That's wonderful Vera. I'm so happy for you that you where able to share your story and in doing so your supporting ALL Gastric by pass patients Donna

BABY I'M A STAR As if you didn't get that feeling already! Yes, during the week of 3/14, I was featured in the Chicago Tribune, N'Ddigo. It went Nationwide, and I got calls from people as far as Atlanta! Basically, the story was about the first person account of Gastric bypass Surgery, and I was one of 3 persons to tell my story. It was an enlightening experience that was an eye opener for many *****ad it. I received so many congrats and words of support and encouragement, which I really felt so happy about. I didn't tell many about my journey, so after it hit, there were a lot of calls, e-mails and visits from old acquaintences, family and co-workers. People see me and don't know who I am... but somehow they were able to ascertain who I was after the story, which made me feel greater than I already do. Talk about an ego! Heck, I deserve it, right? We all do if we have gone through this, and come out looking like a STAR! So, for those of you who can get to the archieve, do so. Soon, I will have a web site built (when my son gets free from the ones he is doing for pay), and I'll have it all on my site! Until then, let this me your motivation and encouragement. Tell as many as you know your story, because now, it has lifted me beyond measure to work out more, keep loosing and be the best I can be, because, I'm being watched constantly now. I love being a role model for others, and have received a few e-mails from strangers who want to know my story. I have also done 2 more news interviews, with the Daily Southtown (week 3/22), and the Chicago Defender (week 3/21), and have also been contacted by a major New Station to go live and discuss WLS, here in Chicago! I love it, and me! I'm a STAR! You are too! Vera Crew Encourager! 343/234/? more to come.... and go!

Hi Kelly, I also weigh myself each morning and when I see a fluctuation I know I had something too much the day before... I am trying to be more careful now with my choices... Today I had a chicken caesar salad for lunch and I was stuffed with just half a salad... It all really depends on what I am eating... I have been drinking sugar free Koolaid sweetened with Splenda and keep it near me all the time... That has seemed to help a lot too this week... It has helped me a lot to hear from you & the other gals... I know I am not alone in what I am dealing with now... I seriously thought I was the only one having major food issues like this... Kelly thank you so much for your support... You have done wonderfully! I love to see your changes on your profile pics... You do look great and I am so happy for you! (((BIG HUGS))) God bless and take care hon!! Chelle

Oh honey, I am right there with you on the non-exercise wagon... A lot of my issues are dealing with time restraints... I am literally busy with life things from dawn to dusk and exhausted most of the time... I am hoping that this week I can get over to the Y and get on that treadmill for a while... I am on spring break from my job @ the college and from classes so I will have some extra time... The easter candy is almost gone and there WILL not be any more in the house after this is done... I am going to go get some fruits instead... I hope to start losing again cuz I wanna get under 200 lbs... I'd be so amazed with that!! 190 is my goal weight... Wow you've done so awesome... Over 200 lbs gone!! Congrats!! You're pics are beautiful too... I can just see that you literally glow now and can tell you're happy... Thanks for taking the time to write me some encouraging words Diana! I do appreciate it very much... Take care of yourself and God bless!! Chelle

Hi Chelle- I think alot of us still have "food issues" I understand what you are going through. Like Donna said we eat when we are bored or stressed. Ok What about drink a 8oz glass of water and set a timer, if in 30 min you really are hungry then allow yourself a healthy food choice. I admit that sometimes when I am bored especially at night I "WANT" something to eat but do think it is all in my mind so I need to make myself busy to not think about food. Set yourself a mini goal daily at firs****ch your calories and maybe keep a food log. I weigh myself everyday. I think this helps me stay on track. I know if I go up even 1/2 a lb I need to reevaluate what I'm eating. Especially carbs! Chelle you have done great! Believe in yourself! You can get back on track! If you want we can post on here daily with you for support or whatever. Email me anytime. BTW I really like your msg board pic! Hugs, Kelly