Alison, 

i don't know what I can add that hasn't already been said, but you have been the star of this show for me, from the beginning. We all struggle, some more than others. But I have always appreciated your honesty about your challenges. Many of us post the good studd and leave out the not so good stuff, but not you. You share it and let the rest of us know it's okay to not be perfect. You are tough, yet tender, which is just what a strong woman should be.

Judy

I do. I'm only 5 months into maintenance and I di indulge - usually a cookie - from time to time. So I continue to track even if I'm over, just so I am paying attention. I find maintenance to be very challenging, and this helps me stay focused.

Fabulous photo - fabulous family!

All I can add is .... I miss you Ruggie!

Been there! I had my VSG on 11/28/11. Lost most of my weight within the first year; reached my personal goal of 128 lbs. lost at 13 months. On 11/19/12 I had a total knee replacement. I don't know how different a partial replacement is, but I can't imagine doing 2 at once. Mine has been very successful, but it's a lot of work, pain, and rehab and it's still healing. I am so glad to have done it, and will probably need to replace the other knee at some point, but I am so much more active now. I'd say follow your doc's recommendations, don't try to take shortcuts, and you'll be glad you did it - eventually!

Hi Courtney - I have chills and a few tears reading your post and looking at your photos. You have both come such a long way, but you are absolutely stunning! The dress is gorgeous and you have your whole life ahead of you to do as you wish with your career, potential family, physical activities, everything. You are truly a special person inside and out. Love you! 

Judy

You may have already discussed some of these things, but I would ask:

1) how long expected in hospital

2) what to have ready at home both food and medicine (most have to be in liquid form for a while)

3) expectations regarding return to work (if appropriate) and energy levels

4) level of pain to be expected and how to treat

5) specific diet to follow immediately after hospital stay

Hope this helps.

I so agree that there is quite a learning curve as you go through this process and the rest of your life. I am 15 months out now.

4 days out - scared ****less - what have I done? It can't be undone!

3 months - I've mostly got this. Restriction is great. Tracking is pretty easy. Getting the protein and fluids not to hard either. I'll be able to do this forever!

6 months out - Still feeling like I've got this! New clothes, smaller sizes, tons of compliments, still easy to stay on track. Losing not super fast, but continually going the right direction.

12 months out - Almost at goal, but harder now. Weight is coming off more slowly, my appetite for other foods is coming back. But still pretty darned good - almost there.

13 months and on - Reached goal - yay! Now what? I am finding that maintenance is tough. I am maintaining my weight pretty easily, but I have re-discovered cookies, pastries. I incorporate them into my daily plan and track them, but I know that's not what my body needs. I like how I feel, I have good energy, so sometimes I think why bother with all this tracking? Can't I just eat what I want? But I know I can't. I know I will need to track for the rest of my life. And oh yeah ... the restriction isn't as great now. I can definitely hold more.

But I still feel great. I did the right thing. I am healthy. I have self-confidence and energy. And I am committed to this life long journey. Very best and smartest thing I have EVER done for myself!

I am so pleased that the trip went well and you had a good time. And you are real proof that this works! And staying mostly on plan is what real,life is about for all of us. You have done well and are such an inspiration for others!

Retried beans with some melted cheese. I still remember how good they were.

I was right - you are a handsome dude!

Great post Kevin. Very thoughtful, reflective, and honest. I commend you for getting back in the game and doing so well. 

I'm not on here much anymore, but we have a great group,of friends on MFP if you're ever interested. 

And ... I can't believe you're a grandfather! I thought you were a young hot dude! Well... You're still a hot dude.

Judy

Happy - it is always good to hear from you. I have been dealing with some of the same issues. I'm hungry - but am I really hungry or do I just want to eat for some other reason? Now I will say that I am legitimately hungrier now than I was early on, but I allow plenty of calories to manage the real hunger. I have been drawn lately to cookies and while I almost always have room in my daily plan for the cookie, it's now become a pattern and not a good one. I have to like you really stop and think about why I want to eat, and why I want to eat that particular item, and I am working on it. I think this will be a lifelong issue for me, but it is so awesome to feel healthy that I can't imagine ever letting that go again. But I need to be much more aware than I have been.