Height: 5' 6 Highest Weight- 288lbs Day of Surgery Weight: 280lbs Six Month Weight: 195lbs One Year Weight: 162lbs Weight Right now: 156lbs Best Health Habit that you have acquired since surgery? I found a love for exercise and I've mastered portion control. The Worst Habit that you still possess even after surgery that you know you shouldn't? eating when stressed During your 1st six months did you? A. Follow instructions and do everything or for the most part everything that your physician instructed. B. Occasionally eat something that wasn't that good for you C. Cheat like a fend all the time My Anwser: A or B. For the first 6 months I followed my doctors instructions to a T. I cheated once or twice and got very sick, so I was scared after that. During the 1st year did you? A. Follow instructions and do everything or for the most part everything that your physician instructed. B. Occasionally eat something that wasn't that good for you C. Cheat like a fend all the time My Anwser: Somewhere between B and C. I don't cheat ALL of the time. I know what is good for me and what is not. I do eat things that I shouldn't. Do you feel that these habits have slowed down your progress? Probably to an extent. But I'm happy with the rate at which I"ve been losing weight. Do you exercise on a regular basis (meaning at least 3 times a week)? Yes, at least 5 times a week. I love the gym. Have you had plastic surgery as of yet? Not yet. My consult is scheduled for the end of August. Did you lose more weight after the surgery? N/A as I have not crossed that bridge yet Did you lose in clothing size after the surgery? Again N/A as I haven't had plastic surgery yet. I did however go from a size 26/28 to a size 10 since having the gastric bypass. What is your worst issue regarding excess skin? My stomach and inner thighs. There is a little bit under my arms. Everything else is fine. When do you feel it appropriate (lbs loss or % loss) to contact the plastic surgery? When you are at or close to goal and your weight has stabalized for a couple of months. What's the most positive thing to come out of having this surgery for you? Livng my life in general-- being able to play with my children, going out with my husband and holding my head high. What's the most negative thing that has resulted from having this surgery for you? The excess skin but it would never change my decision On a scale from 1-10 How would you rate your use of your new TOOL? Around an 8. I am SOOO thankful, and it has worked well for me.

Hello Family it has been awhile since I have been on the board. I just got my pathology report back, and I don't have Cancer!! Somebody thank for Lord with me!! I starting having pain in my side back in late March..... The doctor's located a spot on my abdominal wall, that was perfectly round, however, not attached to any major orgran. I have to admit I got very scared and starting preparing my will. That was my first reaction. But then I had to call on God and trust him for the out come. I underwent a series of test and an unsuccessful biopsy which lead to surgery on May 27th..... My surgery was done LAP and they were still unable to reach this foreign body in me. What they now believe is that some of the staples from my Gastric Bypass or my Gall Bladder surgery fell in to my body cavity, and was incapsulized by the white cells, in response to the staples. During this time I also got my heart torn out of me with an unplanned teenage pregnancy with my son. Man that hurt me, yet we are dealing with it, and he is still going away Aug 5th to play college football. Also during this time H&R Block did my taxes wrong and the IRS came after me......somebody say "TRIED IN THE FIRE", and lastly, I injured my foot 12 weeks ago, and have not been able to exercise. I have just completed about 3 weeks of physical therapy, and today will be my first day back. I have recently lost 6 pds..... and weigh 226. I wanted to be much futher to goal, but at this point I am just happy to be alive.....Just a reminder to alway warm-up and cool-down properly to avoid injury...... because that is how I sustained this very painful foot injury. I have missed all of you...... I am sorry I didn't post during this time in my life, but I just felt paralayed..... I can now see the sun is begininning to shine again...... Much love to all of you!! Cheri'

Aimee you look like a million bucks. Don't fret about the hair it will grow back. Mine fell out pretty bad too and when you are used to having a thick head of hair and now you don't it is a little traumatic but it's growing in nicely now and I'd trade it all for the weightloss. If it gets too bad I'll get extensions or something. Congrats on the superb results! Donna Paige

From a fellow panic attacker! Good for you for getting the help you need. I've been very fortunate to get mine under control with deep breathing exercises and meditation. I still get them from time to time, but its not a daily, dibilitating thing for me anymore. Couldn't have done it with out help. Also, sure you've gained a few lbs and that's scary for you I'm sure, especially when you don't feel in control. But I find it really helps to focus on the positives to get myself out of these situations. Look at how much you've lost! Be proud of your accomplishments! Good luck to you, Rachel

Rachel, have a great time on your vacation! Dianne