Re: Breaking the plateaus

[Guest guest]

Great journey, GREAT message!! Thanks for sharing it and BEST OF LUCK to

you...I am going to do the gym thing, I really, really am!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

--

[Guest guest]

You'd be surprised, after about 5 months I was able to buy an outfit at

Chicos. Their #3 size is quite roomy. And the best part is that 50 lbs later,

it

still fits and looks good. barb dudley

[Guest guest]

Eileen, I for one am glad that you decided to post today instead of

just reading! What a fantastic story! I've been working out since

the month before my surgery and after reading this, I know I won't

quit! You've given me hope, maybe I'll hire a personal trainer, it

would have to be cheaper than plastic surgery on every part of my

body...LOL I am so happy you've met your goals. Sorry you had to

spend the extra 17K but thanks for enlightening the rest of us.

Melonie, FL

11/17/03 Dr. R-Statesville

384/375/220 preop physical/surgery day/now

> Hi - I don't usually post just read everyone's postings but I have

been

> seeing alot of posts about plateaus and stopping to lose. I think

I just

> might hold the crown for slowest loser or Queen of the Plateau. It

was so

> painful that I couldn't read these posts and see how fast some

people lost.

> It was always the same with every diet that I was on. I had my

surgery at

> Statesville on 1/3/02 - in a snowstorm - 3rd patient Dr. R. did

when he

> started doing surgery again. I had a wrinkle during surgery which

lasted 58

> minutes because my heart got a little excited during the surgery.

I think

> it was happy I was just doing something to get the weight off. I

started at

> 284 and 18 months later was down 90 lbs. I had a revision - on

8/14/03 and

> lost a total of 8 more lbs. I was a size 14 W and just wanted to

be able to

> shop on the other side of Talbots in the regular department. Don't

get me

> wrong I was so happy with the 98 lbs that I had lost but living in

NYC (and

> reading that month that the boro of Manhattan where I live) is the

thinnest

> city in America! I didn't want to be on the wrong side of the mean

anymore.

> Besides I wouldn't mind finding a guy who has some health

insurance - being

> self employed it costs a fortune. Anyway I digress - so I belonged

to the

> gym up the street - had my membership like we were required to - so

I

> decided that I was never getting this off unless I used weights and

toned

> up. So I called to use my free training session and they scheduled

me with

> a trainer - I just wanted someone to show me the machines - I had

no money

> for training. But things clicked really well with him and I have

been

> working out with him for one year at the end of this week. I am

now a size

> 8 and weigh 142 lbs which is below my original goal of 145 and I

have toned

> up really well. Dr. Don had told me when I ran into him getting my

staples

> out with Dr. R six days after surgery that I had really good skin

and might

> shrink well. If there is a good side effect to losing slowly is

that I have

> very little extra skin after losing 142 lbs. Which is good since I

used my

> plastic surgery money to pay for the trainer. I might need some

lypo to get

> rid of a tummy pouch I can't seem to get rid of but my trainer is

convinced

> that I can do it. He has me running now - running and my name in

one

> sentence is something I never thought that I would hear. My NY

Road Runners

> Club card arrived yesterday and my drawers are filled with workout

clothes -

> who could have imagined. My reason for writing this is that I hear

myself

> in some of you who are frustrated with your results compared to

others -

> believe me I understand - but to emphasize the importance of what

Dr. R.

> said about exercise and have it be part of your weight loss program

after

> the surgery. I don't have batwings I have firmed and toned arms

and that

> has only come from lifting those darn weights. I am not a work out

nut - I

> hate it but I made a commitment not to cancel and in a year I have

not. I

> dread some of the machines I stand there with a face on and (why it

works to

> have a trainer) he doesn't give me an inch. But you don't have to

have a

> trainer just go walk on the treadmills than start jogging

eventually and

> lift some arm weights. Curves also has a good program if there is

one by

> you. For the new MGB people add exercise to your routine and it

will help

> with the results. I wish I caught on sooner I would have saved

myself the

> revision fee and I wouldn't have a loan payment each month. My

goal that I

> set at date of surgery was 145 (140 I would be so so happy). It

took me 2

> years and 9 months to get here. My thanks to Dr. R. for doing this

surgery

> and caring enough to follow up with us and keep this sight

available and to

> my trainer who has helped the process along. I am happy that I

have made

> the 145 heading for 140 but now looking for 130 - 135. I eat what

I want -

> just less of it. I live in Manhattan - our life is take out and

going out

> to dinner - most people do not know I had the surgery and don't

catch on. I

> get anemic - that is my only side effect so I take iron. The

bathroom smell

> issue is always there but if that is all there is I will take it.

I get

> asked all the time if it was worth it and would I do it again. In

a NY

> minute with Dr. R. I am so grateful that I found his website. My

best to

> all of you on your journey - remember to move those bodies.

>

> Fondly,

>

> Eileen Hartmann

> 1/3/02

> 284/142

[Guest guest]

Amazing story...and it gives me lots of hope for the future! I can

definitely relate to the Talbots comment...my mall has the plus section, but

the really yummy clothes are on the other side! I also have a Chico's gift

card, which I haven't used b/c I'm still too fat. Oh well...someday I will

be the best dressed gal in land!

I'm hoping to avoid plastic surgery, so your story is helpful. Maybe I'll

invest in a trainer in the future -- sounds like a great plan!

Take care, and thanks again for sharing!

Joanie

MGB 5/25/04

>From: " Eileen Hartmann " <eileen@...>

>Reply-

>< >

>Subject: Breaking the plateaus

>Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2004 14:13:35 -0400

>

>Hi - I don't usually post just read everyone's postings but I have been

>seeing alot of posts about plateaus and stopping to lose. I think I just

>might hold the crown for slowest loser or Queen of the Plateau. It was so

>painful that I couldn't read these posts and see how fast some people lost.

>It was always the same with every diet that I was on. I had my surgery at

>Statesville on 1/3/02 - in a snowstorm - 3rd patient Dr. R. did when he

>started doing surgery again. I had a wrinkle during surgery which lasted

>58

>minutes because my heart got a little excited during the surgery. I think

>it was happy I was just doing something to get the weight off. I started

>at

>284 and 18 months later was down 90 lbs. I had a revision - on 8/14/03 and

>lost a total of 8 more lbs. I was a size 14 W and just wanted to be able

>to

>shop on the other side of Talbots in the regular department. Don't get me

>wrong I was so happy with the 98 lbs that I had lost but living in NYC (and

>reading that month that the boro of Manhattan where I live) is the thinnest

>city in America! I didn't want to be on the wrong side of the mean anymore.

>Besides I wouldn't mind finding a guy who has some health insurance - being

>self employed it costs a fortune. Anyway I digress - so I belonged to the

>gym up the street - had my membership like we were required to - so I

>decided that I was never getting this off unless I used weights and toned

>up. So I called to use my free training session and they scheduled me with

>a trainer - I just wanted someone to show me the machines - I had no money

>for training. But things clicked really well with him and I have been

>working out with him for one year at the end of this week. I am now a size

>8 and weigh 142 lbs which is below my original goal of 145 and I have toned

>up really well. Dr. Don had told me when I ran into him getting my staples

>out with Dr. R six days after surgery that I had really good skin and might

>shrink well. If there is a good side effect to losing slowly is that I

>have

>very little extra skin after losing 142 lbs. Which is good since I used my

>plastic surgery money to pay for the trainer. I might need some lypo to

>get

>rid of a tummy pouch I can't seem to get rid of but my trainer is convinced

>that I can do it. He has me running now - running and my name in one

>sentence is something I never thought that I would hear. My NY Road

>Runners

>Club card arrived yesterday and my drawers are filled with workout clothes

>-

>who could have imagined. My reason for writing this is that I hear myself

>in some of you who are frustrated with your results compared to others -

>believe me I understand - but to emphasize the importance of what Dr. R.

>said about exercise and have it be part of your weight loss program after

>the surgery. I don't have batwings I have firmed and toned arms and that

>has only come from lifting those darn weights. I am not a work out nut - I

>hate it but I made a commitment not to cancel and in a year I have not. I

>dread some of the machines I stand there with a face on and (why it works

>to

>have a trainer) he doesn't give me an inch. But you don't have to have a

>trainer just go walk on the treadmills than start jogging eventually and

>lift some arm weights. Curves also has a good program if there is one by

>you. For the new MGB people add exercise to your routine and it will help

>with the results. I wish I caught on sooner I would have saved myself the

>revision fee and I wouldn't have a loan payment each month. My goal that I

>set at date of surgery was 145 (140 I would be so so happy). It took me 2

>years and 9 months to get here. My thanks to Dr. R. for doing this surgery

>and caring enough to follow up with us and keep this sight available and to

>my trainer who has helped the process along. I am happy that I have made

>the 145 heading for 140 but now looking for 130 - 135. I eat what I want -

>just less of it. I live in Manhattan - our life is take out and going out

>to dinner - most people do not know I had the surgery and don't catch on.

>I

>get anemic - that is my only side effect so I take iron. The bathroom

>smell

>issue is always there but if that is all there is I will take it. I get

>asked all the time if it was worth it and would I do it again. In a NY

>minute with Dr. R. I am so grateful that I found his website. My best to

>all of you on your journey - remember to move those bodies.

>

>Fondly,

>

>Eileen Hartmann

>1/3/02

>284/142

>

>

>

>

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Chico's is my favorite shopping spot. I remember clearly the day I was able

to walk in there and purchase something without feeling I was squeezing into

it. now I go in and buy size 2's and sometimes 1's-according to the styles.

It truly is a wondrous experience! Hang in all Chico's planners, that day

WILL come! Quicker than you think!

Then you'll have the problem I have. Deciding what to buy and overbuying

because you like so many of the things!

I am at a plateau and wonder if I should be getting concerned, but life is

so much better already that I really can't complain. I wear a size 14-16. In

tops, I could wear a 12 easily were it not for my tummy that loves to " hang in

there! " . But...alas, with big tummy that means slacks in a 16 unless they

have lots of spandex or elastic in waist. I have one of those bodies that looks

like a chicken running around from the legs down, only the tummy is more the

shape of a weeble. Thus, I have quite a creative figure! LOL

I'd love to be slimmer, 135 lbs would be a dream come true, but I feel so

much better physically, and am so much better with my diabetes under control,

that I find no room to complain.

We're heading for Hawaii Thursday for vacation and I would have been

dreading it immensely by now it were Pre-MGB! In fact, I doubt I'd have planned

it

to begin with!

Thank GOD for Dr. R. Now, I need to get off my butt and exercise something

besides my credit card at Chicos!

Love to all MGBers!

Suzanne Hazelwood

High Point - Dr. R and Walsh

7/17/03

270/163

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I know...I have a gorgeous size 3 up in my closet! Not quite there

yet...maybe another 20 pounds. It's stretchy so it would go over my now,

but it wouldn't look good. I get the Chico's catalog every month and just

drool over things. I'm going to buy so many gorgeous clothes in the future

that we'll have to sell our house and live in the mini-van!

Joanie

-70 pounds or so

>From: barbboomer@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: Breaking the plateaus

>Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2004 20:11:04 EDT

>

>You'd be surprised, after about 5 months I was able to buy an outfit at

>Chicos. Their #3 size is quite roomy. And the best part is that 50 lbs

>later, it

>still fits and looks good. barb dudley

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Have a GREAT time in Hawaii -- I'm jealous!!

Joanie

>From: luv2gab2@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: Breaking the plateaus

>Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2004 22:50:05 EDT

>

>Chico's is my favorite shopping spot. I remember clearly the day I was able

>to walk in there and purchase something without feeling I was squeezing

>into

>it. now I go in and buy size 2's and sometimes 1's-according to the

>styles.

>It truly is a wondrous experience! Hang in all Chico's planners, that day

>WILL come! Quicker than you think!

>Then you'll have the problem I have. Deciding what to buy and overbuying

>because you like so many of the things!

>I am at a plateau and wonder if I should be getting concerned, but life is

>so much better already that I really can't complain. I wear a size 14-16.

>In

>tops, I could wear a 12 easily were it not for my tummy that loves to " hang

>in

>there! " . But...alas, with big tummy that means slacks in a 16 unless they

>have lots of spandex or elastic in waist. I have one of those bodies that

>looks

>like a chicken running around from the legs down, only the tummy is more

>the

>shape of a weeble. Thus, I have quite a creative figure! LOL

>I'd love to be slimmer, 135 lbs would be a dream come true, but I feel so

>much better physically, and am so much better with my diabetes under

>control,

>that I find no room to complain.

>We're heading for Hawaii Thursday for vacation and I would have been

>dreading it immensely by now it were Pre-MGB! In fact, I doubt I'd have

>planned it

>to begin with!

>Thank GOD for Dr. R. Now, I need to get off my butt and exercise something

>besides my credit card at Chicos!

>Love to all MGBers!

>Suzanne Hazelwood

>High Point - Dr. R and Walsh

>7/17/03

>270/163

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Suzanne, have a great trip! Don't you love that we now have a Chicos

right here in High Point? barb dudley

[Guest guest]

oh ya! I forgot to mention that. They do have size 1, 2 and 3. 3 is

supposed to be a 12-14, but they are often quite roomy. The outfit I got size 3

top, size 2 bottoms and since it's part of their travel collection (loose and

roomy and stretchy) it fit at 190 and still fits at 150. That's too funny.

I've never been a 3 either and never will be! barb dudley

[Guest guest]

Gee, I feel so sorry for you guys! I was never a size 3. You must be very,

very small people. I'm not being sarcastic, but those of us who were a very

skinny person at a size 12 just can't relate to you. I think it's great if

you're healthy and happy. Take care! Charlene

>

> From: " Joan Baird " <jbair001@...>

> Date: 2004/10/13 Wed AM 02:17:25 GMT

>

> Subject: Re: Breaking the plateaus

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey all!

Eileen: I LOVE this post. Partially because you're a New Yorker, and

I used to be (well, you can take the girl out of New York...), but

also because this message is an IMPORTANT one! I started out at 328

(my MGB was January 03) and continue to lose (I'm 177 today); I

credit exercise with a whole heck of a lot. Yes, I have age on my

side (I'm 29), but I've had a lot to lose, and my skin remains firm

and toned. I wear a 12 or 14, and can actually wear a juniors 13/14

(something I don't think I could do in high school); I'd like to lose

a bit more, but I'm really happy with my progress--and especially my

energy level. I'm about to begin training to teach Pilates (I'm

changing careers--that's how strongly I feel about exercise!) and my

mom just said to me today, " If someone had told you three years ago

that someday you'd be training to be a fitness instructor, what would

you have said? " I probably would've laughed my head off! Anyway,

whatever stage you are in the game, keep moving!

Best,

B

> Hi - I don't usually post just read everyone's postings but I have

been

> seeing alot of posts about plateaus and stopping to lose. I think

I just

> might hold the crown for slowest loser or Queen of the Plateau. It

was so

> painful that I couldn't read these posts and see how fast some

people lost.

> It was always the same with every diet that I was on. I had my

surgery at

> Statesville on 1/3/02 - in a snowstorm - 3rd patient Dr. R. did

when he

> started doing surgery again. I had a wrinkle during surgery which

lasted 58

> minutes because my heart got a little excited during the surgery.

I think

> it was happy I was just doing something to get the weight off. I

started at

> 284 and 18 months later was down 90 lbs. I had a revision - on

8/14/03 and

> lost a total of 8 more lbs. I was a size 14 W and just wanted to

be able to

> shop on the other side of Talbots in the regular department. Don't

get me

> wrong I was so happy with the 98 lbs that I had lost but living in

NYC (and

> reading that month that the boro of Manhattan where I live) is the

thinnest

> city in America! I didn't want to be on the wrong side of the mean

anymore.

> Besides I wouldn't mind finding a guy who has some health

insurance - being

> self employed it costs a fortune. Anyway I digress - so I belonged

to the

> gym up the street - had my membership like we were required to - so

I

> decided that I was never getting this off unless I used weights and

toned

> up. So I called to use my free training session and they scheduled

me with

> a trainer - I just wanted someone to show me the machines - I had

no money

> for training. But things clicked really well with him and I have

been

> working out with him for one year at the end of this week. I am

now a size

> 8 and weigh 142 lbs which is below my original goal of 145 and I

have toned

> up really well. Dr. Don had told me when I ran into him getting my

staples

> out with Dr. R six days after surgery that I had really good skin

and might

> shrink well. If there is a good side effect to losing slowly is

that I have

> very little extra skin after losing 142 lbs. Which is good since I

used my

> plastic surgery money to pay for the trainer. I might need some

lypo to get

> rid of a tummy pouch I can't seem to get rid of but my trainer is

convinced

> that I can do it. He has me running now - running and my name in

one

> sentence is something I never thought that I would hear. My NY

Road Runners

> Club card arrived yesterday and my drawers are filled with workout

clothes -

> who could have imagined. My reason for writing this is that I hear

myself

> in some of you who are frustrated with your results compared to

others -

> believe me I understand - but to emphasize the importance of what

Dr. R.

> said about exercise and have it be part of your weight loss program

after

> the surgery. I don't have batwings I have firmed and toned arms

and that

> has only come from lifting those darn weights. I am not a work out

nut - I

> hate it but I made a commitment not to cancel and in a year I have

not. I

> dread some of the machines I stand there with a face on and (why it

works to

> have a trainer) he doesn't give me an inch. But you don't have to

have a

> trainer just go walk on the treadmills than start jogging

eventually and

> lift some arm weights. Curves also has a good program if there is

one by

> you. For the new MGB people add exercise to your routine and it

will help

> with the results. I wish I caught on sooner I would have saved

myself the

> revision fee and I wouldn't have a loan payment each month. My

goal that I

> set at date of surgery was 145 (140 I would be so so happy). It

took me 2

> years and 9 months to get here. My thanks to Dr. R. for doing this

surgery

> and caring enough to follow up with us and keep this sight

available and to

> my trainer who has helped the process along. I am happy that I

have made

> the 145 heading for 140 but now looking for 130 - 135. I eat what

I want -

> just less of it. I live in Manhattan - our life is take out and

going out

> to dinner - most people do not know I had the surgery and don't

catch on. I

> get anemic - that is my only side effect so I take iron. The

bathroom smell

> issue is always there but if that is all there is I will take it.

I get

> asked all the time if it was worth it and would I do it again. In

a NY

> minute with Dr. R. I am so grateful that I found his website. My

best to

> all of you on your journey - remember to move those bodies.

>

> Fondly,

>

> Eileen Hartmann

> 1/3/02

> 284/142

[Guest guest]

It's not a REAL size 3. Chico's only has three sizes (I think) -- size

1,2,and 3. size 3 is roughly the same size as a 16-18, I think.

I was BORN bigger than a true size 3!!

Joanie

>From: <i_giv_val-u@...>

>Reply-

>< >

>Subject: Re: Re: Breaking the plateaus

>Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 20:25:22 +0000

>

>Gee, I feel so sorry for you guys! I was never a size 3. You must be

>very, very small people. I'm not being sarcastic, but those of us who were

>a very skinny person at a size 12 just can't relate to you. I think it's

>great if you're healthy and happy. Take care! Charlene

> >

> > From: " Joan Baird " <jbair001@...>

> > Date: 2004/10/13 Wed AM 02:17:25 GMT

> >

> > Subject: Re: Breaking the plateaus

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

my SKELETON is at LEAST a 7 or a 9 LOL!!!

i like that Chicos will lety us claim a 3 or a 2 even sigh....

xoxoxoox

cathy s in va

if i ever get into a pair of zip up size 3 pants i will eat my hat.

> It's not a REAL size 3. Chico's only has three sizes (I think) --

size

> 1,2,and 3. size 3 is roughly the same size as a 16-18, I think.

>

> I was BORN bigger than a true size 3!!

>

> Joanie

>

> >From: <i_giv_val-u@c...>

> >Reply-

> >< >

> >Subject: Re: Re: Breaking the plateaus

> >Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 20:25:22 +0000

> >

> >Gee, I feel so sorry for you guys! I was never a size 3. You

must be

> >very, very small people. I'm not being sarcastic, but those of us

who were

> >a very skinny person at a size 12 just can't relate to you. I

think it's

> >great if you're healthy and happy. Take care! Charlene

> > >

> > > From: " Joan Baird " <jbair001@h...>

> > > Date: 2004/10/13 Wed AM 02:17:25 GMT

> > >

> > > Subject: Re: Breaking the plateaus

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I do love that Barb! I hope we all give them enough business and Talbot's

too!

Thanks, I will give you a call when I get back....we HAVE to do lunch!

Love,

Suzanne

[Guest guest]

,

Will ya eat that hat with or without salt?

~grin~

--------- Re: Breaking the plateaus

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

That's funny - Here I was thinking the Chico's sizing was European LOL

Well, I'm just an Okie hick, so what do I know LOL LOL!

Kellie in OKC

12-19-03 Dr. R.

304/200/goal 150-160

>From: " Joan Baird " <jbair001@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: Re: Breaking the plateaus

>Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 17:58:42 -0400

>

>It's not a REAL size 3. Chico's only has three sizes (I think) -- size

>1,2,and 3. size 3 is roughly the same size as a 16-18, I think.

>

>I was BORN bigger than a true size 3!!

>

>Joanie

>

> >From: <i_giv_val-u@...>

> >Reply-

> >< >

> >Subject: Re: Re: Breaking the plateaus

> >Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 20:25:22 +0000

> >

> >Gee, I feel so sorry for you guys! I was never a size 3. You must be

> >very, very small people. I'm not being sarcastic, but those of us who

>were

> >a very skinny person at a size 12 just can't relate to you. I think it's

> >great if you're healthy and happy. Take care! Charlene

> > >

> > > From: " Joan Baird " <jbair001@...>

> > > Date: 2004/10/13 Wed AM 02:17:25 GMT

> > >

> > > Subject: Re: Breaking the plateaus

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

yes and washing it down with gatorade!!!

xoxoxo

cathy s in va

> > It's not a REAL size 3. Chico's only has three sizes (I think) --

> size

> > 1,2,and 3. size 3 is roughly the same size as a 16-18, I think.

> >

> > I was BORN bigger than a true size 3!!

> >

> > Joanie

> >

> > >From:

> > >Reply-

> > >To:

> > >Subject: Re: Re: Breaking the plateaus

> > >Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 20:25:22 +0000

> > >

> > >Gee, I feel so sorry for you guys! I was never a size 3. You

> must be

> > >very, very small people. I'm not being sarcastic, but those of

us

> who were

> > >a very skinny person at a size 12 just can't relate to you. I

> think it's

> > >great if you're healthy and happy. Take care! Charlene

> > > >

> > > > From: " Joan Baird "

> > > > Date: 2004/10/13 Wed AM 02:17:25 GMT

> > > >

> > > > Subject: Re: Breaking the plateaus

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Okie hick??? ~hand on hip~ And just what is wrong with being an Okie hick?

~grin~

~~a in Georgia, but born and bred in Oklahoma!!

--------- Re: Breaking the plateaus

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Eileen, for your encouraging word. You did not say how old you are,

but, for those of us who are in our sixty's, it is a bit more complicated. Or

maybe, just for a few of us, no matter what our age. I have been going to the

gym faithfully. If nothing else, your message has encouraged me to continue. I

live by faith that the weight will move, even if it is only a few pounds a year.

Sincerely,

C.

Breaking the plateaus

Hi - I don't usually post just read everyone's postings but I have been

seeing alot of posts about plateaus and stopping to lose. I think I just

might hold the crown for slowest loser or Queen of the Plateau. It was so

painful that I couldn't read these posts and see how fast some people lost.

It was always the same with every diet that I was on. I had my surgery at

Statesville on 1/3/02 - in a snowstorm - 3rd patient Dr. R. did when he

started doing surgery again. I had a wrinkle during surgery which lasted 58

minutes because my heart got a little excited during the surgery. I think

it was happy I was just doing something to get the weight off. I started at

284 and 18 months later was down 90 lbs. I had a revision - on 8/14/03 and

lost a total of 8 more lbs. I was a size 14 W and just wanted to be able to

shop on the other side of Talbots in the regular department. Don't get me

wrong I was so happy with the 98 lbs that I had lost but living in NYC (and

reading that month that the boro of Manhattan where I live) is the thinnest

city in America! I didn't want to be on the wrong side of the mean anymore.

Besides I wouldn't mind finding a guy who has some health insurance - being

self employed it costs a fortune. Anyway I digress - so I belonged to the

gym up the street - had my membership like we were required to - so I

decided that I was never getting this off unless I used weights and toned

up. So I called to use my free training session and they scheduled me with

a trainer - I just wanted someone to show me the machines - I had no money

for training. But things clicked really well with him and I have been

working out with him for one year at the end of this week. I am now a size

8 and weigh 142 lbs which is below my original goal of 145 and I have toned

up really well. Dr. Don had told me when I ran into him getting my staples

out with Dr. R six days after surgery that I had really good skin and might

shrink well. If there is a good side effect to losing slowly is that I have

very little extra skin after losing 142 lbs. Which is good since I used my

plastic surgery money to pay for the trainer. I might need some lypo to get

rid of a tummy pouch I can't seem to get rid of but my trainer is convinced

that I can do it. He has me running now - running and my name in one

sentence is something I never thought that I would hear. My NY Road Runners

Club card arrived yesterday and my drawers are filled with workout clothes -

who could have imagined. My reason for writing this is that I hear myself

in some of you who are frustrated with your results compared to others -

believe me I understand - but to emphasize the importance of what Dr. R.

said about exercise and have it be part of your weight loss program after

the surgery. I don't have batwings I have firmed and toned arms and that

has only come from lifting those darn weights. I am not a work out nut - I

hate it but I made a commitment not to cancel and in a year I have not. I

dread some of the machines I stand there with a face on and (why it works to

have a trainer) he doesn't give me an inch. But you don't have to have a

trainer just go walk on the treadmills than start jogging eventually and

lift some arm weights. Curves also has a good program if there is one by

you. For the new MGB people add exercise to your routine and it will help

with the results. I wish I caught on sooner I would have saved myself the

revision fee and I wouldn't have a loan payment each month. My goal that I

set at date of surgery was 145 (140 I would be so so happy). It took me 2

years and 9 months to get here. My thanks to Dr. R. for doing this surgery

and caring enough to follow up with us and keep this sight available and to

my trainer who has helped the process along. I am happy that I have made

the 145 heading for 140 but now looking for 130 - 135. I eat what I want -

just less of it. I live in Manhattan - our life is take out and going out

to dinner - most people do not know I had the surgery and don't catch on. I

get anemic - that is my only side effect so I take iron. The bathroom smell

issue is always there but if that is all there is I will take it. I get

asked all the time if it was worth it and would I do it again. In a NY

minute with Dr. R. I am so grateful that I found his website. My best to

all of you on your journey - remember to move those bodies.

Fondly,

Eileen Hartmann

1/3/02

284/142