8 MONTHS!

yea - I am usually a positive thinker about this whole thing but I have been on a stall for 3 weeks now and I think it is getting to me.

Melissa, I think that life is full of times when we compare ourselves to others to "see" where we measure up whether it is grades on a test or research paper or it is losses on the scale. Comparison is just a natural part of life *unfortunately*. While we are all machines that operate basically the same way...we all have different metabolisms courtesy of genetics, muscle mass, previous dieting, thyroid functioning, etc. No two of us are really the same. No one could predict who was going to lose the fastest or the slowest. It was all a crap shoot going into this adventure. There have been times during my journey when I cannot help but notice that so many folks have lost so much pounds more than me in the same time period and then I have to remind myself that 1) I didn't have as much to lose as many folks - I started as a somewhat "lightweight" 2) I was already head of the game becuase I lost 32 lbs prior to surgery leaving me with less than 90 lbs to my own goal. Am I happy? You bet. I'm not at goal yet...I'm 11 lbs above it and last month I lost 4 lbs so the weight isn't coming off fast by any measure so I expect it to be several months before I reach goal even though I don't have that much on paper to lose. I'm okay with that. I'll take it. I am so much better off today than I was a year ago when I began this journey with my initial consult. Am I happy that I'm wearing size 10 jeans - oh you bet! But that is truly insignificant to me. I really don't care what number the label reads. Honest. What is important and significant to me is that I'm off insulin for the first time in 5 years. My blood sugars are completely normal with no help. I'm off my high blood pressure medicine that I was on for a couple of years. I'm off of my CPAP machine for sleep apnea. I now get rest without assistance. And I hope and pray that I have put a stop to many health issues that run in my family like coronary artery disease and strokes that I felt in time were inevitable. If my weight loss stopped here...yes, I would be happy. Anything beyond the improved health issues has been "gravy". I wish you continued success in your journey. We'll all be here to root you on and congratulate you when you reach your big milestone 100 lbs (coming very soon!) and when you reach goal! Best wishes, Kathy

Melissa, First of all, You are doing a SUPER job! Look how far you've come in just 8 months!!! That being said, I can't help but feel the same way! I see people who had surgery after me, weighed more than I did, and now weigh less and are at goal! I don't understand, but all I can do is enjoy where I am and stick to my program. I am happy for those people, I really am! But it does give me a little fire under my rear to look at my eating and see if I could improve a little more! Hang in there! Sooner or later we'll all be at goal, and this first year will be a blur! *hugs* Ashleigh 251-172-150

First and foremost, happy anniversary. Regarding your weight loss, hot diggity dog! You've done just fabulous. I guess like all of us, you have to stop and look at the big picture...100 pounds in 8 months is radical. You're not failing by any means. I can relate to your frustrations maybe because it's the perfectionism about ourselves. It's so easy (at least for me) to find something else wrong. I'm 10 pounds to goal but instead of being positive about that I'm really hard on myself sometimes and I see every frickin' flaw...will it ever stop??? Probably not. No one is ever 100% happy. (Gosh, I sound like Debbie Downer...sorry) I really want to commend you on your weight loss. Keep that *****no longer a triple) up and I'm sure that weight will start shedding. They say our weight won't necessarily stop until 18 months post op so you've got another 10 months to get rid of your 60 pounds and I know you'll do it!!!!

Hi Melissa, I have discovered that... at least for me, the recepie for depression and discouragement is to compare myself and my progress to others here on the board. I also have a lot left to lose but inch by inch we will get there. I am so much enjoying the journey and the wonderful changes. I bet those closest to you are enjoying the great changes in you too. Happy Anniversary, you have done a terrific job, and you will make it ! My friends at my support group have a saying, to check ourselves cuz " If we feel {greater than} or {less than} others we discover ourselves in trouble (in our heads...thinking ) " Which leads to a crash emotionally. One thing I love about this May board is that the ones who lose faster stick around to cheer on those of us who lose slower, ( slow and steady will make it to the finish line.) I celebrate your great victory with you, Melissa. And what a fine victory 99.5 lbs. lost is !!! Mary

Hi Melissa, You are doing an incredible job! Don't let those negative thoughts run you into the ground. Think of your weight loss this way: You've lost appx. 62% of your excess weight -- THAT'S FABULOUS! My surgeon's general goals are that patients should lose about 80% of their excess weight in the first 12 months, and the remainder in 18 months. I know it's hard to think you are losing ground in the "losing" battle, I often feel the same way. I will plateau for 3 weeks and then lose 1 miserable little pound. But, right now, I have to look at the big picture. Am I doing everything in my power to lose the weight? Some days I snack too much, some days I don't get enough water in, some days I don't get enough exercise. So, when I hit the trifecta and do everything right for a couple of weeks and STILL don't lose weight, then I will start to worry. Another thing I did to re-inspire me was attend one of my surgeon's weight loss seminars last night. He asks post-op patients to attend and answer any questions prospective clients may have, etc. It was a wonderful night. I think I got more out of it than the attendees did. It gave me time to reflect on all the good things that have come from this surgery, and it reaffirmed to me that I am not willing to give up. Take advantage of the way you feel right now, and recommit yourself to making it to your goal weight. We all can do it! Angela Seely

Yea! 8 months down! I will be your positive side Melissa. You have lost a Paris Hilton!!!! I am 8 months on the 12th. I've lost 86 pounds and I am thrilled!!!! I still have 99 more pounds to go till goal weight but I can't be happier with the progress I've made so far. Considering that I've NEVER lost this amount before...EVER....I have to pat myself on the back for being ok at my own pace, and you should too! We are well on our way to being healthy...more than we've ever been! You WILL lose another pound...actually many more...don't be so hard on yourself...nobody said this was going to be easy. It has just seemed like that for the past 7 months cuz the weight just fell off. Change up from your eating and exercise routine...get out of your rut! You can do it! WOO HOO! amy