I have lost 60% of my excess body weight in 8 months!  I am now 191 pounds having started at a bit more than 320.  I have 16 pounds to lose to get to my goal weight.  I weight less than I ever have my adult life... ever!  Less than when I was 18 years old at my thinnest!  UNBELIEVABLE!

A woman at the grocery check out told me she didn't recognize me anymore unless I was with my children.  She said you have lost an unbelievable amount of weight.  When I told her how much she couldn't believe it.  Same story with a lady at church I've never seen before(rather don't remember seeing) and she told me how great I look.  It's so unbelievably nice to have completely honest compliments from complete strangers.  I am wearing a size 16 pants and size large top.  LARGE!!  a regular normal everyday large.  It's unfathomable!

I am also in my first real stall which is difficult.  I have to admit, I thought people on the forum made a bigger deal out of it than it needed to be.  But, they didn't  and my compassion is much higher than it previously was.  It is frustrating and really scary too.  I think, what if that's it???  If it is, I guess that's alright too.  I don't think it is considering the largest amount of this surgery takes place in the first 12 to 18 months and I'm only in month 8.  So, I'm not hanging it up yet.  I'm going to achieve this goal and then I'm getting this skin chopped off!!  I swear if I flap my arms fast enough I'd fly right away!

Two unbelievable and unexpected gifts I've received today.  First, I officially weight for the first time since I was 18 under 200 pounds and second, my BMI is less than 30!!!!!   UNBELIEVABLE

I have lost 25% of my body weight!!!!  1/4 of my former (hope never to be again) self.  That translates into 79 pounds gone in 16 weeks.  I can now very comfortably and loosely fit into my 22's.  I haven't mustered the courage to try my 20s, but I will soon.  I do have a new pair of size 50 pants (austrian size 50-U.S. size 20).  They fit!  and I did wear them the other day.  Everyone I work with is blown away 'Wahnsinn!' is the word for me.  I must say, that feels awfully nice.  Even the children I teach have noticed and told me 'I look thin' or 'pretty'  which is very sweet coming from 8 and 9 year olds!

I have found a wonderful therapist to work with on my food issues which are still a major concern.  I'm only eathing 3 meals on good days.  I'm so often nauseaus that I can't make myself eat.  I finally found a European site to order Syntax wey protein from and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.  That will help.  In the mean time, I'm pushing through.  I've completed 10 sessions with physical therapy and will continue with another 10.  I will, in the meantime, try to carry on with my home exercises and start each new day that I'll be able to eat better.

Hope any and all who read this are well!! 
God bless,
Linda

So, I'm already 11 weeks post op tomorrow and am still struggling a bit with food, but do have an occasional good day.  I've lost as of today 58.4 pounds since the day of surgery and am down from a size 28 to a 22 in pants, a 3x to 2x in shirts and a 46 ddd to a 44dd in my bra.  That really does make me feel like I've accomplished something!

I'm very lucky that my husband is so supportive.  Since I'm still not eating much over 5-600 cal. per day, my energy level is still rock bottom and he has been a tremendous help with the house.  Tomorrow I'm going to try to make an appointment with a physical therapist to work on restrengthening my body and with a therapist to work on my food issues.  What I'm finding now is that when I eat I so often feel bad, either pain, or slimies or vomiting (and yes, I take tiny, pencil size bites and chew the heck out of the food but am still experiencing these symptoms) it's easier for me not to eat, and I often dont.  I know this is terrible, and won't help me in the long run or in the short term with my energy issues.  I am taking my vitamins and calcium, although honestly, I don't remember each and every day.

I've still got lots to work on, but I'm trying to keep my chin up and take one day at a time.

Best to everyone,
Linda

Since last weekend, I am having such a hard time eating!  I have absolutely no appetite.  Half the time, taking a sip of water gives me unbelievable burps that are painful.  On Tuesday I threw up orange juice (which I drink in the form of a frozen O.J. pop nearly every morning).  The last 2 days I've eaten nearly nothing and taken in almost no protein because I feel nauseaus and afraid to eat.  I know I need to eat, but I can't make my brain make myself eat.  It's simply easier not to.  In addition, both kids have fevers and ear infections and only want to be held. 


SO, I need to refocus starting right now.  I'll start with sipping a protein shake this morning and force myself to eat, even if it's just a few bites.  I've also FINALLY gotten the names of some therapists who focus in eating issues so I'll call and get an appointment.  I think alot of this not eating is mental more than physical. 

The good news is I am down 46 pounds since this started, and it isn't quite 2 months yet!!  That definitely makes me happy.  I think it would even be more if I could eat something!