Congratulations on your loss and your improving abilities. It is the little things which add up to my appreciation of this surgery. I tripped over my stupid little terrier a couple days ago and was able to catch myself before I fell and hurt myself. Last year I would have never been able to stop my forward movement and would have landed on my belly and knees and screamed in pain and frustrationed temper. I haven't nearly wiped myself out on the ice this year either. Last year I fell hard twice. I've gotten my balance back and I can wear high heeled shoes! Actually, I've become a shoe **** and I love it! Keep up the great work. Lynda 262/167/138?

April 11th I had my surgery. My weight then was 347. Todate I my weight is 206. So whoo hoo 141lbs gone. 347/206/185 Hopefully someday. Christie

Well, just wanted to update. It's been 9 months and 150 pounds and things are going great! My loss, like everyone else' at this stage has slowed way down...but I am working on upping my protein and getting more exercise. I know that I have a very realistic chance of losing the rest of my weight, especially if I have the plastic surgeries I so desperately need now -- my PCP has estimated my belly skin weighs 10-15lbs by itself, not even counting the 5 or so a breast reduction would get me! In all this time, I have struggled to find a decent protein drink, and finally have found it. I wanted to share this with everyone in case anyone else wants to try something new that will help get the protein in without feeling like you're eating 24 hours a day! I went to bariatriceating.com and clicked on the "request" link. There, I filled out the form for 2 free protein samples. I tried the IsoFruit Delite in cantaloupe flavor and the Protein Delite in the banana yogurt flavor. Both of them are AWESOME! The cantaloupe is thin and watery (I dislike thick shakes, they gag me) and tastes JUST LIKE CANTALOUPE! here is no aftertaste or chalkiness or anything funky. The banana yogurt was also good -- more of a creamy type of drink, but not chalky or thick -- and had REAL CHUNKS OF BANANA IN IT! I highly recommend these drinks to anyone looking for a new protein. The really cool part of this is that I ordered a tub of the IsoFruit Delite, and when I got it, I called the manufacturer to see if I could get it cheaper through them (as is often the case) but found out that bariatriceating's price right now is better BUT I asked if I could get samples of the other flavors they offer (which is green apple, pineapple and cherry) and they offered to send me samples of all of those AND they are the makers of the Protein Delite, too, so they are sending me samples of those flavors as well!! Ok, this is even cooler -- I mentioned that I would be telling everyone at my support groups how much I loved their products and they offered to send me samples to give to my support group!! Sooooooo....if anyone would like to call and see if they can get samples for themselves and/or their support group, the number is 1-888-scitec7. I also want to pass this tidbit on, as someone emailed it to me and I want to share. I have never tried Nectar, but everyone on this site seems to like it, so I figure it can't be that bad, right? If you call 1-888-333-7403 and talk to the sales people (option 2, I think, or just hit 0 and they will direct you to the right person), tell them that you would like to try their free samples and they will take your name and address and send you some. Pretty cool, huh? Well, I went a step further and asked about getting samples for my support group as well -- might as well do a full-on taste-test, right? -- and they will be sending me samples for them as well! how wonderful is that? I am guessing that we could get a whole free samples thing going by calling our favorite protein's makers and asking about it -- let's hear it -- who is your favorite protein and will they send out free samples? Call and see and if the answer is yes, post the number here for us all to take advantage of the offers! --joanna 325/175/125(someday, I hope!)

Hello everyone! I can not believe it its was 9 monthes ago I was being wheeled into the OR . To start my WLS journey, I just had to sit back and reflect on how much my life has changed. I can now been down and touch my toes and tie my shoes without being out of breathe. I can walk over a mile and not be out of breathe. A year ago I could not walk 30 feet and I would have to stop and lean on my walking cane to catch my breathe. What a wreck I was. A walking Heart Attack! I can sit in a chair and cross my legs. Thats just a few things I can do after losing 180 pounds in 9 months. Hugs. Tom 536/178/250

Julian, Your loss is amazing, and I am happy for you! As for your concern about your intake, I would really suggest talking to your surgeon and/or nutritionist. The reason for that is that most surgeons do not do more than a 3-4oz pouch, so if you can do 7oz on average, either your surgeon did a larger pouch for your or something is going on, and you should find out about it. As for soups, if you can do 7oz of solids, it stands to reason you could 16oz of soups -- soups go straight through, so you can do more of them. For example, I only have a 1/2 - 1 oz pouch, so if I chew really well, I can get in around 1 oz of something solid (like meat) but I can do around 4-6 oz of yogurt ok (usually). I know this reply isn't particularly useful to you, as our pouches obviously differ in size so much, but I hate to see a question without a reply of some kind. Definitely call your surgeon and talk to someone about your concern. I would imagine that as long as you are exercising enough to be continuing to burn more calories than you are eating, and you are continuing to lose, you are probably fine with the amount that you are eating. --joanna 325/175/125(someday, I hope!)