CJ_Redux

I've got to try this recipe! Sounds yummy! What kind of protein is that in the pic?

Be careful, Kansas. I totally know why you just did it yourself, though. I sometimes think part of the reason I got so big is I just started carrying everyone's load including my own. We have to learn to just do what we can and let the other stuff go. We have to take care of ourselves for a change.

When is your surgery scheduled? Here is one of my dream home choices (if I decide not to leave town for good): http://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cityDCD/realestate/2742State/PropertyInfo_BidRequirements.pdf I would love to get this place and restore it. I watch a lot of House Hunters International and my favorite episodes are when they go to the French countryside and find these jacked up farm houses and convert then into a wonderful home. Sigh...

True...I guess it depends on WHEN I actually do leave for my 'round the world trip.

Oh wow, your house sounds awesome...or it surely will be when you finish. I would love to do that some day...when I have a man...and kids. Basically, rooms to fill. lol.

Wait, I'll send me not-so-reliable relative to help. LOL!

On a side note, some of you might wonder, "Why doesn't she invest in getting a washer and dryer already??" I ask myself the same question, because it's nothing to do with the expense. But right now, my life is just in a state of flux. You see, after I lose the weight, I want to take a trip around the world. So when I weigh the costs of buying appliances (and then storing them when I leave) with using that same money for my trip, well savings wins out!

@iggychick: Oh wow!!! You are a trooper! LOL!

LOL I'm trying to take weight OFF and you want me to put it back ON???

Please do keep us posted. My surgery is done already (I went to Mexico), but I am interested in how things are in other countries.

This is a GREAT idea and is exactly what I'll do next time. That way, I won't have to ask for help.

Thanks for the support. It helps. I just felt really bad because I am that go-to person in my family when some folks are in need. And I always try to be there. Normally, i could just stuff my feelings down with food, but them there days are over! So my emotions are just bubbling to the surface. Anyhoo, she finally came...after I had to guilt trip her into it. And I hate that cuz I really shouldn't have to do that! But one thing I know now: I may not have supportive family and friends...and now I don't even have food. BUT, I've got ME! And as the weight comes off, I'm getting stronger mentally AND physically. So it's time to set some boundaries so I can make room for more positive people in my life. Cuz I don't think what I asked was too much to ask of anyone. And I cannot even recall the last time I asked for ANYTHING else! SMDH...

Wow! You look great! Congrats on your progress so far!

Wow! Good job!!!

BTW, the 24th is my birthday!

Now that i'm getting down to the wire and ready to book my flight to MX for my surgery, I find that I've kind of paused momentarily. I'm asking myself, "Are you really going to do this?" It's sad, but I keep seeing food and thinking I'll never again be able to fully indulge. One of the reasons I want this surgery is to lose weight because I want to travel. But part of travel is eating the local cuisine. If I go to Italy, i want to eat pasta! If I go to central and south america, i want the spicy dishes with rice. But I don't know if I'll be able to truly enjoy food again. This really is life-changing for me. On the one hand, I've tried for so long to lose weight. It's been in my thoughts every day, yet the more I think about it, the more weight I gain. So I know I need help. I see other people's success and I want it for myself, because I can see a new life for me...somewhat. I guess it's just that it almost feels like a death. A part of me has to die in order for another part of me to live. I want that, but it's unfamiliar. I have so many what if's. What if I have complication after complication? What if I can ever only eat a few bites? What if I really could have done this through diet and exercise??? What if I die? As I'm planning to purchase my plane ticket tomorrow (which makes the surgery a real event), I am getting scared. If I let go of food, who will I be? Has anyone else ever questioned at the last minute? OK, I'm going to bed. Maybe things will be clearer in the morning. G'nite!

Hi alley-gator. Yes you will get through it. I had my ups and downs...thank goodness I've made it to the other side. And for all the pre-op and post-surgery grief I had, i can now say it was SO WORTH IT! Good luck to you.

LMAO!!! Too funny! Don't worry. Yes, it is rough. But you'll make it through. If I did, you will too. Every day I was dreaming of macaroni and cheese with chicken. I'm glad to be on the other side. Hang in there! And stay out of the chicken buckets!!! LOL!

OMG I am so sorry to read this. I hate to hear of babies having to go through something like this. I'm not a mom, so I can only imagine the pain and devastation you must be feeling. I think I would want to postpone too, until my baby was out of murky waters. The good news is it sounds like you have your "dream team" around you. Your husband is supportive, plus you've got someone else coming to stay with you. Since you have support, maybe it will be ok to have the surgery. Perhaps even discuss it with your surgeon. The stress of something like this might elevate your blood pressure. So see what he advises. Whatever decision you make will be the right one. If it needs to, the surgery can wait. On the other hand, the sooner you get healthier for your son's (and your own) sake, the better. Good luck in your decision, and I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

LOL OK, I'm a little slow. What does "Kmsl" mean?

No way!! Not you too??? I thought I was the only one. It's probably too late now, but like i said, things changed after I told Dr, Kelly. To answer your question, if you had surgery July 2nd, you SHOULD NOT yet be having food!! (I hope you just mis-typed.) But I do recall that for the first 8 days after surgery, when I would swallow liquid, I could feel it go all the way down and then kind of get stuck at a certain spot. But by day 8, that feeling magically went away. So I wouldn't worry too much.

My aunt flo was visiting during my surgery. They made me take my pad off. When I woke up from surgery, I had a thick pad stuck between my legs. It was gross...

This is true. However, that infamous "head hunger" is a mutha! You may still want to eat, and if you do, don't rely on feeling full. You may not recognize the feeling right away and end up getting sick. My advice is to be mindful of everything you put in your mouth...and take it SLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW.

Wow! You guys!!! Thanks for the great compliment on my writing. I may just have to dust off that old manuscript.

Ditto!!