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My weight loss has slowed, too, but I still lose about 2 lbs per week. For me, eating salads, cutting out the carbs and aerobic exercise seems to keep me on track. I don't get frustrated though because I keep comparing it to how well I did losing weight before the surgery, and since the scale keeps going down and not up like it did before, I don't lose hope. My quality of life is so much better now, too. Everytime I find myself sweating while working in the yard, or racing my grandgirl, or running down the stairs instead of taking them one at a time with both feet, I feel like I've come SO FAR. To my mind, so what if it takes a year, or even two, to lose the 100 lbs? I'm already experiencing the benefits!

I celebrated when I dropped under 200 lbs, too! I had despaired of ever being able to lose that weight before the surgery! Congratulations! I know how good it feels.

Thanks for posting, Dan. I can especially relate to the yard work. My back hasn't gone out since I got the surgery. And I feel so peaceful after working in the yard; then I sit back and admire what my hard work accomplished. Congratulations on your success.

What does "stroppy" mean, Jane?

Thanks for your trouble! I'll read through them. It's great that you'll share stuff from school. I know I'm never too old to keep learning!

Good going, Christie! I love the comparison pictures. They really emphasize how much you have lost! I've been having people tell me I look 15 years younger! Isn't it great? You go Girl!

Congratulations, Jane!!!!!!! Although I've only been a member for 4 mos., I know you must have struggled at times to reach this goal. Can you tell us how your life has changed?

Do you happen to know of any websites that might give some more information? Something not too techy? I'd like to learn more!

Isn't it great to feel more fit? I am working and playing like I've lost 15 years! Keep enjoying life!

I looked through his posts, too, Jane. I agree with you totally.

When I made the comment about "no one can tell me that I should control my problems with only a upbeat attitude", I was thinking about another thread I read about taking depression meds after surgery and a member responded by saying "stop taking the damn pills." I know there are people out there that don't understand chemical imbalances and depression. I've also seen people who obviously need to get help, but will not because they don't want to take pills. I didn't mean to suggest that you were anti-meds, ouroborous. What I DID mean to agree with is that it is a good practice to approach depression with listening to your body, as you have tried to do, to find out what you may be doing that is adding to the problem. Caffiene (sp?), food allergies, drinking enough Water, exercising, and also healthy a mental response. I've read a lot of self-help books that have taught me about co-dependence, boundaries, and dysfunctional thinking patterns. It makes sense to battle depression from all sides, using all the tools in the toolbox.

Well I see that sumthingwong is banned now. Good. He was bugging me. He doesn't belong on this support forum. Psycho.

I like the way you express yourself, too, ouroborous! You seem very intelligent and thoughtful. I have had problems with anxiety and depression since I hit puberty. My family has a significant history with chemical imbalances (brother schizophrenic, another brother bi-polar, mother anxiety) so no one can tell me that I should control my problems with only a upbeat attitude. Again, only speaking for myself, I take Prozac to help with the imbalance, but have learned many other things about myself to help understand what triggers me, and how to take better care of myself. My oldest son told me that he has found that "when you tire out your body, your mind will follow." I have found that he is right. I, too, am doing hard yard work (shoveling, mowing uphill, etc.) and aerobic exercising to tire my body and am seeing that it helps with the depression/anxiety. I also have had to learn to listen to my body more to give it what it needs, as well as learn to set personal boundaries with friends/family to protect myself. Anyway, thanks for your post. I'll be thinking about your list to see if I need to be aware of any triggers that you have shared.

That must be awful to feel that way about your job. And to share your story with your boss and have her just say "oh", would have left me feeling bothered, too. Are you still feeling down today? Do you want to talk about it some more?

I noticed that I became "invisible" to people when I was heavier. It seemed they just wouldn't notice me much. I also thought it had something to do with being older. I've been watching to see if people notice me more since I have lost weight. I feel like they do. Men, especially. I am wondering, also, if I have to look for a new job, will I have a better chance in the interviewing process? I think losing the weight will probably help there, too. I've felt some irritation about this. I am the same person, thinner or fatter. But, then again, if it helps me land a job, I'm thankful to be able to play that angle.

During the first 7-10 days I had trouble lying on my left side. There was some a strong enough discomfort that I had to change sides. I have had trouble sleeping also. Have you ever had a sleep study done? Any problems with sleep apnea? Have you talked to your doctor about it? I'm afraid of taking some sleeping aids because of the addictive properties. These days I use Tylenol PM except when I have an anxiety/panic episode. Then I take a prescription from my doctor.

Pumpkin, I agree with Seaview. Thank you for taking the time to put your thoughts down. I identify with your before and after experiences. I couldn't have said it better!

Hey Christie! I identify with you so much! I watched the recent video. Thanks for posting it. Keep up the good work, girl. You're doing great!

Ok, folks. I've been waiting to be able to say this....are you ready? I am officially half way to my desired weight loss goal. I wanted to lose 100 lbs and I have hit the 50 lb loss mark. Yeah! Party! Party! My surgery was April 13th, so it took less than 4 months! I have nothing but good to say about getting the sleeve and my health: 1) Off the sleep apnea machine 2) From a 3X to 18/20 clothes. 3) Didn't lose any hair (that I noticed anyway) 4) Knees & feet not hurting so much anymore. 5) Self-confidence boosted 6) Can feel my bottom rib cage bone! 7) Can play and work harder and longer! 8) Hubby thinks he's died and gone to heaven. 9) Sleep better at night; hips don't hurt. I could go on and on..... LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!

Thank you everyone for attending my "milestone party"! It is so great to be able to share it with you all. My sister just saw me for the first time since May and she was amazed. She kept remembering things we did together when we were young and reckless and my husband got an earful of our exploits. Later she said it must be my weight loss, and that I look more like that long ago girl, that brought the memories to mind. I'm not reckless anymore, but I sure feel younger! Thanks again!

I can understand you feeling bummed after going through so much to lose weight, then finding you had gained! Natural reaction. It will be alright, though. Keep concentrating on Protein & fluids. Nurture yourself. The weight loss will come. We're here for you!

I was a hospice respite volunteer for 5 years and have lost a brother to cancer. I can speak from experience. We believe the nurses gave my brother an overdose of morphine at the end. All the family was there and it was the right time to let him go. You're not being morbid. Death is a part of life. But for many reasons, the western approach to death is one of prolonging life with any means possible. It is my belief that it is healthier to discuss this than to try to pretend death doesn't exist. Thanks for posting so honestly. I respect you for that.

20 lbs is wonderful! I bet your smile was ear-to-ear!!!

I checked out your video of stuff you bought to drink. It was cool to be able to see you in the video...now I really feel I know you! Glad today you're feeling better. Tell how us your trip home goes!