question for the far-out club

My pleasure! :)

Abby, What a great answer that was!  Informative, introspective, and appreciated.  Thanks.

Hey, thanks! I was worried about this one. Opinions vary, and everyone has a different experience, but that's been mine, so far. It's been the truth for me, so if it's helpful, I'm happy!

I'm not sure I qualify for Far-Out, but I had surgery on 8/28/06. I started at 242 (5'4") and am now 147 -- So I am fast approaching the century club and will be there before my one year anniversary.  My Bougie was a 56Fr, which is much larger than most folks here on the board. I can now get about 1/2 C food if it is soft (e.g., tuna). Re appetite, I still don't have much appetite beyond eye appetite (I see food so think I want it until I take a bite, then realize this was mental, not physical. Bottom line, I really don't think the bougie size has much to do with success. a) My weight loss is 95 lbs in 10 months with only 17 lbs more to go. I know I will get there because since I have lost so much weight already, I can exercise, play tennis, dance and do other things that are making up for the normal slow-down after the honeymoon period. b) I still don't have much of an appetite except as I mentioned above, seeing food triggers a memory of hunger that I just don't have the capacity to execute on. c) So far, the honeymoon is not over for me -- but as with any weight loss, if you lose 10% of body weight each month after surgery, the first month may be 25 lbs (from a start of 250) but when you get to 150 lbs, 10% would only be 15 lbs. and as you get closer to goal for anyone, maintaining the same % loss is just about impossible since your body is 87% water and that just isn't going away. d) Good luck. This works well -- just remember as you go forward that your head has more control over what you do and eat than your stomach.

Hey Mim....you definitely qualify....here's the post for the Far Out Club from a couple of days ago:  (and welcome aboard...:)  Gail http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/VSG/a,messageboard/action, replies/board_id,5463/cat_id,5063/topic_id,3332994/

Great info -- thanks for taking the time to give us your thoughts "Far-outters"!

Amen ABBY! you couldn't have said it better...

I don't think I can add much to Abby's thoughtful response, but I am glad that you were the first to jump in with questions for the vets, Pielet.....very cool!  I am beginning the "end" phase of weight loss actually and am really struggling....even though I don't eat much.....I know exercise is key, and I just posted looking for a little enlightenment myself.....:)  All the best on your WL journey...Gail