I can sympathesize with you. I had my RNY on 11/17/03. To date, I have lost 98 lbs. I started at 367 lbs. and still want to lose 90 more lbs. I have friends who have had the same surgery, but had it 2-3 mths. ahead of me. They have lost a lot more than me and it seems like they lost it super-fast. I found myself comparing myself to them and it was making me feel VERY upset and discouraged. What I have been working on doing is accepting my weight loss as just what it is and not a reflection or a failure compared to others. Just try to think of the positives that have come so far, whether its more energy, smaller clothes fitting you, people's compliments, whatever it is that you see as your successes of this journey. I have been in counseling for awhile now and what my therapist always reminds me is that we, as individuals, need to recognize and accept ourselves at all times and not always be looking to be someone or some other size. Just live in the moment and for what you are NOW, not in 6 mths. from now or a year from now. I hope this helps and keep up the good work! Take care..Karen

You did great. I've had a few ****tails since my surgery in November, and so far done okay. My first drink was Valentine's Day, and I had about 2 sips of wine. That's been my habit since then if I go to something where I might normally have a drink. On the 4th I brought protein drinks with me to a party. I had a glass of wine & a couple of sips of a punch ... and I was drunk!! I don't think it's a good idea to drink with any regularity, because our bodies handle it differently now, but once in awhile we can indulge with a small drink. Sounds like you handled it just fine. Have a great day! Kathy

Lap RNY on 11/25/04 Starting weight: 314 lbs Weight as of last week: 175 lbs Total loss: 139 lbs Goal: 150 lbs Still need to lose: 25 lbs

I did bring my own beverages, and it was always my plan to bring my own beverages. I don't expect people to make any special arrangements for me. In fact, I'd rather that they didn't. I ended up drinking my own version of a bloody mary which was low sodium V-8 vegetable juice and a little bit of absolute vodka. All went well but I definately do not want to make drinking a big part of my social life. I'll just do it on special occasions. The alcohol definately hit me alot faster. After just 2 sips I could feel some effects.

Ended up in the ER on Sunday. Lots of pain meds and having it out on July 16th. Apparently, if my bile duct is blocked this will become a major operation involving days in the hospital. So I'm praying its not blocked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!