Great job Brian keep up the awesome work

hey cynthia!  thank you for your posting.  It really lets people know that they are not alone in their struggles.  You really have gone thru alot this year and yet you have this positive attitude.  This attitude is really what makes or breaks a person, I think.  I so admire you.  You are a true testament to success.  I pray that your pain will be resolved ASAP!  No one should have to endure that.  Take care my friend and congratulations on your one year surgiversary!!   Your friend, Eldy

 HELLO -
sorry it has been a while since I have been on here to post, I have been struggling with dealing with this pain and having test after test, referral after referral.  I am finally able to report that they think that it is an issue with my stomach not emptying fast enough and a possible issue with the vagus nerve.  Unfortunately no good ideas on treatment yet, heading back to the gastro in a couple of weeks and starting to look into alternative therapies.  Have had some minor success (once) with massage for a few days.  

Beyond this I have been struggling a bit this winter and have been in a stall for a couple of months.  I got so demotivated and am now trying to get myself back on track doing the right things.  I struggle with depression and it has been worse this winter than it has been since before I started this journey.  Last night I went out with a few friends and actually found myself dancing and was like wow, this feels good it has been far too long since I just let loose and had fun.  Then, today I realized as I walked with my friend just how good it felt to be out and walking.  I cam move so much better today than I could just one year ago.  This week will be one year since my surgery and I have gained so much.  Despite the pain I have been struggling with I have had a pretty good journey, in under 1.5 years I have lost 200 lbs, gained so many friends, gained freedom of movement, gained health and gained confidence in my capabilities.  

I know many of us have struggles on this journey and while it may not all be easy sailing it is a journey none the less and somewhere in this twists and turns there is something for us.  I believe I am finally figuring out what is in this twist in the road for me.  I have never been good at asking for help and due to this bump in the road I have had to ask for help for various things from picking something up for me, to taking me to the Dr or for an appointment to just an ear to vent.  In this I have found that I am blessed with a great network of friends.  It feels great to have such good friends and blessed that I am where I am today.  
While I know we may not get to an answer or full solution to the pain I am having I have at least gained the knowledge and strength in knowing that I am not alone. 
I hope that each person reading this is blessed with similar gifts in discovery that I have been entitled to learn.  So for now I wish you all the blessing of learning about yourself and finding the gems along the journey.  thanks to each of you for your friendship, encouragement and genuine caring for my progress and health.
Hoping that the next 100 lbs or so is as rewarding as the last 200 has been!

Peace!
Cynthia

Had my follow up today with Dr.Roye 16 days out and doing great going back to work monday thank god. Lost 22lbs since surgery and 34lbs pre op  56lb  since Nov. I am so happy with my-self.. 60lbs more till goal  I pray I can keep up the good work:-)
Kathy

Dr. Roye!  I had the band done and I absolutely love him!