Well, one thing I noticed is that apparently all 30 of these M600LbL "stars" were ultimately successful in their weight loss journeys, some even continuing to lose weight long after their appearance on the show ended. In that regard, I'm assuming this was not a "cherry picked" list of just the success stories from the show (?) What really strikes me is how, directly opposed to that happy outcome, it seems so many of the "stars" (and winners) on The Biggest Loser did NOT maintain their weight loss after their appearance on that show ended, with many of them experiencing full regain. So, what accounts for the difference? Is it b/c so many of those persons on M600 did have WLS vs. few on TBL? Or is it that the TBL contestants were primarily motivated for $$ and fame for their weight loss, vs. the M600 people who were perhaps primarily motivated by their health and looks instead? Anyone's thoughts on that?

I was so nervous I almost cancelled the last week. When I woke up after surgery I felt pretty good. I had some bandaids on my tummy and other than that everything felt the same. I had surgery on Tuesday, went home on Thursday, was doing light housework on the weekend and went back to a desk job on Monday. I have had more problems and needed more time off with dental work.

feeling nervous before a surgery is a pretty common reaction - I get that way before ANY surgery. Just know that these surgeries have become very routine and they're very safe these days. You'll be fine and it'll be over before you know it!

this was great to see. I'm not a fan of this show so I haven'****ched very many episodes, and it seems like (from my limited viewing) that many aren't that successful because they can't manage their food addictions (or have enablers that do not follow the rules, either). So I'm glad to see so many successful people. It's hard to believe some of them still weigh as much as the slides say, because they look much smaller in the "after" photos.

Alyssa, I'm sorry you are going thru all of this. It is not uncommon and you will get past it. The first year out is about you learning. What your body can and can't handle, what you should and should not eat, correct portion size, how to chew your food, how to navigate family functions, and most importantly, how to listen to your body. I found that I can eat until my body lets out a sigh. That is the signal that your body has been satisfied. You are done eating. Push your plate away or you will start to feel uncomfortable. Read every single nutritional label. Include your family on the skills you learn, especially the nutritional labels. The information you learn this year will set you up for a lifetime of good eating habits. Take advantage of the tool you have been given. If you do not use this tool the correct way this year then you will run the risk of returning to your old habits. Keep in mind the first year is the most difficult. There are only two days a year I regret my decision. Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those are only two days and I can survive that.

I'm surprised that you are on solid foods so quickly. I remember, two months after my surgery, taking my first bite of the best mashed potatoes I have every had. It took another three months to eat a raw carrot. Some foods are going to be harsh on your system for a while. That will clear up. I did have a stricture. The scar tissue prevented food from passing. Once that was cleared up I only got sick when I over ate. You can over drink as well.

Alyssa, you made a difficult choice to have the surgery. Now you have a difficult road ahead of you. You CAN do it. You WILL do it. And finally you will be GLAD that you did it when you reach the end of this chapter.