I think I'm learning to get used to this new way of living and eating. I can recall very few times in my life where I actually felt full. I wasn't even sure anymore how that was supposed to feel. Now when I eat, I feel full. And when I don't eat, I feel hungry - another new feeling for me. I think I just ate all the time...mindless nibbling, huge meals...and I never allowed myself the opportunity to develop hunger. So, that's a new feeling for me as well. My scale today shows 212.2#. My preop visit weight was 239.5, so I'm very satisfied with a 27.3# loss. I can feel the difference in my clothes, and when I have to walk long distances at work. I have yet to be noticed for having lost weight. And I've kept my surgery private from most of the people I work with, so there's no pressure there. My family has been tremendously supportive. Although my husband still thinks I need to eat more.

On the Mom front, the discovery is that she has a large (at least lemon-sized) tumor in her left breast. We have found that it has been there since December - she kept it to herself as long as she could. After the initial anger at her for not sharing that with anyone, or at least trying to get medical attention (she is a retired nurse), I've resigned myself to the fact that she is so very, very private - that anything like that - including doctor's exams, mammograms, etc, - would make her feel violated in some way. So, since she chose to keep the cancer to herself, there is not much I can do now except try to get her the best treatment I can. If it's too late, then we will deal with that, and make sure the rest of her life is happy and wonderful, surrounded by family.

I hope all of you get your mammograms, despite how we feel about our bodies.

Thank you for all the support. I am in awe of what all of you amazing women have been through, and continue to go through. --Lauraq

Hi Laura, You do sound well today. This is our life journey now how ever long it takes us to get there??? I agree with you lets all have those MOG's mine is next week LOL. But it is not my fav. Dr. apt I must say. I have to keep after my mother just to go to the dentist. It seems they do not want to be a bother. Go figure these mom's have been taking care of us now it is time for us to take care of them. My daughter said to my mother in the car the other day. We are not going to put you in one of those old age homes!!!! I was so proud of her. Keep up the positive thoughts and you just wait when you least expect a compliment will come your way!!! love Kathy imaluckydog have a nice day.

It's hard as women to take care of ourselves...we're all so used to nuturing and putting others first. I got my mammo reminder a few weeks ago and threw it on my desk. Thanks for reminding me.

Glad the food issues are going well for you...and Kathy's right, those NSV's will come when you least expect them, that's what makes them so great. -BG

Thanks - you look great BG.