Hey my running buddy, thanks for your support. My next 1/2 is October 16. That's the same day I leave for a cruise. I figured it was a good start for 8 days of eating and drinking! Hugs, Rachel

It's very interesting reading these polls 'cause it gives you an insite into what others are really facing and that I am not alone when it comes to struggling with the snacking fits. I have not done as well on following rules etc...as probably the majority of you and now I'm really struggling. And... I keep wondering why I am having such a difficult time losing the weight now. Somehow that 30lbs that I need to get off doesn't seem as unreachable so that candybar is not gonna hurt but for a moment. That's the kinda of thinking that got me to 339lbs. It's not the tool that isn't working it's the Donna that keeps cheating and doing all the bad things. I knew it was gonna be tough but I had no clue just how tough it was gonna get. I don't know why I thought that the Bypass was gonna give me the freedom to eat anything and everything that I wanted. I need to STOP the insanity of ME! We can have our stomachs pretty much removed but that doesn't take away the desire to push and get just one more bite of food in. I am really struggling here. Sorry if I sound a little neady for help but I have to admit I'm terrified that again I will fail. I lost 180lbs 6 years ago and managed to gain it plus 20 lbs. I see my old habits setting up again. I'll stop the whinning for now, just needed to express myself and thankfully I feel safe here on the April Board. Hope you are all having a healthy and productive day. TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't weigh my food. I eyeball it. Only when I'm misbehaving and can't be trusted to I revert back to the measuring cups. ~Lara

Height: 6' 3" Highest Weight- 400+lbs Day of Surgery Weight: 355lbs Six Month Weight: I'd have to look it up One Year Weight: 186 Weight Right now: 190-192 Best Health Habit that you have acquired since surgery? Walking every day, Daily vitamins The Worst Habit that you still possess even after surgery that you know you shouldn't? I still try and eat when I'm upset. I get my comeuppance, and its not an extreme amount, in fact very tiny, and I get spank'd like a puppy 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 fiend all the time My Anwser: A 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 fiend all the time My Anwser: B - sometimes I pu**** and can get away with it (onion rings? MMMMmmmm) but I keep the sugar at bay most of the time. But I can get uppity about SF candy and eat 200 calories of it and pretend that it's totally fine. . . Do you feel that these habits have slowed down your progress? No, but they led to a bounce - or at least helped a bounce happen. I've got it back in check now Do you exercise on a regular basis (meaning at least 3 times a week)? Yes I do, 30 minutes walking EVERY DAY, and I run or bike or go power walking, or powershopping, or whatever every coupla days. Have you had plastic surgery as of yet? Not yet, got my first denial letter Did you lose more weight after the surgery? N/A Did you lose in clothing size after the surgery? N/A What is your worst issue regarding excess skin? Infections in my butt crack (you asked. . . .) The weight and tug when I'm running can sometimes bring me to tears. When do you feel it appropriate (lbs loss or % loss) to contact the plastic surgery? I've got 100% loss. . .so now, but I'm waiting until I've maintained 6 months. What's the most positive thing to come out of having this surgery for you? I don't even know where to begin! SO MANY THINGS! What's the most negative thing that has resulted from having this surgery for you? Nothing truly negative. More than a couple of tough days, but I'm doing alright overall. On a scale from 1-10 How would you rate your use of your new TOOL? I would say I'm a 8.9 or a 9 - I work it pretty dilligently but NO one is perfect. Huggles, ~Lara

I have all along measured by weight. My Dr. was never specific and I just assumed it was by weight. If you do measure by either one how much do you measure for each meal. I am at about 3.5-3.7 ounces of food by weight. Just curious. Mechelle