I'm right there with you. I had hip and back problems when I was obese and had been seeing a chiropractor for a decade. My back worsened immediately after surgery and as my changing body "shifted". The s-curve of my spine can't adjust fast enough to the changes my body has gone through. I see a chiropractor/physical therapist every three weeks, plus I take Darvocet and Flexeril. I am using this pain in my appeal for tummy tuck surgery. I expect to hear from my insurance company in the next week or so. Document everything! Lynda

Hi, thank you for sharing the list. i was feeling a bit down today, because I have not lost any weight for a few months. You put things in perspective!

Is anyone else experincing back pain. I have been shuffling around like I was 102-years-old lately because my lower back is giving me such a hard time. I have been going to physical therapy for 3 1/2 weeks (which has kept me able to move around enough to make it back and forth to work, but little else ). I was wondering if all this back pain had something to do with the weight loss. Anyone else having these issues? Any suggestions?

. . One year ago today, I changed my life for the BETTER. This has been an absolutely AMAZING year. It has been full of twists and turns, and mostly highs - but I was also faced with the loss of my Dad. I am still having a very hard time with that. I sure wish he could see me now!!!! Here is a chronicle of my weight loss over the past year: February 18, 2005 - PCP Consult - Weight: 310 March 1, 2005 - Surgeon Consult - Weight: 308 - Total Loss, 2 Pounds March 30, 2005 - Surgeon Appt - Weight: 303 - Total Loss, 7 Pounds April 5, 2005 - Before Surgery - Weight: 299 - Total Loss, 11 Pounds May 6, 2005 - 1 Month - Weight: 279 - Total Loss, 31 Pounds June 6, 2005 - 2 Months - Weight: 266 - Total Loss, 44 Pounds July 6, 2005 - 3 Months - Weight: 251 - Total Loss, 59 Pounds August 6, 2005 - 4 Months - Weight: 242 - Total Loss, 68 Pounds September 6, 2005 - 5 Months - Weight: 232 - Total Loss, 78 Pounds October 6, 2005 - 6 Months - Weight: 224 - Total Loss, 86 Pounds November 6, 2005 - 7 Months - Weight: 214 - Total Loss, 96 Pounds December 6, 2005 - 8 Months - Weight: 211 - Total Loss, 99 Pounds January 6, 2006 - 9 Months - Weight: 190 - Total Loss, 120 Pounds February 6, 2006 - 10 Months - Weight: 190 - Total Loss, 120 Pounds March 6, 2006 - 11 Months - Weight: 185 - Total Loss, 125 Pounds April 6, 2006 - 12 Months - Weight: 175 - Total Loss, 135 Pounds I just look at that number in awe. There is absolutely NO WAY I could have accomplished this weight loss without surgery. I thank God every single day for giving me the courage to go through with this surgery. I am not shy about telling people how I accomplished my weight loss if they ask. I feel it may help some other person who is struggling. The whole purpose of this journal is to pass on information to other people seeking help, and to keep a record of my journey. This has been a total life-changing experience and I feel it should be documented. I've been reflecting on the things I have been able to do since surgery. Some of them are very simple, and some of them are simply amazing - to me anyway! 1. Get dressed in the morning without a struggle. 2. Tie my shoes without a struggle. 3. Walk to my car without getting out of breath. 4. Do not need a seatbelt extender in the car. 5. Can climb a flight of stairs without getting out of breath. 6. Can sit in a theater seat comfortably. 7. Can sit in a restaurant booth comfortably. 8. Can look at myself in the mirror and not cringe or cry. 9. Do not need a seatbelt extender on a plane. 10. Can fit comfortably in a plane seat. 11. Can lower the tray table down completely on a plane. 12. No longer suffer from exhaustion. 13. Have lowered my blood pressure. 14. Enjoy having my photo taken. 15. Dance for several hours with my nieces without getting tired. 16. Able to keep pace with people when walking. 17. Be able to get up from the floor easily. 18. Cross my legs! 19. Walk down steps without holding onto the railing for dear life! 20. Not cringing when I see a turnstile I have to go through. 21. Being able to walk into any store and buy Size 10 pants! 22. Actually enjoying shopping for once. 23. Not fearing groups of teens making cracks or laughing at me. 24. Not fearing what little kids may say about my weight. 25. Purchasing the first belt I've worn in years!! 26. Excited about visting Six Flags Great America this year! Roller Coasters, baby!!! 27. I discovered I actually do have collar bones, hip bones and a jawline! 28. Moving my car seat all the way forward and still having room. I have gone from... Size 30 pants to Size 10 pants Size 3XL t-shirts to Size Small t-shirts Size 8 shoes to Size 6 shoes Size 8 ring to Size 6-1/2 ring In the photos taken today, I am wearing a Size Small Sweater, and Size 10 jeans. Who would have thought in 1 short year I would be in those sizes?!?! Certainly not me! Dayna 310/175/??

Lisa, you have had a fantastically successful year. I cant imagine being 139 lbs, I havnt weighed that since I was in high school. Good for you. hugs from down under Helen