Well tomorrow is my 6 month post-op anniversary. What a wild ride it's beenjump:. I went to see Dr. Wongsa on Friday and to say he was happy with my status is an understatement. He said I was a model patient , he is very, very happy with my progress and he thanked me for doing so well. I was ecstatic when I left his office. I did get my blood work back and the only results that were low was my iron. It is in the acceptable range but just barely so I started taking 1 ferrous sulfate once a day yesterday. Doc thinks that is what is causing my fatigue. One thing that I keep dealing with post-op is high triglicerides , sky high. I may have to get back on my Lipitor if I can't get them regulated, my HDL and LDL levels are great, just these triglicerides. He also told me I need to start eating more at each meal. He released me to incorporate additional foods into my daily regimen and told me I need to lose only 1 lb. a week instead of the 2.5-3.0 lbs I have been losing. What's up with that, I don't want to slow down, I want to get to my goal by my 9 month checkup. He said once I get to 140 lbs. He wants me to eat freely, again focusing on protein first. I do not eat any carbs right now accept what is in my fruits and vegetables and I limit those significantly. When I began this journey on January 14, 2005 at my first consult I weight a whopping 260.5 lbs. :-l on this barely 5'1" frame. To say I was disgusted and embarrassed is a understatement. I hadn't been on the scale in a while, in fact, I didn't own one and was afraid to see what I weighed. I was in a tight 24 pants and a 3X shirt, I looked like a linebacker I was so dang big . On the morning of surgery I weighed 239 lbs. My surgeon requires a loss before surgery or he cancels, even on the morning of surgery and I wasn't going to let that happen. I had looked into surgery for 2 years, had seen many successes and knew that this was my only chance to get healthy. In the past couple of years I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, GERD, and diabetes, in addition my feet, hips, knees and back hurting constantly. I am now weighing 148 lbs, 113 lbs lost since January 14. Never would I have thought it possible, but I did it. Lots of hard work and determination but I did it. Only 18 lbs til surgeon's goal, I'm thinking 25 til mine. Right now I'm thinking I want to get to 125 lbs but I'll see, I don't want to look sick, I want to be and look healthy. Do I have any regrets about surgery? ABSOLUTELY NONE, this surgery is a life saver. I wish I would have been more focused and ready for this life change 2 years ago before my health got any worse. I want to thank everyone on the board for you wonderful support and encouragement. I have found some wonderful friends and great supporters in you guys and gals. May God continue to bless each and everyone of you every day of your life. Wherever you are on this journey I wish you the best of luck and all the success you so deserve. Hugs, Dana Lap RNY 2-21-05 260/239/148/125-130

I saw a bleep in my last response! I meant I really want this tool to work and I don't want to mess it up.

Congratulations on making ONEderland! :D Kia 5'9" 284/192/155

Cara, You look GREAT! You and I have lossed the same amount of weight,(84 POUNDS.) I have posted new pics as well. I am worried though! I have plateaued for about a month now and haven't lossed much weight. I fluctuate between 3 pounds. I thought I was doing great! However, for a while I have had to cut back on bread, because I started eating bread well now when at first I couldn't. I have decided to take bread out of my meals now. I have found that other foods are much more tolerable too and I have to watch that. I say I am worried and I should be if I eat the things I shouldn't, so I have tried to keep to healthy meals. I really do not want this tool to work and now I have to be strong and say no to the bad foods! Well you keep up the great work! You look wonderful! Tamela

you look so great! and still happy i see.....that's so great! congrats on your great weightloss.. Steph 350/330/201/175