Hi Carol. I had surgery on the 30th of January this year. I am 5' 1" and began my journey at 240. I currently weigh 160. I guess I am considered a slow looser. I exercised for the first four months and stoped. Don't know why, I just started making excuses. Now I accept that I am not loosing as fast because I don't exercise and I do eat more carbs than I should. I have a healthy diet, I just include too many carbs. I am ok with that I think. Anyway, you are not the only one. Please feel free to e-mail me privately if you want to talk or someone to bounce stuff off of. I am always willing to listen. Tracy Lap RNY 1/30/04 Dr. Potts 240/160/?

Stacy, I had surgery in Jan. 04. I have lost a total of 106 lbs. This is a new and wonderful experience for me and my hubby of 24 yrs. I have 3 children (Son:age 21 and married 2 yrs with a new baby boy. Two daughters TWINS! age:17. Both girls have had cancer treatments at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Both have mental disabilities due to treatment.) My Brother 2 weeks ago tried to commit suicide by taking pills he got hooked on from a Doctor. He is trying to recover from this. I have had counciling off and on for the past ten years- the first 6 years straight then as needed. I will tell you the same as I did him yesterday; "The outside world is not the problem, what's inside you, hurting you is the problem!" Even the most beautiful people are not pretty when something inside is hurting. My brother said they were getting too personal for him. If you don't get real about what's hurting you you are just playing games with the doctor and wasting time and your life. Go back and get real about what's going on in your life. Been there and done that! My life is as beautiful inside as I feel outside! Wanda -106

Hi Carol. I'm probably not the best person to answer you as I haven't lost as much as everyone else. I'm at 79 pounds. I do still drink a protein shake every day but I just started doing that again 2 weeks ago. I kind of got into a slump where I wasn't doing my protein , water or vitamins very religiously. I'm back on track now though. Exercise is also a killer for me. I force myself daily. I have to really keep on myself not to snack a lot because I feel that is my downfall. Anyway , you aren't alone! Hang in there.

When did everything in my life turn bad? I don't know it just kinda snuck up on me. My sister who had WLS 2 years ago in oct is in a rehab program for adiction to narcotics. She had some biliary problems that just led to this addiction. My parents are fighting and talking divorce....Or at least one of them leaving. My dad thinks my mom is seeing someone...She also had this surgery a yr ago in may....My landlord is forclosing on the house we rent, he refuses to fix the roof that has caused major water damage. We are moving out some time, but I don't know when or how financial we are going to. My husband thinks I am seeing someone else. That only adds to the already present marital problems. He wants to buy a house, but I am not sure how much longer we are going to be together. The only joy in my life is my daughter. Oh while I am complaining I forgot to add that between my mother and I we are trying to take care of my sisters 3 boys ages 7,6, and 3. Fun fun fun. I keep forgetting to take my vitamins and anti depressant. I am having terrible insomnia attacks. Most nights I don't even fall asleep until 4 or 5 am then I have to get up with my daughter because my husband works nights. There are so many days when I just want to pack everything up and leave. Leave everthing just to be on my own to figure out who I am. My mother said something interesting to me about this surgery. Yes it has changed the physical for the good but the emotional and psychological effects can be devistating. I agree since this surgery I have begun to realize that I don't want to be the girl in the coner anymore. I want to be the one that everyone want s to talk to. I want to be who I am plus more. Boy I am long winded. If anyone has expierienced anything like this please help me. I am stuck and that is why I have to control the only thing I think I can my weight. And please don't ask me to seek cousling because I have tried it and in my opinion it doesn't work. Thanks for listening! Stacy

I am not sure what made me come here tonight,I usually stick to my local board.I think curiousity is the main reason.I am trying to gauge and maybe compare my weight loss to others.I have lost 78 pounds and fluctuate by 2 pounds either way.I know I should have lost more by now,as I have been at a standstill for three months.I will be honest and admit up front that I havent exercised at all.I am not able to drink the water that is recommended and I am probably not getting in the amount of recommended protein.I am not eating alot of junk foods but probably taking in more carbs than I should be.Hmm guess I just told you exactly why I am not losing more huh?I need some help and support.Do many of you still drink protein supplements daily? What are your average meals like?I welcome any email if it is easier to answer.Thank you for your shoulders.best wishes for continued success!!