Milissa, Please don't think of yourself as a failure ... you aren't!!!! Altho I have lost 131 lbs, I'm still considered obese. I'm below my surgeon's goal for me of 180 ... I'm at 174. But since I'm only 5'1" I'm still about 40 or 50 lbs overweight and won't have a normal BMI unless I lose those extra pounds. I try not to focus on the weight loss but the health advances I have made ... no more sleep apnea, no more high blood pressure, arthritis so much better etc. I know that I eat too many carbs (bread is an issue for me). I don't eat more than a bite of any bad things cause I know for sure that I do dump. It is hard. But if we do protein first, drink lots of fluids, exercise and follow the rules the weight should come off eventually. I think for some tho it is a struggle. I'm going thru that struggle now. I'm not gaining, but I am sure not losing. Weigh****chers is a great support system however counting the points could mean way too much food for us as WLS post-ops. Sorry if I'm rambling. I do understand --- I'm going thru it too right now. Mary 305/174/????

Wanda, Thanks so much for the encouraging words! You're right, I shouldn't consider myself a failure... especially since I keep trying!! I guess I just get disappointed that I wasn't one of the people that managed to get all of the weight off. But I will strive through this!! Question for you, about how much are you able to eat at a time... I know that is one of my problems. The doctor and the nutritionist said that I didn't build up the scar tissue like I should have around my anastimosis (sp); therefore, food doesn't stay in my pouch like it should. I just have to be extra careful of what I eat and have to have self control in how much I eat!! Thanks again, Milissa

Hi Everyone! It's been a very long time since I've been here (just visited for the first time yesterday in about 9 or so months!) From what I can see by reading all of your posts, you have all done really well in getting the weight off I however (same old story) am still struggling! I finally broke down about 9 weeks ago and joined Weigh****chers and I am losing extremely slow!! Though I'm happy about the weight that I have lost so far between WLS and WW, but I still have so far to go... about another 45 - 50lbs. I'm feeling like a failure that I didn't get all the weight off with the surgery, I don't eat the wrong foods, I haven't gained any weight since the surgery, and exercise, but I just can't figure out the secret. I know there is no magical cure, but I sure could use some help and I would gladly take any advice from any of you! Thanks and Hope to hear from all of you! Milissa

Lee, Sorry for the late reply, but I haven't been here in about 9 months!! I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in the fertility thing... I'm 37 yrs old and found out that I'm going through menapause due to chemo at 21yrs old. My husband and I were trying to get pregnant ourselves and I was trying every little gadget that I could find to tell me when I ovulated... well, it never happened. Last January my OBGYN told me that my levels were way off and I would never be able to produce an egg at this point. My world fell apart! I am in the process of being matched up with a donor as we speak. As with you, it's a very expensive journey that we are taking (luckily our insurance will cover some of the expenses, but not all). The hormone shots are a thrill... between the mood swings and the insatible hunger!! My point is, keep your head up and pray! I unfortunately don't have any magic words to make it all better, but thought that it might help knowing that you are not alone in your struggles! I'm sure you've done the fake smile and "We're trying" to the family and friends that continually ask you about being pregnant. Seems relentless sometimes, doesn't it?! Stay positive any way you can and continually call your insurance company about coverage... Mine turned me down the first 4 times I called and finally it kicked in! Just like with the WLS, you have to play the "game" to get coverage. I also wanted to say that you look great in your picture and at least you have won that battle.... The battle I'm still struggling at! I still have roughly 45 - 50lbs to lose after having the surgery 2/5/04. I joined Weigh****chers and it's coming off very slowly, but at least it's coming off! I'll get there one day! Good luck to you and your husband and I'll keep you both in my prayers!

Heather, You might also want to post your question on the grad message board. Members there are at least 1 year out, so someone may have answers for you: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_grads/ Mary