Okay now I know there have been posts about exhaustion, but I am starting to go beyond exhaustion, way beyond. I am surprised I manage to stay awake some days. I am okay at work, but when I am home it takes an effort to get my now 70 lb lighter butt in gear, but then I have moments when I can't stop moving. Could someone please tell me they have been through this or at least have any suggestions. 225/150/120ish Stacy

It didn't turn out half bad. Helped with the sweet craving I was having. Doesn't happen often but when it comes it is with a vengence! 1/3 C shortening I used butter 3/4 C sugar I used splenda 1 egg well beaten 2 C bran flakes I used total protein flakes 1 1/2 c flour I should have tried some of that almond flour but don't have any 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 c pecans 1/2 c mashed banana (3) 2 ****er 1 tsp vanilla Cream the shortening and sugar. Add egg and flakes. Mix dry ingredients. Add nuts to dry mix. Combine the bananas and water. Add to creamed mix alternately with dry mix. Stir in vanilla. Bake in greased and floured loaf pan. 9 X 5 in 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Catherine, I go through the same thing. If I weigh myself later during the day my weight is at least 3lbs more. Have you tried sticking to a set time each day in the mornings to weigh yourself? Try drinking more water to flush out yourself just in case you are retaining water. I hope this info helps. I know it can be very discouraging. Just remeber that 70lbs is gone forever!!!!! Lavina

Guess we're all thinking about the 6 month follow-up appointment!! My pre-op weight was 294 but I had lost 15 pounds on my own before surgery. I'm now at 208 which means I've lost 86 pounds from the surgery, or a total of 101 pounds counting the weight I lost pre-op. We all need to remember that there are a number of factors which will determine how fast people lose. Men lose faster than women. Those who had more to lose will add up lost pounds faster but may take longer to get to goal. Those who have already taken off most of their excess weight may take longer to lose the last 10-25 pounds. I'm sure age has something to do with it, as does exercise. It's not about numbers...it's about feeling good, looking good, and being healthy. It sounds like we're all doing great and should be very proud of ourselves. I'm thinking of getting a tape recorder so that I can record the MANY people who tell me daily how great I look. One day my weight will level out, people will get used to seeing me at my reduced weight, and I will miss the affirmation.

Tracy -- you are doing great! I had my open RNY on 1/14/04 so I will be 6 months out on July 14th -- just 9 days from now. My "official" weight before the surgery was 245, but my highest weight was 260. I'm 54 years old and 5'2" tall. I went to my PCP last Thursday for my B-12 shot and I weighed in at 172. So since my surgery I've lost 73 pounds and I'm down 87 pounds from my highest pre-surgery weight. Isn't clothes shopping much more fun these days?? I bought a pair of denim (non stretch!) shorts today -- size 14 in the regular ladies department. No more plus sizes for me! I just wish that they would make tops with longer sleeves...my upper arms are a mess...sigh. But if I have to choose between flabby arms or weighing 260 pounds, I'll take the flabby arms any day! Diane, Tampa, FL