I have lost 90 pounds so far and I am still losing rapidly. But the thing is, I wander why I have problems eating. Is it in my head or my stomach dont like the food that I present. I still have a hard time with eating protein. I was thinking that I may need to get back on my protein shakes until this faze is over. Kisha 410 preop 1/24/07 320 postop 120 pounds to go for my first goal

Diana- Be encouraged. I'm 5'6" and my surgeon's goal for me is 142...and I started at 361! SO...I say we can do it if we put our minds to it. Strive for your goals, but always keep being healthy as your number one goal in regards to your weight loss. Congrats on your loss...you're doing great! Christina S

I agree with all here who say that our surgeons don't want to set us up for disappointment if we don't lose 100% of our excess weight, because to them, 50 to 80% is a big success, health wise. However, we are not ONLY doing this for our health, right? Let's get real. We want to look thin, too, and while right now a 12 sounds like an amazing dream to me, when I get there I may not be satisfied. If not, I'll still be exercising and getting in all my protein and practicing portion control and I will surely still lose weight. It will likely come off more slowly at that close to goal, but that's fine, it can still happen. Odd how our stats are so similar, Diana. I had my surgery on July 26, I started out at 304, and I have lost 84 pounds. I'm at 220, and I want to get down to 150. I'm 5'6". The difference, darn it, is I carry so much weight in my belly, that I started off in a size 30 jeans, and am now in a 22. So your jeans are a little "hotter" than mine are now! I have lost so much in my chest, my legs, etc., and I have lost in my tummy, just not enough. I will DEFINITELY need a tummy tuck when this is over to get rid of the skin there. Can't wait for that!!! Let's not allow anything to discourage us! We are going to do this and it is going to be fantastic! Yay, us! Steph

Diana, My surgeon set little goals for the entire 18 months of Post-OP so I could watch where I'm at. The first two goals I was ahead of the game, now I'm 5 pounds behind, very discouraging. However, his goals are for 80% of the weight loss. That's all they expect. I'm 5'10, according to our surgery, even though I'm really 5'11. I used to be 6' but I'm shrinking! Anyway, he has my goal at 189. I'm setting my goal for 169. I'd be happy in the 180's, but my friend is built the same way as me and she rocks between 155 & 165 and wears a size 8, so if she can do it, I know I can too. We have similar weight loss. I started at 300 and am down to 215 and I'm just now getting into size 16s on the bottoms, 14's on the tops. I do think that even though the number might not be as low, the inches will continue to drop so you will be able to wear smaller clothes. I know that was the case for me. I haven't lost much weight at all over the last 2 months, but I went down 6 dress sizes. So hang in there and see what happens. I think they just don't want us to obsess over losing too much weight. I think they'd rather say you'll lose at least this much, than to over guestimate. Amber

1. What types of food did you eat this week? I made ground turkey meatballs this week and they were good! 2. What types of exercise did you do this week? I go three times a week to the gym and do 30 min treadmill, 15 min stairs and then some arm workouts. 3. How much weight did you lose? Total loss? I lost another pound and am down 89 total 4. What was your biggest challenge? The weight loss slowing down...its hard to accept and scarey. 5. Have you started a plastic surgery fund? If applicable, can you help us with ideas on how to make it happen? No..Im not worried about that yet. *Fun bonus question: What are you Valentine's Day plans? Hubby works all day into the evening...my favorite thing about V day are the colors. I love red and pink!