Wow, Amber! You were a beautiful before but now, you are kicking it! I am so happy for you and your sweetie for the amazing successes you've had! Congratulations!

I love this sight in part because of this forum. I'm glad you found us and we found you!

You are most definitely welcome here! Congratulations on your success so far. You are doing very well!

Wow, good questions. And good responses.

I admit that I have a selfish reason for wanting the surgery - to no longer be fat. But when I started this journey over 3 years ago at age 54, my blood pressure was going up, I had arthritis in my hips, knees and feet, and obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity, diabetes and heart disease run in my family so I felt like I had a big target on my chest and back. So I've made this about changing me, to be healthy and give myself more quality life. I look at my mother who is 88 and has shrunk about 5 inches because she didn't take care of herself throughout the years. She's been very sedentary although has never been morbidly obese. But members of her family, almost every single one, is fat to morbidly obese. I needed to change this pattern for me, and maybe my kids. I needed a tool that was extreme to help me.

Initially, I didn't tell many people about my revision surgery because I was quite chatty about my first surgery, which failed. So I was apprehensive about talking about the second surgery. However, I started a blog where I basically journal and talk about my feelings In dealing with this process and made it public a few weeks ago. I've gotten such a good response from it, I have felt very encouraged and validated by it. It was hard to be open about it as I felt very vulnerable. I guess my point in this is to say that if you feel more comfortable by not telling others, then don't. If you fear a lot of flak and negativity, believe me, it's best to be quiet about it. Eventually, you can share it if you want, but consider what kind of fallout you might have if you told people prior to the surgery. You can get tons of support here and other forums.

Wishing you the very best!

I had a similar experience the first time I ate out. OMG! I was so miserable but couldn't throw up. I just had to wait it out. I have since learned to portion out my food onto a smaller plate or just slow down and pay attention.

Lesson learned.

This is such a hard time for anyone to go through and for the person who isn't going through it bu****ching it, there is such a feeling of helplessness. But probably the best thing to do is what the previous poster said and just let know that you are there for her.

It's really the best thing you can do. I hope she gets through this okay and with you as her friend, I'm sure she will.

Holy crap, Tom! I had no idea you'd had a heart attack and triple bypass surgery! Wow! I'm so glad you made the decision to do WLS and that it's helped you so much. And I'm also so happy you are around and peddling your skinny ass all over the place! congratulations on your wonderful success!

Sean, I was so moved by your story that I read it to my wife. I too feel so happy that you were able to be honest with this kid and help him feel good about being with the couple chosen for him. Major kudos to you for having the courage to speak your truth and help a child know that love is love. This is so wonderful!

I noticed that you are having revision surgery. I was wondering from what to what? I was revised from the band to RNY on Jan. 25 and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. My recovery has actually been easier than it was with the band and I've lost more weight in these 6 weeks than I did with the band in the same amount of time. The first almost 5 weeks I was very low energy and stamina, but now I feel really great. I wish you a great and successful surgery. If you have anything you'd like to ask, please feel free.

Looking so good! Congrats on yr amazing success! Your smile tells it all...

WOW! There certainly is a big difference! You look great! Congrats on yr success.

I voted for ya!

My wife was in another relationship when we met. I was working as a massage therapist at the chiropractor she went to and she started coming to me there. Long story short, I overlapped just a little with the ex, but we've been together for almost 10 years. Oh, I should probably mention that I was "straight" before Madeline. Or thought I was...lol!

Sage advise, Danni.