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Hypothryoid here! The meds are for life. As for weight loss- for me the band has worked well. The little pill slips through my stoma without any problems. Although I have notice my weightloss happens in odd stages. No weight loss for 2 weeks and then whammy I put on my fresh cleaned jeans and they are loss. I hop on the scale and I am down some many pounds. Then nothing for awhile again. It can be frustrating at time- but it is a nice feeling when everything is baggy again. I have learned to put my focus on "no weight gain". Wishing you the best.

I finally found some time to write about how I got into this mess to begin with. It's a very long story told short, believe it or not, I know it looks long already, lol, but I did cut out a lot of unimportant stuff, I wanted to focus on things that were direct contributors to my weight journey. I hope you enjoy the read I was still skinny in my young adulthood, when I met my husband 15 years ago I was at about 115 lb. As we dated we would go out a lot but I never worried cause I also worked out a lot, yet one day I noticed weight creeping up (my x-small clothign felt too small). Doctor diagnosed me with hypothyroidism and that took a while to get under control. When we got married a year later my weight was about 140 and I started worrying. Felt huge and tired and disgusting, so we decided to move to Florida in hopes of being able to spend more time outside and helping me to get back in shape. That backfired, cause I didn't realize the severity of daily levels of humidity in that state. I was miserable outside and sweating more than I should, just for being out there. I did join a gym, but somehow my motivations were shut and although I liked to spend time at the pool or splashing around in the gulf of Mexico as I had to keep upgrading my swimwear from x-small to large size I also lost confidence to wear it out. My body was changing and I didn't like any of those changes, while my thyroid kept getting worse. We also were trying to get pregnant and that seemed to be very frustrating and put additional toll on me. Eventually I was informed I wont be able to have children, cause of other issues within my body. We accepted the fate and on top of 2 older cats we already had we decided to add 2 kittens. About a month after that I got pregnant (and I was at about 160 lb then), and my doctor worried about me a lot, reminding me that it will be a tough ride and I will have to see him often to make sure all is good, cause I was in high risk category of losing the baby, especially towards the end of the term. I took it very seriously and easy on myslef, but kept active as much and as smart as I could. Unfortunately problems started appearing very soon. First one observable and related to rapid weight gain due to pregnancy (I was also showing very early on) was pain in my feet, both of them. I noticed it while durning my morning jog/walk time on the track behind my house. It was my heel spurs pain that went on undetected for months. Then I started having problems with my hips, did PT for it, but since I was pregnant I didnt have any x-rays done. I was recommended to take it all even easier, to rest a lot, do simple exercises but not to overdo it. Then other pregnancy related issues popped up, like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and I was eventually put on bed rest. Weight only kept creeping up and when at one point I took a longer look in the mirror I cried, cause I didnt recognize the person in it. I was about 250lb shortly before delivery, felt miserable and unable to do anything to help the weight, my sole focus was to make sure I can carry to term. With preeclampsia my doc didnt actually want to wait till my due date and suggested earlier c-section, cause that condition was dangerous for me more than for the baby. Since I was also breastfeeding my baby I coudlnt go on diet asap, nor deal with the heal spurs the way my doc suggested (I had only one cortisone shot in both feet - which was super painful and did relieve some pain, but cause it was meant to last for few months and wore off after 3 weeks I decided not to go through that pain of it anymore). Finally when I could I started dealing with those spurs and signed up for nutrisystem delivery. I was doing ok, and moved onto the steroid treatment of my feet, but as it failed and the doctor knew I had already suffered enough we decided to get on the track for foot surgery. That's when my husband announced his office will be closing and we were faced with a decision to either stay and look for another job or move within the company (relocation) and keep the employment. With 4 cats, new baby and my health issues we thought we cant afford to lose the income or insurance, but on the other hand we had just refinanced the mortgage in our house, and did a lot of major renovations, including new windows, new AC system, pool and backyard upgrade (basically making it safer for the baby, adding a safety fence and replacing existing concrete with nice pavers). So we were in a catch-22, either way we'd chose to continue we'd lose a lot of money, and in the still very unstable market then (my son is 7 now) having a steady income won over huge losses from sale of the house. After we moved my search for a foot doctor started and it was a painful process, not only cause I was still hurting a lot every time I walked, but also cause of the type of doctors I happened to come across. After a year of seeing 3 different ones I gave up and thought the universe is against me. With nutrisystem I came close to 200 lb but never under, and as I continued to have my food delivered to new place I saw that it eventually wasnt helping me at all, so I decided to quit it. Then as I became less and less mobile cause of pain and weight gain I also became a recluse, didnt want any pictures taken, avoided family gatherings and descended into the world of online gaming and constant snacking. Finally 3 years ago I had some eye opening facts presented to me, as my weight got close to 300 lb and I was moving out of the pre-diabetes stage. With my reg doctor we tried to fix my diet and habits, but the foot pain prevented me from most activity, it got so bad that I had to line up chairs between sofa and bathroom so I could make it there. That was no way to live, another huge wake up call was that I wasnt fitting on my son's school bus to get him strapped in (he takes the short bus cause he is autistic - and that diagnosis was also as if someone was putting up more obstacles in my way to recovery, my full focus - or whatever was left of it, cause I wasn't really myself anymore - went into trying to help him instead of helping myself). During the year of work with my doctor I slowly changed my diet, and although I didnt lose any weight I also didnt gain anymore, but other problems came to light, like sleep apnea and high blood pressure. I finally had to also do somethign about my feet, and took it very seriously to find a doctor that will want to operate on them and I finally got lucky. She had actually listened to me, and only suggested one type of therapy that I didnt try before - laser, but when after a few weeks the results were not what she expected we moved fast track into surgery. I had one foot operated on before thanksgiving 2 years ago, and the other before christmas (chose those dates for 2 reasons: 1. cause my son woud have time off from school and hubby some vaction too and I could rest post op, when I couldnt really walk much at first and each foot was beign kept for safety in a postsurgical boot, 2. another "good" excuse to not join any of the family events). Those surgeries gave me a green light to living, but as I started walkign again I noticed other problems I had no idea about their severity before, cause I was never up long enough to notice. My lower back was a mess and my knees were useless, I couldnt kneel at all, not even on the sofa while leanign over to reach for the blinds behind it. My life was pretty much a constant pain ever since pregnancy, and I felt liek trapped in a vicious cycle: one step forward - 2 steps back. I also didnt take many of the pain pills, cause they didnt really help much, and when I took the harder ones I was basically sleepign all day and I coudnt do that either cause I had to be awake for my son, besides sleep apnea was affecting my awake hours enough and often when my husband came home I was asleep on the sofa. It was a really tough time, but very slowly I was making some progress. Eventually it was a conversation with my doctor which made me realise that my problems can only get bigger if I can't lose any weight, and staying at or around my current number (I was fluctuating between 285-298lb) wasnt an option either, so she strongly suggested I looked into bariatric surgery. I finally did so a year ago, Nov 2016 and cause my insurance then didn't allow for the surgery to happen without a monitored and documented prequalification process that was supposed to take 6-8 months, I did some research to find better insurance and get accepted when I was ready to go through with it, after completing one sheet of steps. Ironically cause getting some of those required appointments was very time consuming I ended up having my surgery done 9 months after initial visit, but I was glad to have spent that time researching it thoroughly and learning about how it actually works. To think back then I struggled with the thought that it was an easy way out, lol, there is nothing easy about it, it takes commitment, discipline and a complete lifestyle change, but I knew I had to do it, I coudln't live like that anymore, avoiding people, family, having trouble to keep up with personal hygiene, and most of all not being able to assist my son when he needed me - that hurt me the most of all the pains I ever had. So here I am now, 4 months post op and feeling great. I'm still having some pain, mostly in my knees, but also in my hips and back. I had finally taken the x-ray of my hips and the reason for my back and knee problems emerged, and am currently working with 2 doctors to treat it. Still not there health wise, and not skinny yet, but feeling hell of a lot better then a year ago and a world of difference from 2 years ago. I'm glad to have had people in my life who inspired me, guided me and made me want to see the beauty of life at the time when I was ready to give up. Also ironically I met some of those people while playing those stupid online games. Isn't life funny that way? I guess in the end all that happens in our live is somehow fated, and we are constantly faced with choices, and its only up to us what we chose to do. I'm happy to be alive and to be here, and am looking forward to skinny and healthy me2.0 Thank you all for reading, I did write this once before and cause of a misclick I lost all progress right before posting it, and since the site didn't save what I typed I didn't feel back then to type it all up again. Today I used wordpad to save the story as I write it Lesson learned

My surgery is scheduled for May 9th. It has been a long journey, and I am over the moon. I am 48 and married to my wonderful husband for 20 years (June 27). I have never been thin but was always healthy and athletic. My body was beautiful, and I never had any issues. My husband has loved me and supported me at every size I've been. I have two amazing sons. One who is heading off to college this fall, he is 17. My other son is 15 and a sophomore. My husband is active duty USARMY and like both my sons, wrestled when he was young. All three of my "guys," actually four (my 90-year-old father lives with us after my Mom's death last summer) guys are in great shape. I am tired of being the fat one on all of our family photos. I do avoid photos, but every once in a while one sneaks in. After menopause, my weight gain has increased, and I have not had success losing weight using the tools that worked for me in the past. I have other health issues that are impacted by my weight gain. My Mom passed away on May 11th of last year. She was only 72 but did not take good care of her health. As I sat with her in her hospital room after all life support was removed, just talking to her and telling her how much I loved her, I promised her that I would take care of my dad. I promised I would take care of myself better and that I would lose the weight. She could not talk, but I know that she heard me. It is so fitting that my surgery will be almost one year to the anniversary of her death. I know she will be with me.

Here are many of the most common symptoms of PCOS. Remember, though, you can still have PCOS without having ALL the symptoms. Ovarian cysts Cramps Weight gain (primarily around the abdomen) Extreme difficulty losing weight Male-pattern hair-growth (on chest, abdomen, face, etc.) hair loss Acne Abnormal hormone levels Insulin resistance Fertility problems

I have been diagnosed with pcos also but the doc waited from July last year to march this year to tell me. after the ultrasound last year he was like 'you have a cyst on the ovary and a fibroid in the uterus' nothing else was mentioned until i mentioned that hubby and I wanted to have another baby and he says 'oh, then we had better get the pcos under control that is what is messing up your cycles' that and the pre diabetes and said the weight gain was causing both problems. so I went on metiformin. went from 292 in march to 278 in July for pre op and am now down to 228. my question is, does one cysts mean pcos? from what I have read it does not. but maybe I am wrong.

I did my annual “go into the front closet and try on all of the winter coats” sort just now. Usually it’s a depressing exercise that means trying on 10 coats, none of them buttoning or hanging exactly right, pulling out the two that are somewhat manageable, and then vowing to buy something better-fitting at a sale. I then have to keep all of them on hand, to account for weight gain or the day I wear a bulky sweater. This year every single one of them fit. Four immediately went into the donate pile for being too big, three others went into the resale pile for just not being as flattering as I’d like, and three look FANTASTIC. Better yet I’ll likely be able to wear them all season, since as I lose weight I’ll wear more sweaters/layers, so if they fit over a tank now we’re good. I am astounded by how straightforward and affirming that was. Again: this is how average weight people go through life? They just do things like sort through winter clothes without feeling depressed for days after?

I went from a (tight) 40DD to a perfect 34-36 full C my orignial size...but me and the girls have been through a lot together LOL. 2 kids, 2 biopsy's, and weight gain/loss, but I'm so glad to finally see them again after 21 years. I LOVE my size, just wish I could give them a lift (sigh).

Hi all, just checking in on you guys. I've been having way too much fun this summer camping, surfing (yes, even in WA!!) and quilting. Suzz, congrats on your new baby. I'm sorry about his eye. My baby (97 pound yellow lab) is in an e-collar too....that's why we're getting such good tv reception right now! lol He's got hot spots and still chews on his leg....he was a kennel rescue dog, and this is common. As far as the weight gain, I think what works best for me is to get in a mental frame of mind. For me it's all in my head. Try to focus on what motivated you in the first place. Are you wearing your BB? Maybe I can commit to you to wear my BB and log my food...and we can check in with each other? I haven't been doing that or exercising. I got 4.0 put back in my band on Wednesday, after a month with a complete unfill. I'll go back in 2 weeks and get more. Still no restriction, and I did gain a bit back. But, I'm going to get back on the band wagon! lol Insub, congrats on embarking on your new trip. I'll look forward to updates on your location and activities. I'm jealous too! Mj, ahhhhhh bread! Nirvana! I've enjoyed my month of bread! Why can the french eat bread, butter, cheese, beef, wine and still be skinny? I have a friend who is filled pretty tight and she can eat bread. I know when I get my restriction back, there's no way I can eat it, or rice or pasta. Bigbaby, thanks for all your motivation. I know I can log in here and you'll have something positive to post. I printed out your plateau breaker. It reminds me of Adkins. I think I will try it...but will miss my fruit! Of course, fruit for a diabetic......I might as well eat a candy bar! Everyone else, do like Bigbaby says!! Keep on keeping on!

OK... I just updated my ticker with the weight gain... I think I might be a bit more motivated now... The rest of that cake icing is baout to meet the garbage disposal!!!

DannyBoy, I'm with ya......we need fills!!!! Get one. Btw, how tall are you? Hotty, I wanna believe!! I get to the point where I'm restricted, but I can eat more than I want, maybe 3-5 tacos...then I complain to my fill person that I can eat 3-5 tacos and don't want to be able to....and she gives me that fill....then I am....gak.....closed off. I try to tough it out, get dehydrated, about to pass out......hubby gets worried...and I make the trek for an unfill...so depressing. How do you feel after fill? Are you too tight and then you loosen up? How did you get to the point you are at now? Suz....we need to talk about our Body Bugg! Either you're burning calories in circles around me or I'm over-obsessing about my intake. Either way, I'm not logging in food right now. Now until I get control of my weight gain. Gawd, Stef...where have you gone girlfriend, I miss ya!

Here is my experience with RNY. First, I had my original gastric bypass in January 2005 at the age of 24 with a starting weight of 249 lbs. I did great with no real problems. I never had a goal weight but I got to my stable weight at about 6 months (157 lbs.). My weight stayed the same till January of 2009 after my divorce. I did gain back about 75% of the weight I loss. It is 100% my fault. I could eat anything prior to weight gain but after the divorce when my entire life changed dramatically I started to eat more often and much more carry out/fast food. The weight came back quickly but I was in denial. This past July I decided to look into a revision. I met with a different surgeon that was a revision specialist. My pouch had obviously stretch. On October 31 I had my revision with a starting weight of 217 lbs. I am now 33 and my recovery has been very slow and painful. I have only lost 10 pounds but I have lost inches. I am struggling with Protein intake. I am positive that I can do this again and commit 100% as my life is drastically different and I actively participate in therapy. So in my nine years here is what I know: #1 You gain regain your weight if you stop following the eating rules. The pouch will stretch. #2 Vitamin deficiencies are very real and you MUST take Vitamins for life. You must also take bariatric vitamins. I will note this part was not true in, research wise in 2005. I developed a deficiency because I was told pills like Centrum and Citracal were just fine. I know now the importance of bariatric geared vitamins. #3 Once I got t to about a two years post op I forgot I even had the surgery because my eating habits were just natural. I didn't think about it. #4 I became extremely fertile after bypass and hormonal birth control didn't work. Most people here are under 3 years out so I hope my story tells a more long term view. I am not a model patient. I admit I did not have to try very hard to lose my weight the first time. But on the other hand it didn't take much to regain it back. For me I went back to letting food be my emotional crunch and coping tool. Now that I have that under control I can be successful. I am 110% delighted I had my original surgery in 2005. Even though I am not having an easy time this go around I know that I am older now but I know what is down the road for me. This keeps me in check.

Hi July, have you been given a date yet for your operation. Good luck and much success with it! Geri, hope you haven't been caught up with the flights situation. What date are you due to have the op? Keep telling yourself that you are about to do something really worthwhile and life changing! Brenners, thats great news that VHI should pay for the gastric bypass! It must be a huge relief for you. Good to know that you are healing well from the band removal. Don't be hard on yourself over weight gain. You've been through such a difficult time. When you have the bypass the extra weight will fall off! Its probably frustrating you now but keep telling yourself its only a temporary gain. Just a quick update on my progress! Really pleased with how things are going. I have lost inches right below my bust, lots gone from my thighs and bum. Friday is my last day for soft/mushy food. I've had more fish in the last 10 days than what I had in the previous 3 months. At times I'm forgetting to eat, me, who was a compulsive emotional eater. Ina way its hard to believe that its only 3 and a half weeks since the op as I've been so active that Im hardly at home now. Hence the reason why I haven't been posting here much recently. Maree

For me- my immediate family and a friend who had GB as a support system. My weight gain (mostly) was due to having rheumatoid arthritis. The high doses of daily prednisone along with IV decadron monthly as well as many other meds, the lack of mobility due to the pain caused me to 1) blow up and 2) created iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency ( no adrenal function- no metabolism). Friends and neighbors watched me grow over the course of 5 years. Then it was simply status quo- I was fat. But trying to explain that I was having GB to lose the weight and take the pressure off of my joints just sounds like an excuse. ( even to me) Therefore when asked about why I was having surgery, my response is simply- my stomach suffered horrid side effects from all my RA meds so they had to operate. Kind of the truth!!

Is transitioning into maintenance what you thought it would be? Hecks NO. For some reason, even though I was apprehensive about it, I thought it would come easier. I mean how hard is it to stop losing weight? I was a pro at it, based on previous experience. In my case, I didn't get to ease into it so I think its part of my problem. If I had done this the way I originally planned, I would have started easing into maintenance (i.e., increasing cals, etc) BEFORE I got to goal weight, so it would have been more of a slowdown to stop vs trying to stop something in already in cruise control dead in its tracks. I really don't want to lose any more weight/get smaller so I have slight anxiety about stopping the weight loss immediately. How easy has it been to “break the weight loss mode rules”? I think Im still adhering to my "weight loss rules" actually. I mean, I still weigh and portion and track my food, eat protein-forwardy, drink lots of water, wait to drink after eating, take my vites, refrain from eating past 7pm, limit carbs, stay away from pasta/rice/bread/added sugar, etc. The only thing I'm doing differently now is I increased my carbs a smidgen and I allowed myself a couple bites of a full-blown dessert the other day (though I paid the price for it, I think, by an unfortunate bout of barfing). Oh, and allow myself more liquor Did you ever think you would struggle to eat more after being obese? OMG. the fact that I am having trouble eating MORE is a mind-trip. The fact that I actually think I'm too small is unbelievable sometimes. But I think, at least right now, this struggle is a lot easier to handle, physically and mentally, than the struggle of being obese. If I had to choose between the two, I would take this current struggle over that one Every. Single. Time. Do you have some fear/anxiety about food, continued weight loss or gain? I do have some anxiety about the continued weight loss. I really do not want to lose anymore, and I am putting pressure on myself to find my "level" asap so it stops already. And you know what, I also have some back-of-my-mind anxiety about future weight gain. Geez. I think I need some time to get used to where I am right now and trust that I am doing the right thing and I can relax. Honestly, the weight loss was pretty quick and I don't think I've had enough time yet to "acclimate". I still see my reflection sometimes when I'm just walking around and don't recognize myself. I probably also have an unhealthy fear of carbs. May or may not be a good thing.

I love this!! So true...any weight gain isn't going to be an "accident"...it will only happen if I help it happen. I am in control over my future health and weight status. Thanks for that motivating thought!

Ok. Soooooo Mr. surprised me with news that we are going on a trip and we are leaving next week. Our destination is basically the Motherland Of Carbs. While I'm super excited and grateful to go, I find myself overthinking a couple things, and am interested in how you guys would deal/have dealt: 1) I haven't had pasta/rice/"actual bread" since before surgery and am feeling wary of introducing them back into my diet. Since NOT having carbs in the Motherland is NOT an option, I told myself that the carbs that happen on this trip, stays on this trip, but I've got this annoying voice in my head that says DON'T DO IT! NOT WORTH IT! I'm giving myself anxiety 🙄. Question #1: How much carbs do you eat in Maintenance? What kind of carbs? Did you even track carbs??? 2) I anticipate weight gain as I plan on eating and drinking lots. It's not like the last vacay where the food wasn't very good anyway (I always find Caribbean all-inclusive fare this way, but that's just me). The Motherland of Carbs is also a Motherland of Good Awesome Food. Question #2: Do you plan for indulgences? I am thinking of going back on my weight-loss diet for the next 5 days to offset the inevitable gains during our trip. Thoughts? P.S. I don't really know why I feel so agitated over this! I mean, I've been on several getaways since surgery and managed just fine...

Hi all! I’m from the Netherlands and I can’t seem to find any answers to my questions , so Hopefully I can find some answers here 🙂 hope so! I’m looking for women who have gained weight DUE to Paxil, like me. I went from 70 kg to 96 kg on these meds (for ocd) and tried to switch, without succes. I have to take Paxil the rest of my life. (I also tried to get off them very very slowly but it seems impossible. Tried everything, visited everyone, work out with a person trainer for two years now, eat healthy etc. Can’t get the weight off!! and I’m even gaining more. I don’t have excessive cravings and I always used to have a healthy weight. I wonder if any WLS will help me, as it seems to be more a metabolism problem than an eating problem? Anyone here who had WLS because they gained due to taking an SSRI ((Prozac, Effexor, lexapro etc) ? And not (only) because of eating too much but maybe also because your metabolism seems to have slowed down? and…did it work for you? thanks so much in advance ladies!

I started on Depo and Prozac in Dec. 2017. At the time, I had lost 40lbs from my highest weight. Within a year, I had gained it all back. Its hard to say how much was from each, as they are both well known for weight gain. That being said, I had VSG in Sept. 2021, so nearing 4 months post-op and I've lost about 65lbs. About 20 of that was pre-op, 45 post-op. I figure that's pretty average, given my starting BMI, age, etc. I'm now 10lbs lower than I was before I started the meds, and at my lowest ever adult weight and the loss seems to be holding pretty steady week over week.

just wanted to say that a lot of SSRI's are known for that - and I think Paxil is one of the worst. It's too bad your doctor won't switch to you another SSRI - some aren't as notorious for weight gain as others.

I'm on an SSRI that causes weight gain too and it works for me after trying many different antidepressants, so I have to stick with it. They say it only adds about 10 pounds in general. So yeah, losing weight is harder when you're fighting against weight-positive meds, but it's definitely do-able.

I'm up 2 lbs this week. I'm 10 weeks out and went up 2 lbs this week. I never believed stressed caused weight gain but I think so. I'm averaging no more than 700 cal a day between 50-70g of Proteins I do struggle with Water its just the timing things out that screws me up. My carbs. have only been over 30 a couple of times but I've been going through some crap. I just wish I would've waited to have the surgery. I did post before the surgery with second thoughts and wanting to cancel because the family wasnt very supportive. Well now I really wished I waited. I'm 21/2 months out was down 31 lbs now 29 and i'm stressing about only having 6-8 months of restriction. I stalled for 2 weeks now up 2. This is crazy I've been working out running walking cardiovascular weights everything. Anyone go through stress and still loose.

I just need to put my two cents worth in about the sleep study. No, it was not pleasant, but I would rather go thru that (study) than die. Apnea causes many, many things. Cardiac failure, high blood pressure,WEIGHT GAIN, just to name a few. Personally, I was glad to find out what was causing my inability to sleep a full nite. Or even 3 hours. And I feel 110% better since I have been on my machine and had surgery. But I guess everyone has their own opinion. Paula, burping is kinda funny for me. When I get uncomfortable, I (go to the bathroom or somewhere where there aren't any people) and bend over at the waist. Sounds like rolling thunder. I sometimes get tickled at myself. I have NEVER done that. lol When I hiccup the first time, I quit eating. I am full. To cure the hiccups, see above suggestion. lol Glad to see that everyone is doing so well. I have been stuck, but (knock on wood) I am starting to loose again. Haven't changed my ticker on purpose. Hang in there Sugarbear, it's not much longer now. My favorite liquid for post-op was the soup from chicken noodle soup. Tastes a lot better than just broth. (and slim fast) lisa

Paxil is a brutal wean, Apple, I don't envy you. It's also one of the worst ones out there for weight gain. Plus side: I'm guessing you're gonna see a bump in weight loss after you're off:) I gained 25 pounds in a year on Paxil in the late 90's. Felt great, but ate like a crazed hippy at a rainbow gathering. LOL:) Had crazy dreams when I went off, but a lot of folks have worse discontinuation symptoms. You are very smart to wean.

Not weighing everyday is smart. I didn't weigh once during my vacation - two whole weeks! And I was thrilled to find that I'd lost about 5 lbs. So I definitely see the merit in not weighing so often. But I am trying to learn what foods and exercise cause the best results and when I see the scale move down even a few ounces I consider it a huge success. I've lived for so long either not weighing or when I did weigh, it was nearly always showing a weight gain, not a loss. I've always wondered about scuba diving. It seems like it would be magical. But I haven't felt comfortable in a swimsuit for so long I just never even considered doing it. I know you'll get the opportunity and I hope that it's everything you dreamed it would be. Let's both keep up the good work!!

I find this thread so interesting...I have never really followed the rules very well which has worked for me so I guess I am very lucky. At Year 3 I do still try to get my Protein in and I don't really drink with my meals, but I eat whatever I want, just in small quantities and I exercise faithfully. Still, I did have a 4 lb weight gain so I went to the 5 Day Pouch test and I am now 1 lb under goal. Very happy with that for Year 3. I just don't want dieting and food to control my life any more so I am just trying to be like a normal weight person.