I usually post on the main board and I've even been absent from that for a while. I am completely overwhelmed right now and need a kind voice. I had my open RNY on March 4th of this year. Over the summer I developed a hiatal hernia along the incision line that grew to monstrous proportions. On October 14th I had surgery to repair the hernia and the doctor also did the paniculectomy and the tummy tuck at the same time. Since March, I've lost 158lbs and I've gone from a size 28 to a size 10. I am still about 20lbs away from goal and it's still coming off like crazy. In the week between check ups post op this time around, I'd lost another 7lbs. I am having a tough time adjusting right now. People look at me so differently and I'm not used to so much attention. I'm overjoyed at being able to run again and do all the things that I want to do, I guess it's still really difficult to look in the mirror and see what everyone else sees. Anyone else been through their surgeries this quickly? Any advice on coming to terms with all the changes? Thanks so much! Kirsten

Thank u Terri.

Hi OH family! Thanks everyone for your replies. It was scary. I would have never anticipated a complication that far past surgery. I saw my WLS surgeon on Wednesday. She explained what happened in a way that made more sense. As my "fatty apron" in my abdomen dissolved (I've lost my fat so quickly!), it allowed things to move around and found a hole to go through. All of this behind me-I'm feeling soooo much better. Starting to walk and ride my bike again. Next week I will head back to the gym to begin step aerobics again-but NO weights at all or abdominal exercises for 5 more weeks. {{{Hugs to you all}}} Meg

Thanks for the article it made me feel more hopeful as I've been a little stressed about my slow weight loss lately. Scarlette

Back in January I had posted on my profile that my friend Kathy was killed in a car crash. I hadn't really been able to talk about it since then or write about it. Tonight I posted a pic I found of me and Kathy that was taken at my baby shower back in Oct 01. I was 8 months pregnant with my daughter. I wrote a few words about Kathy and good times we had, if u want to check it out. I am not a poet. I wish I could write something that would do her justice, but all I can do is write how I feel. We had great times together and I have alot of great memories, they pretty bittersweet memories right now, but they're mine. Just wanted to share. She was a special person and I was blessed to have known her. Hugs Angela