Oh Maureen - this truly sucks to hear - especially since you've provided so much guidance and inspiration for me. The good news is that 157 to 162 you are still in the game for being a "normal" person and not the obese woman who was 360 - the good news is - you are able to move your body without feeling the aches and pains a woman who is 360 pound feels - you have so much going for you!!! Try not to get too overwhelmed with making too many changes at once - focus on the one thing you think would make you feel the best about yourself and work on integrating that change back into your life - just pick ONE for now - either it be no crappy food, or excercising your skinny little butt off - try just one thing and don't worry about anything else right now - because if you say - I'm going to eat perfect, I'm going to exercise like an olympian, I'm going to drink water like a camel and I'm going to be the RNY poster girl - you will be overwhelmed - so just pick one and make it yours - right now the one thing I'm picking is getting in the right amount of protein - I'm not worrying about anything else right now - but just for today - protein is my goal - maybe it will change for tomorrow - but I know that if I say I'm going to do it all today - I will surely fail.

Set yourself up for little successes - one at a time and you'll get back on track - and definitely schedule a follow up with the doctor and talk to him about the constant hunger issue - but maybe if you're eating too many carbs it is feeding that hunger monster - you know how that goes!!

Hang in there - you are an inspiration that you're reaching out - you can do this - you will not allow yourself to slip back to the person that you were - you've come way too far!

I know you can do this!

What's your goal gonna be??

Congratulations - you're on the final stretch of the journey you've worked so far to travel!

You'll be fine!

Thanks Mickey - my last appointment went sooo much better - Dr. R explained that he thought I wasn't committed to the revision surgery and apologized that I was upset at the last appointment - now that we are both on the same page, things are much better - I know where he's coming from and you are right - we talked extensively how he is not pleased when people don't follow the rules - he was not pleased that I was only taking in about 45 grams of protein a day - he really stressed that I need to be eating 110 a day and was very informative. He also took a lot of time with me and I just feel so much better and more confident with him. I'm glad I gave him another chance, he definitely does seem like a surgeon who does care, and wants to see people win the battle with obesity.... Anyway - How are you doing?

Hi Tammy!

I enjoyed meeting you as well!  I'm glad to hear your appointment today was a much better experience!  What did he say/do today that made a difference?  Did you feel that he understood you better?  I understand the appointment hell because I just completed all my appointments.   I meet with Dr. R for the first time next Wednesday (June 3rd).  What's most nerve wracking for me is that I have to wait until sometime this Sept./Oct to find out if my company will take the rider out that states they will not pay for the surgery.  Dr. Rosenburg, the current president of the practice seemed pretty positve but he still needs the quotes from the insurance company before he can give me a final yes or no.  Until then I will proceed as if they are going to pay, so after I see Dr. R. next Wed., I'll start the 6 mo. diet.

I definitely want to keep in touch....we can help each other on this journey!  Any time you're at the hospital, feel free to call me or even if you're not at the hospital and want to chat, give me a hollar!

Sorry you have to go through this - I bet the band board has a bunch of people who have gone through this and can probably give you some insight on their experiences.

Good luck - hopefully you'll be able to get back to using the tool again!