What do you think "lightweights" think of this board?

I dont know how long it will take you. As I have said, after 13 months. Im down 147lbs. I have another 50lbs to go. I dont even know if I will lose anymore because the surgery is suppose to be successfull if you lose 70% of your excess weight. I can eat quite a bit, and I have to try everyday to eat the right things. I still have some of my old habits of compulsive eating especially at nite, but I eat healthy foods when I do that. I just ate 3 peaches, but its better then 3 candy bars! So shoot for small goals and meet them one at a time, and you will be a success. Sorry for turning this into a serious post, but us SMO's will have around 30lbs of excess skin, so we cant get to goal without the aid of plastic surgery. But, you can shoot for 200lbs in 2 years. That time will truly fly by once you get to solid foods. It sure has for me. Thanks for listening. (Hey Willby, if your reading this LOOK No emotions!!) Sue

I am so glad we can stay on this board too. I am most comfortable here because everyone here 'gets me'. I think 'lightweights' could benefit by reading this board, and probably should. I have friends who are over weight by 20-50 pounds and feel that their 'weight problem' is the same as mine is. Oh really?!?! As others have stated, they don't think twice about or worry about fitting into seating at any and every public place.... or walking a mall..... or a beach..... or in a park, etc. I would LOVE to do those things, but right now I can't. I used to love beachcombing. Walk a quiet beach for hours. I miss soooo many things being SMO that they take for granted. I just get so sick of hearing how they have soooooo much weight to lose, when I will be lucky to weigh what they do now! Poor things. or how they had their consultation, approval, and surgery date, all within one months time. No clearances... not even a psych eval!! I feel ALL wls patients should at a minimum be required to get a psych eval. Ok, I am getting on my soap box again... Thanks for listening. Huggs, Ruth

I agree I enjoy being on this board and the wonderful support we all get here. It makes me more comfortable to post here knowing that others have are are going through most of the same things as myself. So thank you everyone for being so great and supportive. Anita

I think most of the lightweights are glad they are not at as big as the people on this board but can still relate somewhat because they were unhappy enough with their bodies to have surgery. I really do not understand why a light weight would have this kind of surgery. I also feel that for people on this board this surgery is a true miracle.

I don't think they would be grossed out, but empathetic and thankful that they are "nipping the problem in the bud." We all have weight issues, to many varying degrees. I remember when I weighed 200 pounds. I was 18 and barely squeezing into my 8s and would soon be going to DOUBLE DIGITS in sizes (gasp!). I was horrified. I felt like a big greasy pig and no one could convince me otherwise. I didn't want to go out or do anything. You could have shown me a picture of an 800 pound mirror, and I would've sworn I was looking at a photograph of myself. Strangely enough, it took getting pregnant and topping 300 for the first time to regain my confidence. So, no, I don't believe lightweights are unsympatheitc, and I believe all people with weight problems experience the same kinds of problems (low self-esteem, not fitting into favorite clothes, generally feeling out of control). I hope they come here and realize how important their life is, and that they arelucky they now have the opportunity to "grab the bull by the horns." Carrie