Okay, I haven't posted since JULY!!! Here is what has been going on -

I leave 8/4/07 for a vacation that we saved for for an entire year, we were headed to the Carribean for a 7 day cruise with my husbands entire immediate family.

Things started off great, great whether, I looked darned good in my $280 pink beaded gown (got it for $24.00 on clearance - what a steal). My DH & I booked a private room on the cruise and my kids were in the next room - how much more romantic good you get? I decided I would splurge on the trip, eat whatever the heck I wanted, so I order the chocolate melting cake after dinner. Let me tell you it was heavenly!

Well, day 2 of the cruise was huge party, all the cruise passengers were divided up into teams, Red, White & Blue were the team colors. We were the White team. That evening, we went to the lounge where all the other fellow white team members were, and everyone was on the dance floor having a great time. Then they said they would tap couple on the shoulders and they wanted them to stay on the dance floor for a "dance off". Wouldn't you know it, my DH & I were chosen. So we are out there dancing and having a great time, and we're down to the final 4 couples, and suddenly, the floor was wet, and my leg slipped. I tried to not fall, but down I went. As I went down I felt things inside my leg rip like never before. I could not get up. My DH & others carried me off the dance floor and I was in so much pain. The nurse came up with a wheel chair and I opted not to go to the doctor on the ship (its about $300 minimum to see the doc). I wanted to put ice on it and see how it felt the next morning.

The next morning, it was as big as the ship (my knee). So I went to see the doc, who basically told me there was nothing they could do. They gave me a shot for pain & swelling and wrapped it up and said enjoy the rest of the trip. Yeah, right.

So, the remainder of the 5 days I was in a wheel chair and made the best of my trip. I wasn't able to snorkle, or go the beach, or even swim. But I did drink, eat and have some fun. I enjoyed watching everyone else, but I was in a lot of pain.

Okay, fast forward.....We arrive home on 9/12/07 only to find our house had completely flooded, I mean every room! It was totally ruined! Or at least unlivable for a few weeks. The smell was horrid. So here I am, totally unable to walk, no house to live in, by this time, I'm really feeling sorry for myself - so I eat...and eat, and eat some more. Bad habits sure do come back fast!

Fast forward again.....I had surgery on my knee 8/22. They replaced two of my legiments with donors, and fixed another one (MCL, LCL & ACL were all damaged). They also had to clean out my cartlidge, and do a major menicus repair, drilled wholes in my knee and everything. The doctor broke the bad knews that I would not be able to put any weight on my right knee for at least 6 weeks and I would be totally bed ridden for 2 weeks. So, what do I do, I eat, and I eat and eat. My congregation were so kind to prepare meals for my family, and let me tell you, the ladies cooked wonderful - but fattening meals. But I ate them anyhow. How could I not?

Fast forward, during this time, my grandmother grew ill, she & I are extremely close - I am also her power of attorney. Well, she passed away so I had to deal with planning the entire funeral with no help from my family. They were all wanting to do it their way when they knew how she wanted her memorial. They knew she gave me specific instructions, so I fought with them and this caused more emotional eating.

Well, my house is almost back in order, I am now able to put a little weight on my right knee, and walking now with 1 crutch. I survived my grandmothers funeral - and I finally stepped on the scales.....I was so shocked and relieved to see the scales went up 5 lbs. Yes, only 5 lbs!!!!!

I love the band, I truly love this band. Pre band, I would have gained a minimum of 20 lbs. I have done it over and over and over. I always gain quickly and after 2 months of eating whatever I wanted, I am shocked the scales are only up 5 lbs.

The day I left for the cruise I weighed in at 174.6 - I was up about 3 lbs, because I was down to 171. I weighed this morning and I'm down to 175.6 - almost my pre cruise weight.

I feel like the past 2 months were just a waste for me, but on the other hand I've learned that I will never be fat again as long as I have my band!!! I can go off of dieting and not gain 20lbs. I am so happy with the band.

Now that I am over my self-pitty party, its back to the grind with eating right. I can't exercise yet, but I can't wait to get back into gear with exercise.

Well, thats my end of summer story....I'm looking forward to getting my life back on track!