I am sorry you are feeling so low. I tend to lurk around here but I have always found your posts inspiring. You are a very special person. It comes across in your posts. You will make it through this. The skills you have as a teacher can be used in many different fields. I understand feeling burned out. I am a choral music and drama teacher here in VA(17 out of the last 20years). I left teaching for two years in the late 90's. I did student travel. Made a decent salary, but found out I really did miss teaching. I went back in 2000. Take a break...work anywhere you feel like you can tolerate it--or if you can handle it just relax. It will get better! You may even want to teach again someday. As for the meds for depression...it really is ok. They really helped, trust me! My husband of 17 years walked out 3 months before my surgery. I went through the surgery, a divorce, and a bankruptcy in 2005. (I have sole custody of two teenagers.) I don't think I would have made it without the meds. But I also had wonderful posts from wonderful people like you to keep me smiling and hoping for the future. So if there is anything I can do to help you let me know. Lisa

I have started losing again. Finally! I am at 183 and dropping. My goal of 160 is in sight, at last. Unfortunately, my blood sugar is up again, damn it! I thought we had lost the diabetes for good three weeks after surgery. So, back on meds and stupid blood checks! YUK!!! Also, I am suffering from a severe depression that requires meds. that make me sleepy ALL THE TIME!! I am on three weeks of medical leave, but my job is in the toilet. Thank God my hubby works and makes good $$. Still, now we have to give up Disney World vacation that we promised the kids for next Christmas. And a house is out of the question. Part of me is totally glad to be not going back to teaching. I have given 25 years. I am really burned out. I just don't know what else to do?!! Oh well, enough of my pity party!

HI Denise!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!! It sounds like you're doing great!!! I tried to check out your new pic, but I couldn't see it~I'll check back again later to see if I can view it then. Hugs, Tracy B 328/160 5'9"

Hi everyone...Well it's been 13 months for me now and I'm now a member of the ONEder club!! I have lost 121 pounds. WOW...I say to myself. In my surgeon's eyes I'm a sucess since I have lost 88% of my total weight. It has been an amazing year...Many changes...all for the better. No more hurting at the end of the day...Not finding a new ache or pain when I get up in the morning...Amazed at the size I can wear now..a 14!! Yes, I have loose skin...I playfully refer to myself as Simba because my butt wrinkles like the skin on an elephant!! But what the heck...I wake up to see another day..My cardiac risk factor is below normal at 2.5%..I haven't remembered feeling this great for over 20 years...I don't have to think about fitting into boothes or chairs...Going through a turn-style...Fitting on roller coasters....I'm the happiest I've been in a long time...Thanks for all your support and encouraging words...I posted a new pic on my profile from Christmas...Love you guys. Denise 314-192-164

Hi Suzanne I'm home. Had the gallbladder out yesterday. I was supposed to come home last night, but I flunked the pee test. I've put on 7 pounds in two days..prabably the IV drip. I am pretty miserable today. Oh and the kicker, the nurses went out on strike yesterday...a 2 day strike. One could take this personally but me Nahhhh. Tell me it gets better! Dianne