

Don't bother with light mayo.  So-called "light" products often have extra fillers and sugar included in order to lower fat content.  Fat is your friend in moderation unless it upsets your stomach... I use regular full-fat everything without a problem.

Audrey

I drink a glass of wine every now and then now, and I was no stranger to booze before surgery, but my first drink post surgery I got truly whacked on a half glass of wine.  Really, truly whacked.  So make sure your mom keeps a close eye on you, and enjoy.

Audrey