Rebeccalee

Hang in there, Marie. The holidays can't last forever. Two months, however, may seem like it. Hope you are feeling better.

That's too cool! So.... how do you pronounce "boucle" anyway? Did you know that was the yarn I used???

Wow! Darcy, you're a big girl bandster now! Finally broke it in right, did ya! I'm sorry it was icky. And hurt. And you have to be careful tonight. The way I've been eating lately, I'm right behind ya. :ermm

It sounds like you got some great advice from you P.A. Is he going to recommend plastic surgery for you? Will your insurance cover it? I hope so. It sounds like you would be at goal just with that. I hope your test results help with the hair loss issue. I am wondering how to deal with the same issue myself.

Great news, Penni! I'm so glad you heard that now so you can enjoy the holidays.

Yipee! Sounds like a good one. Hope it gets you through the holidays.

Geez....I guess I'll add one more thing to my list of things I'm EXTREMELY thankful for...my family, inlaws and all, are fairly normal people who love me the best they can. Writing that just brought tears to my eyes. I am SO lucky. Darcy -- I think you've been watching too many soap operas. I know, it really can't be funny, but it is certainly unbelievable! I'm glad you are doing so well. Lisa, you are such a wonderful example of the survivor spirit. It is amazing how children survive the most extreme conditions without exploding. I know the scars are real and last forever, but that survival spirit is absolutely awesome!

Babs, I hope you are feeling a little better. It sounds pretty overwhelming for you. Holiday stress sure doesn't help. Take care.

Great picture, Zoe. You are doing a fantastic job! Sometimes I think people don't know whether it would be polite to mention weight loss. And as much as it is hard for us to believe, others may not really pay that much attention to our weight and think more about our personalities. I get so obsessed with my weight that I think it is the only thing on other people's minds, too.

It's makes me feel good to know the hats have such happy homes. I went to my mom's to visit last night and she had knitted me a scarf. It is very soft and fuzzy like angora and it is purple like Vera's hat. It is so delicate, and I felt so special.

Good grief, Penni! You've got me crying. That is such awesome progress. Look at you in Sept. and then now! That's a huge difference! I can hear that bandster euphoria in your voice lately, too. Fantastic! I am constantly overwhelmed at how much we have to be thankful for! :Bunny

Belinda, I have seen Dr. Feng a couple of times. He is a sweetie. Dr. C is a great doctor, but he chews my butt on occasion. Really....I don't know why. :guess I'm glad I chose them to do the surgery.

Here's the side-by-side. I couldn't find the bikini shot.

You look FANTASTIC! WoW!!!! You have done exactly what I hope to do in a year. Incredible! I'm so glad you shared. Here's a little version of the picture for you. I hope it works.

How many times has one or the other of us said we just want to be normal, to shop in a normal store, to feel normal in a crowd, to be able to eat like a normal person, sit in normal chairs, etc., etc. This is a HUGE compliment. Bless her surgeonly heart. (They DO have such lovely manners, don't they?) Congratulations on the weight loss and the NSV of looking and feeling "normal"! :Bunny

Congratulations on 66 pounds lost! That is awesome. You really are fighting a noble battle. I was out freezing my butt off on our annual motorcycle toy run and missed your port closing. I hope it closes up again and you get everything buttoned down -- new port and all. I am hoping and praying for the best for you.

Sorry to hear about your aunt and your mom. I think that's the worst part of getting old -- losing or worrying about our loved ones. I actually walked tonight, sort of. We have a monthly art night in our downtown area. All the stores are open and have Snacks and art displays. There was a light rain so we wore cozy clothes and walked all over. That's it this week. Sheesh. Got our bathroom painted, though. I hope your mom gets better soon.

That's a lovely little poem, Greg. Where you been? How's it going?

Yeah! Leatha, that is great! Putting it together counts as exercise, too.

Doesn't your pony have a big motor on it?

I just need a leeeetle bit more time before Christmas. I really want to make my oldest boy a fleece quilt for his birthday 2 days before. (Now why didn't I plan that better.) I want to enjoy the decorations longer. I want to have a party on my new floor. (Does that sound kinky?!) Oh....and I want to be warm -- it is so cold! (Sorry you nor'easterners; I just can't take it in my thin California skin.)

Nineteen is so close! You must feel like you are at goal already. Congratulations on the downward shift.

And when the time and circumstances are right -- you'll move on to what you really want to do.... Tomorrow really does eventually come.

Thanks Darcy. I was actually able to eat a normal dinner last night -- roast beef. Mmmmmmm. So it wasn't so bad, just a couple days of liquids. How are you doing today, Michelle? Hope things are improving. I get so annoyed when I have trouble eating, not to mention the pain. Hope you are back to normal very soon.

I have found potatoes very easy to eat, sometimes in bigger portions than usual. I think they go through easy. I hope your band starts behaving for you soon.