I exercise usually 5 times a week (sometimes only 4), three Curves sessions and two extra aerobic sessions on my home treadmill. I had a DS so am able to eat about 1800 calories a day, but I also avoid carbs for the most part. My version of dumping is gas and diarrhea, which too many carbs do to me every time. I would not try and cut calories any more--your body will go into starvation mode and fight to keep every pound. Exercising more often will maximize your weight loss. Your window hasn't closed yet, so give yourself some more time. That said, and at the risk of repeating myself, 140 may not be a realistic goal. The usual weight loss after an RNY is 65-75% of your excess weight. A few select people do reach a "normal" BMI, most of us won't. You can figure your number of excess pounds and the typical weight loss using this formula: Pre-op weight - Normal weight for your height (BMI of 25) = excess pounds X 0.75 = realistic weight loss goal in pounds Carolyn Moore DS 11/03/03 317/209

Hi Guys! I know...what a topic, huh? Well, I need some feed back from you ladies out there. How has your cycles changed, if at all? I am 42, and last year tested hormones, and was not menopausal as yet, but I have only had two periods since surgery, and they were sooooo light, the last one lasted only a day and half. Is it the same for you? I have heard where women have had, and or still have very heavy periods from the surgery. Just curious, and any feed back would be great. On the other front, I was glad to make it to my 6 month anniversary with a wt loss of 103 pounds as on May 18, and as of today, I've lost 113 pounds. It's very hard to see the difference in the mirror, but when I look at old pictures, I am amazed that was me. I still have about 80 or so to go though..I think. I wish I could get into a size 18 like so many of you who are near my wt as of now: 240, but I am in a 22, but that's down from a 28-30, and 5 x. I am glad to be where I am. I feel so much better, and freer to move, if that makes sense. It's nice to paint my toe nails, and bend over to tie my shoes, or put my foot on my knee to do that. Congrats to all of you this month for making it 6 months!! Best wishes for the next 6! Cindy

Congratulations. You have me beat. We started about the same weight but I am only down 82 lbs. I would be thrilled to hit 180. I work out 3x per week with a personal trainer and do additional cardio on my own. I eat 1000-1200 calories a day, not red meat, no refined sugars, very l;imited arbs other than fruits and veggies,and extrmely low fat (dump on sugars and fats). I have no idea what else to do other than go back to 700 calories a day but I did not loose any faster. Any ideas to share

I am starting to slow down now that I am 6 months out. I realistically only get to the gym 2 times a week- bad- I know! I am in a size 14 ladies and have lost 108 lbs so far. Everyone says I look "perfect" now- but I want to lose at least 40 more pounds. I feel like I'm stuck- maybe I need to up my exercise? Are you exercising A LOT? How many calories/day are we supposed to be eating? I need to refocus...any ideas? Celeste RNY 11/03 303/180/goal 140

Hi Kristy! I too, had horrible mood swings, and was DEFINITELY depressed for 3 full months after surgery -- after all, I lost my "best friend" (FOOD!) I was actually MOURNING the loss of food and thinking I had really screwed up. But, 76 lbs later, I'm feeling SO very much better it's unbelieveable! I am post-menopausal and still experience mood swings and thought it was simply because of that -- but I do still experience mood swings, so maybe this is just the "norm". The BEST of luck to you and keep me posted how you're doing! Joyce