Hi Carolyn!!! Congratulations on your losing the 90 pounds!!! Don't underestimate yourself, you have done awesome!!! I am also 13 months post op and have lost 114 pounds. Like yourself, I did not reach my goal weight. Stay positive Carolyn you have come a long way. Just stay true to yourself and keep up the exercising and make sure you get in enough protein everyday. Remember, at least 50 grams per day. Are you still drinking a protein shake? I'm still drinking my Isopure shake and probably will never give it up!!! Yum, yum!!! I love it.!!! I started at 261 pounds, am currently 148 pounds, my goal was 125 pounds, and my doctor's goal was 135-140 pounds. I'm only 5 feet tall so I feel I'm at a disadvantage with carrying any extra weight that a taller person could probably get by with. Carolyn, it is a lifestyle change and don't forget what you've been through to get to this point. Stay positive and you will start losing again. I also haven't lost anymore weight since December, 2005. I exercise at 24 Hour Fitness, eat 650-800 calories per day, taking all my supplements, and still have not lost anything. I'm having a TT on March 6, and hopefully will loose more weight with the loose skin and after the liposuction. Have a great week and stay positive!!!! Please feel free to e-mail me if you want so we can exchange our experience with each other. Aloha, Pat 261/148/125

Donna, I am so happy you are having a good recovery. Congratulations!!!! Keep us posted on your progress. HUGS Mary

The other posters seem to have described something similar. Try eating more slowly, chewing more and reduce or eliminate "gassy foods" and carbonated beverages for a while to see if they are contributing to the problem. Hope you feel better soon! Vickie J.

Lou Ann, Hang in there with the anti-depressants. The sleepiness is very common when you first go on them but it will pass. Your body just has to get used to processing them. As for your job, can you take an extended medical leave for the rest of this year with the option of returning to your job in the Fall? By then you'll be feeling better and may be ready to get back in the classroom. Good luck and hope you'll be feeling better soon! Vickie J.

I have had the same pain about 3 times, and was once hospitalized with lots of tests, and found nothing. My surgeon told me that our bowels move after rapid weightlos, and can get twisted and relax themselves. I tend to think it is gas. It is sometimes as unbearable as labor pains, but does pass after awhile. Try and eat slower. Good luck. Margo