6/12/02 - Wow - what an incredible journey this has been. It's six months today. My total weight loss so far is 76 lbs. I am down to 184 lbs. I'm wearing 14s some 16s depending on the brand. My BMI is down to 27.9. I'm 5'9" tall, so my goal weight is 162. I've only got 22 more lbs to go. I feel great. My health and energy level have both improved drastically. I have no problems with any food except milk. I can tolerate a little in my coffee but any more than that and I have horrible stomach cramps. I've even tried lactaid milk and soy milk. So - no milk for me. Other than that, I pretty much eat what I want. I make healthy choices most of the time and always eat my protein first. It is so much easier to resist temptation now. This surgery has truly been a blessing for me. The most wonderful aspect of the surgery has been the mental freedom. I no longer have to worry about food like I did in the past. Food does not have the hold on me that it had for so many years. I can honestly say that I think I enjoy eating even more than I did before. I am totally satisfied with small amounts of healthy food. Food does not call my name like it always did before. It's very hard to explain but maybe those who have been there will understand what I am trying to say. I still look forward to enjoying a meal with friends but now I don't fret over whether I will be strong enough to stick with only ordering a healthy meal. Food is no longer really an issue in my life. I can eat a meal and thoroughly enjoy it but it is no longer an obsession.
