Hey Sunny! How are you doing, girl? I am so glad to hear you say that you agree with your doctor and you don't want to lose any more! I was worried about you last time you posted. YOu are quite thin and I think if you lost any more, you would be "too thin". Please do not take offence to what I am saying, Sunny...I am just being honest. You look gorgeous and the transformation is incredible. You really look gorgeous! I have put on a few lbs from my lowest of 116 lbs and to be honest, I'm glad. Everyone said I looked way too thin and almost sickly and when I saw my face reflection in the mirror one day, I agreed that I did llok too thin. I now range, depending on the day, from 118-123 lbs and have pretty consistently maintained this. I think my body is happy here. I am also proceeding with plastics in the near future and it appears we are looking to get the same exact work done! I want a tummy tuck and thigh lift. My thighs are TERRIBLE. I would also love breast implants, which surprises me because I never thought I would want this, but my boobs have gone from a full D to a A cup and they have pretty damn saggy. Anyway, congrats on your tremendous success and I just wanted to tell you that you are beautiful and I think you are at a perfect weight at this point. Hugs, Denise

A support group for Weight Loss Surgery patients is now being held in the Orlando area! We meet semi-monthly at the Herndon Library in the Colonial Promenade at 4324 East Colonial Drive in Orlando. The meeting is open to all weight loss surgery patients and support family members. For further information, call Monica Ramos at: (321) 663-3021 or e-mail: [email protected] ~ Monica www.WOCF.org

Hi everyone, I haven't been to this board fro some time and happened to stop by today. I lost all my weight (95-97 lbs) in the first 9 months after my surgery and haven't really lost anything since. I am at my Dr's goal for me and sometimes even a couple below it. How did I lose it all in that time? Because of exercise. I was doing tons of exercise before surgery for many years, so continuing it wasn't difficult for me. I've actually backed off a bit - now I only exercise 3-4 times a week for 1 hr. 20 min. as opposed to 5-6 days a week for 1 hr. 30 min. right after surgery. I can eat quite a bit as well, but it depends on the day really. I just know that for me exercise is the key. Theresa

Sunny, Please, listen to your doctor. Your look great in those pictures. Once you have your surgery, you will probably lose more than 5 pound easily. Lucky for you, the water bra makes miracles. I have the problem of having male B cup breast hanging. No! I can't ware a bra to solve that problem. This summer I will be thinner than other years, but I will not take off my shirt to go to the beach. Just like you, I need to save money. Good luck, don't lose more weight, and keep on writing.

This is what I posted on the Texas board: Well I went to my doctor yesterday to have my 18 month check up and get my blood work results... as some of you know I have a hard time drinking water and I was not taking my vitamins like I should have been... so 2 months ago I started taking my vitamins daily... not missing a day... I still have a hard time with the water but I am really trying... yesterday I did get in 60 oz which is ALOT for me.. I normally get 20 - 30 oz a day.. I would rather have coffee which I know is not good for me either but I like the taste...anyway... Went in to my doctors office and his nurse had to look at my pic several times and she couldnt believe it was me... I told her I was nervous about my blood results and she said nah dont be... Then Dr. Storey came in and said "WOW" looked at my pic... then I told him I was a little nervous about my blood results... and he said "THEY WERE ALL IN PERFECT RANGE"... words I was so happy to hear.... I am at goal weight.. not mine... but guess we are never satisfied... he asked me how many times I eat a day I told him 2 - 3 but I eat right... he said I need to up that to 4 -5 times a day... but other than that I only need to see him as needed... he asked what kind of vitamins and I told him some natural ones from Arbonne and a b-12 sublingual... and a calcuim from Arbonne... he said that all my levels had just about doubled... and for me to keep taking those vitamins cause they are working.... I was so happy... I want to thank you all for being so supportive.. thank you to the ones who do get on to me DAILY about getting in my water and making sure I take my vitamins... without you I probably would not have had great blood work results... thank you from the bottom of my heart... you know who you are... love you for that.... and for being a great friend.....thank you for my daily talks... For those of you starting out your journey... PLEASE take your vitamins.. I finally realized how important they are for us... WE ARE DIFFERENT.. I call us the special people.... we have to think differently....remember we are here to support one another... wether good or bad.. to get on to each other when we need it and to encourage each other when we need that too.... I know that having my support group through all of this has made it easier for me... and having everyone here on the Texas board... has made it easier... If you are not in a support group please find one to join if you are starting out or even further out in this journey.. cause no one understands a weight loss patient like another weight loss patient... I truly believe that with all my heart.... we have different issues than people who have not had this surgery....emotionally, mentally, physically, etc... I want to be here for those just starting out and to be supportive to them like everyone has been to me... so I need to continue being a good example and take my vitamins and get in my protein and my water... so those of you who get on to me daily please don't stop.. I STILL NEED YOU and WILL ALWAYS NEED YOU.... Sorry for this being so long.. just had to reflect... Love Debra 227/205/127 1st Surgery/Revision/Today 8/98 -8/04 - today Obesity Help Support Group Leader