Hi there! I had my surgery on April 4th and am still having problems with all meats, even salmon and tuna, but will have a good eating day every now and then and will be able to hold down a little steak, or other meat. I have found the real trick is to absolutely not have anything to drink at least an hour before and after eating. I have found a newer love for beans and feel that I am getting protein from them and also my protein shakes. I am starting to experience a little hair loss, but take my vitamins religiously. It's great to hear of your loss. Best wishes! I have lost between 77 and 78lbs. You hang in there, and remember to get your protein in, and don't forget to drink plenty of fluids! Carol

Paula, I had my surgery 11-17-2003. I weighed 257 and now weigh 125 lbs. I have lost a total of 132 lbs. For the first time in my life I have to watch that I don't lose too much since I am already below my goal. I am trying to get and stay around 130. I do not regret the surgery for it has been one of the best things I've ever done. A lot of my illnesses have just gone away. I have completely changed my way of eating which is important, eat slowly using the little powerseed I bought in a magazine that times your intake, and I chew, chew, chew. I am no saint, sometimes I will have something fried or desserts. I have learned that you can just eat about anything if you eat it in small amounts (which I also use the powerseed for) so I eat several small meals a day. I have been taking care of a sick mother in the last month so I have had to watch my weight to keep it from going down for a couple of weeks ago I was 123 which is too small. I am 5'8", averaged boned. I need to take a new picture for the message board, the one showing is at 137 lbs. Take a look at the first picture in my profile. As I have said many times before the VBG is just a tool that will help you do the work you need to do. Remember, behavior modification is so very important.

Congratulations Anastasia!!!!!!!!!! What milestone Isn't it just the best ever? It is such an accomplishment to make it to the century club. I thought I wouldnever get ther, but I did and it was wonderful. I am sooooo happy for you. Big Hugs, Sara 256/232/175

Thanks for the replies!! I know I have to be patient but at times it is hard! LOL It seems like the RNY people are able to eat a little more normal then us to begin with and there is not alot of communication from us VBG'rs as to how we eat and what we eat. I have been mostly lurking out here for the last 5 months reading and learning all that I can and enjoying the success of everyone on here. Finally thought it was time for me to join in and share how things are going with me. I will go to that website and see if I can find things that will work for me.

Hi Jody...I had my VBG on 5/24/2005 and have lost 49#. I have found that I can't handle to many meats either. However, I been able to handle ground beef in chilli, taco filling...as long as it is crumbly. I, too, am into the salmon, tuna ,etc. My tummy just does not like chicken...no matter how I prepare it. I've even put it into the Magic Bullet and ground it to an extremely fine stage and still my stomach said "no, no". I have found that Wendy's Chili does work for me. I guess we just have to keep experiementing. As time goes by, I'm sure we'll find other things we can eat. Keep up the good work on your weight loss. I am really impressed with 64 pounds. That is wonderful!!! I hope I'll be there soon; however, considering I was almost imobile 3 1/2 months ago and I can now walk through the grocery store without stopping and have thrown my cane away, I feel like I am accomplishing more than I have done in years. Take Care!!!