I would be interested to know the percentage of people who put their weight back because they get tired of the postive side of life? I know this sounds really weird and out there but-

I look at everything I have been thru and had the question asked of me- Are you trying to put the weight back on to self sabatoge your own success or validate the fact you are a failure because you were successful at this? This question requires that you be really honest with yourself and the answer to my own situation has pushed me outside of my realm of comfort. This is possible- I have long since been causing my own chaos and my own failure. I almost reach the goal of the promotion or the great relationship to cause my own failure and mess everything up. Is this just another situation I have put myself in to do this again?

I got my feeding tube and cried when it was all said and done. It needed to be done and I know that I have not been easy to treat but I am making long strides to see my bright future in the body I have and to use the mind I have to say what I have to offer. For those who are getting this surgery- use the therapist to combat you demons early on- not blow thru the process to get the surgery process to think- once this is over my life will be better. Be honest and allow them to help prior to having the life change. The worse thing that can happen is you have to wait to get the surgery but your success and life may just be better because you waited.

Jamie, I think you make a very interesting point, and it is something that anyone having surgery needs to consider.

There truly is a lot of emotional "crap" tied up with weight issues, and that doesn't go away with surgery. It is a struggle to deal with those things, and if we take the "ostrich approach", it makes things tougher.

One of the hardest things I've found along the weight loss journey has been looking these issues in the eye, figuring out where they came from and forgiving myself so I can move on.
It is not, by far, an easy journey, but it is most definitely worth it.

Hang in there and don't be afraid to deal with the demons. The world really is a beautiful, exciting place to be, and we cannot allow the pain of the past to ruin the possibilities of the future!

Jamie, I think you make a very interesting point, and it is something that anyone having surgery needs to consider.

There truly is a lot of emotional baggage tied up with weight issues, and that doesn't go away with surgery. It is a struggle to deal with those things, and if we take the "ostrich approach", it makes things tougher.

One of the hardest things I've found along the weight loss journey has been looking these issues in the eye, figuring out where they came from and forgiving myself so I can move on.
It is not, by far, an easy journey, but it is most definitely worth it.

Hang in there and don't be afraid to deal with the demons. The world really is a beautiful, exciting place to be, and we cannot allow the pain of the past to ruin the possibilities of the future!

Mjo here...God you guys are so awesome. So darn honest. I am honored to know you Kvalera, and Jamiecar...you are on the path that is going to heal you. Stay honest...keep your integrity. No matter what others say or judge you...hold the line of how it feels. That is the only way a therapist can really help you. Thanks for your candidness...you have healed many just by saying what you said. Mjo

Jamie and Kim,
Wow I really can relate to this subject. I have done well since I started on my weight loss jorney 14 months ago. Liquid diet and now surgery on july 3.
Last week I was asked the question What is my biggest fear? My first reaction was to go back to 600 lbs wher I started my jouney. I thought about it for a day and my new answer and fjnal answer was really Where and what do I do when I reach my majic number? That is a scarey question. My thoughts on that are 1. I will continue to go to my wls support group and get the input of all of the surgery survivors. Exercise with determination. Journalize my daily routine of Maintence. Use my family and friends for my daily needs. Go and see my health care profeesionals at Methodist Weight Management and My Surgeon Dr. Davis. With all that in place I think I will succeed. There will be good and bad days I know that. This is going to be a life long battle with out a doubt.
I wish you all the best of luck Jamie and Kim and everyone on a similar Journey.

Good Luck,

Jeff Conlon

Jeff, I LOVE it that you have a plan in place! I think that is a major step in making sure you stay on track throughout the journey. I am very excited for you! I look forward to meeting you at our support group meetings! Please make sure you introduce yourself to me!!

Know that there is a lot of support out there, you just have to be willing to reach out for it. Take care!!

Thanks for everyone's support. I just want people who want the surgery to know you have to be willing to ask yourself hard questions and be totally honest with yourself and your Docs. Yes this is a change for your life time in diet but more so behavior. While there is lots of research and stats out there for surgery- some people are missing the bigger picture- you have to be willing to change mentally and take on the true picture of yourself and habits. If you are strong enough to do that, then the surgery is now problems.

On a side note:MJO- I sent in an interview to the casting director in hopes of working with you.

I know exactly what you guys are thinking and feeling! Now What?!?! I was 22 when I had the surgery 4 years ago. I went from a size 20/22 to a 2/4! I was in college and I was a wreck. I really didn't know how to have a healthy social life, so I went to the parties and the boos. That was something I struggled with for quite a while. It takes a lot to adjust to the way society accepts you differently. I have finally after 4 years post op gotten used to it all, but it wasn't easy.

I was given this tip one time, and thought I would share with y'all.
Once you reach your goal, pick a number that you are comfortable with. For me it will be 2. SO for example, my goal is 140 and once I hit that goal I want to stay there. If I see 142 come up, then I know I need to reevaluate (SP?) what I'm doing and get those 2 pounds back off. If you have an easier time losing weight, then your number might be 5. Choose what you know you can be comfortable with and can control.