We had 38 participants this month ... We've lost a total of 4392 lbs That's about 115.5 pounds a person. We're still losing at a rate of 2.81 pounds a week **notice this number is going down** so don't go crazy if your weight loss is slowing down - ALL OF US ARE SLOWING DOWN but we are still going! We've lost 80% of our excess weight - AMAZING! Each and every one of you is a SUCCESS STORY. CONGRATULATIONS to everyone and thank you for your continued participation. It really is a pain in the neck to add and delete people each month, but besides that, it makes the chart so much more accurate when people continue to participate despite having a month they are not happy with. So THANK each and every one of YOU being here. Remember, it's a good time to review the RULES of the POUCH [and Scott, I don't know what your rules are called, but I know you have them!]. Personally, I have noticed that it is much easier to EAT now [and I find myself craving carbs like veggies and salad] and that I need a reminder to eat PROTEIN FIRST. Have an excellent holiday season, think about where you were last year at this time, and SMILE about who you are today. xosm

Sometimes, I think we are the same person, but on different coasts. When you are binging before your period I am too, and when you go through the blues I do too. I've been on a bummer lately. I don't know why. Losing weight has been great but it sure hasn't fixed the issues in my life that were already there when I was fat. I have been eating stuff I shouldn't be and not taking my protein drink. For me Im doing a lot of the self loathing. I've come so far, and I dont want to mess it up, but I'm feeling blue right now. And no one around me really understands what I'm going through. I just feel like blah right now. I wish you lived closer so we could hang out and feel blah together.

I haave not been on this website in so long....I wondered why I did it today, and then I saw your post. I have lost 1 pound in a whole month, and it was the one pound that would finally make me 100 pounds lighter. I throw up more than I should, eat when I shouldn't and although I feel physically stronger, I am not doing nearly enough exercise. I want to succeed, not just settle for looking like an almost normal person. I haven't posted any new pictures, so maybe that would help kick me in the pants. I have been on antidepressents for more than 10 years and recently had them doubled, which helped the blues some. That trapped gas feeling is just wretched!! Thinner, but still struggling in Oregon.....

So I re read this whole posting and all comments includng mine.. i got teary. weight was not always the problem....and now we..or i am searching to find out WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM? i just want to be happy find it i think i look for it in places that happieness does not exsist. I think like many i thought the weight made me unhappy when in fact the weight was a side effect of not being happy. BUT things in my life have changed i do more and i do feel ......differant...happy not so sure but differant yes. anyway i just want to share... J

Gas is caused by undigested food entering into the large intestines and being attacked by bacteria. You can try over the counter meds like gas X it has simethicone in it, and it bursts the little gas bubbles in your intestines. Also, I have found that drinking peppermint tea really helps control gas.....for a longer term solution you might try adding a probiotic to your diet. A good quality probiotic will help keep the bad bacteria (the kind that cause gas) in check...currelle (sp?) is suppose to be very good...I get mine at my local natural food store in the refrigerated section. If the issue with gas gets really bad...for instance if every time you eat you feel super bloated and gassy...you might need to talk to your doctor and get a prescription for an antibiotic like flagyl...it kills the bad bacteria in your intestines, and usually gets rid of gas in 2 or 3 days...but this is a last resort because it can reek havoc on your intestinal track. If you are on birth control pills, they do effect your hormone levels and may cause you to retain fluids. A liquid diet might help..or just cut your salt, drink a lot of water, and take a water pill. Scott