David,

I can relate to your position as well as I am now 9 months post Tx and still 30 pounds lighter. I was diagnosed just about a year ago, 4/27/06, and at that time weighed 185. I lost a total of 40 pounds, down to 145, at a point around 1 month post Tx. This loss also involved a 4" waist loss and required the purchase of all new pants/jeans.

I have managed at this point to put about 12 pounds back on even though I seem to eat up a storm. It puzzles me also and I mentioned it to my Rad Doc back at the time of my Dec. follow-up and he didn't seem concerned or offer any explanation. He felt that I should just relax and get used to the new weight and enjoy it.

I do know that I don't snack like I used to mainly because my taste buds are still screwed up. None of my formerly favorite snack foods taste the same such as Fritos, Cheetos, pastries, etc. and I just do without. I am now addicted to Skittles but they don't seem to do much in the weight gain arena.

I have decided to quit being concerned about the weight situation after all. I guess I stopped and listened to my Rad Doc when he asked me why I was concerned about it. I told him because it had been "normal" for me to be around 185 for so many years. He then asked me if there was anything wrong with my "new normal".

Bill D.