Okay, here is the situation. I wanted to and would still love to be down 100 pounds when I go for my 6-month post-op visit on Friday. Today at my official weigh-in for the month at Curves I was down 97 pounds (and 65 inches). I am not likely to lose the last three pounds in the next three days, unless.....I could take a diuretic (water pill) on Thursday and Friday mornings and temporarily lose some water weight to get me to that goal. I have access to the pills, that is no problem. Using them for two days will make me pee a lot but won't endanger my health in any way. Should I do it? Or should I just settle for being 97-98 pounds down for the big check- up? Carolyn Moore DS 11/03/03 317/220

Ok. Not entirely sure here WHY...but I know it works! Water seems to make the fat flow out better (at least, this is my theroy). Aim to drink about 100 oz (or more) a day. It can be water, iced tea, hot tea, crystal light..etc. Watch the fat content in the foods you eat. They can sneak up on you. Protein protects us from losing muscle mass INSTEAD of fat. It also gives our bodies energy it needs to survive (since we aren't eating a whole lot of calories...aim to be around 800 at this point). I will tell you that I'm getting in around 40 grams of protein a day (which is about 10 grams less than my surgeon recommends). I eat 1-2 meals of red meat (high protein, but lean cuts) (like steak no ground beef) a week and a lot of veggies and lunchmeats (like turkey). I live on cheeses...all kinds...just crave them. I drink about 80-100 oz of tea a day (can't drink water without getting sick). I execise about 4-5 days a week, walking for about 40 minutes (usually twice a week I would consider an actual hike, up over the hills and woods near my house). And I swing on the swings at the play ground (now that I don't fear their collapse under my weight!) Water I believe is key to weight loss. Hell, to be honest I think you COULD (though its not healthy!!!!) eat crappy foods all day long as long as you drank a ton of water, you'd still lose weight! I am down 94 lbs and 50 from goal.

Hi Annette I think you really need a big ((((HUG)))). Then you need to get yourself in gear and go thru your house and throw out all your junk food If it's not there then you will not eat it. Also you really need to see a nutritionist. How much are you eating at one sitting? Are you snacking thru the day? Also are you getting enough vitamins? Try going out and buying chicken breasts and veggies and living off that for a few days until you get all those bad carbs out of your system. If you need to talk then just e-mail me your number and I will give you a call. ((((HUGS)))) Dawn

Hi Sue. I had my surgery on 11/17/03. I have 85 lbs. off by now. I do still have incidences of vomiting and mostly it is when I start producing lots of saliva and it fills my pouch. I am constantly spitting to not get sick. I think that it is pretty normal to still vomit from time to time, so don't worry about it.

I went on vacation two weeks ago, ate bad stuff, lots of carbs and several desserts, gained a pound. Got back, weighed myself, got the bad news, resolved to be good--no sweets, low carbs, back to exercising 5 times a week--and lost 3 pounds in five days. Do what you are supposed to do and it will happen. Carolyn Moore DS 11/03/03 317/222