I am entering into my 9th month post op (gastric bypass) and I finally hit the "normal" range in the BMI calculator. I've seen so much change over these last few months and have been fortunate to have very few issues that are/were surgery or diet related.
I am so thankful to have been given this tool to help me along. I find it hard sometimes to remember the things I couldn't do--like cut my own toenails (or polish them!) or walk to my mailbox (now I can walk for miles on end!) or buy regular size clothing (tuck my shirt in!) The biggest thing, I think though, is the health benefits: as a Type 1 Diabetic, getting that insulin (thru pump) use down from 155+ units a day to about 22 units is a huge plus, and having a normal A1C (3 month avg. blood sugar) that is 6.0, putting away that C-PAP machine, stopping the cholesterol meds, etc. have all been amazing things.

I get a lot of questions about how I lost the weight, and I am truthful about the surgery, but I also let people know HOW to change your eating/fitness patterns for life. I tell them it is a process and it doesn't happen overnight for most people. I think MFP is a great tool. I started logging here long before my surgery and can go back through my diary and see the progress I made. I hope that I can be an inspiration to others who want to change their lives, whether through surgery or doing it on their "own." I think the key for me was finding that "focus" and not "trying" to do it, but DOING it. I still enjoy good things and if I want something, I limit it.

I have to add that when I told my three sons (they are 20, 22, and 23) that I had reached "normal," they reminded me that I would never be normal. Then they added that "normal is that which is most frequently occurring." Never try talking to young men who have had too many Psychology classes in college--you never know what kind of answer you might get!:laugh: