Thinner me

I so wish I could have been with you all last night. My schedule is just so full at the moment. I have my DGS again tonight! That baby is the joy of my life, but there's a reason I had my babies so young! Gotta get back to work..... will check in later.

Good afternoon girlies! Ok, who was able to attend the meeting last night? How did it go?? Would love details..... and pictures too if you took them. I really wish I could have been there, but am just so busy right now. Niki.... I think you're right, shopping is the best therapy around. Will check in later for a full report. Everyone have a blessed day!

Oh, I almost forgot!!! I got the best deals at Goodys at Indian Mound Mall. They are closing the store, and EVERYTHING is 50-80% off. I got 7 huge bags of things for me and DH for just over 150.00!!!!!! I got a really nice dress for 7.00 and a suit for 12.50. I got reebok flip flops for 2.00 and DH got nike swim trunks (regular 42.00) for 5.00!!!! He got Arrow dress shirts for 3.50 each, and dress pants for 15.00. I found my DS OSU flip flops for the cruise for 1.75!!!!!!!!!!! I was in shock at the prices, and will be stocking up on smaller sizes. I even got a canvas bag to take on my cruise for 2.00!!!

I'm so sad my Buckeyes lost. :cry SpecialK, the psych test is not that bad. There are about 200 questions, but they will tell you that they are not there to decide if you should have surgery or not, but to decide how much training you will require prior to your surgery. The questions were pretty straight forward. They want to see if you have any issues that might prevent you from making proper choices. I saw Dr. Tell at Riverside, she was the nicest lady. (though I had to pay $500 out of pocket!) I had my grandson here last night and he will be here this evening as well. He is at the cutest age right now 2 1/2, though he runs me and papaw ragged. He loves football and watched every last second of the game last night, but he would get confused and root for LSU on occation. :rofl: He would copy what ever DH was yelling at the TV and when the band played he would put his fingers up to his mouth like he was playing a horn and hum some funny little tune. I am truely in love with my grandbabies. I am so blessed to have all 5 of them. (though I'm much to young to have children ) I'm doing very good with food choices. I should increase my excerise some more and I know I would lose faster. I really want to be at 260 by the time we leave for our cruise. I'm pushing myself hard to get there. I am rambling on and on.... sorry I hope you all have a blessed day.

WooHoo for your good report SepcialK!!! Thank God for that.:clap2::clap2:

I forgot to say I am praying for a good report for you SpecialK.

Hi and welcome KTBUGG. My DH plans on being there with me for preop testing, just as a second pair of ears. Hey Debbie..... look at your weight!!!! You have lost 71 lbs!!!!! OMG I cant wait to be able to say that. On average you have lost about 10lbs a month. You are gonna be a skinny momma in no time. What does you DBF think of the new you??

Hi Girls and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! First let me say thank you so much for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I really do feel your kindness. We are just waiting to get into see the oncologist on the 17th and I just know that they are going to say its all clear and we just have to do regular screanings. I KNOW THATS WHAT THEY WILL SAY! My DH and I know that God is our healer and our hope. Our family has been hit pretty hard the last few years, and yet our faith is stronger then ever. Ok, I have been a fairly good girl for the holidays. I allowed myself "planned cheats" on Thanksgiving, Christmas eve, Christmas day and New Years day, but I did have a bad accident in the kitchen the other day. I was walking through and a christmas cookie hit me right in the mouth. Needless to say, they went right in the trash... after I ate one and some fudge, and some leftover pumpkin pie!! I am not going to get on the scales till the 10th though (PCP monthly weigh in).... I can't stand to see another gain. I really want to be able to enjoy our cruise this year. I am feeling so much better already, and I think 5-10 more lbs will make a huge difference. We are leaving in 28 days, and I think 5-10lbs is attainable. I just have to keep my eye on the prize and not allow stress eating (thats easier said than done) Debbie.... Woot for you! 1.5 lbs is in the right direction. I am gonna be hitting those thrift stores hard this month myself. I'm in search of shorts and summer dresses for our cruise. I found a really nice dress at Fashion Bug for 11.98. I am going to ware it to the captains dinner if I can find a wrap of some sort, I have bat flaps where arms should be. I found a pair of jean shorts and tropical capris for 2.00 each (just plus). I just happen to have a lime green Tee that will work great with the capris. I cant wait to be a size 14 and shop. I think the selection is so gawdy for plus sizes. Everything has those lovely HUGE flowers and cost almost 2x as much. I love the Avenue because they have really pretty things, but again the price up there alittle. BTW....LOVED the coneheads! Lady..... I thought about you and your family during Christmas. I know how hard it is losing someone so close to you. Your family is still very much in my prayers. As far as meeting with everyone, I am going to have to pass on this one. We have some sort of drs appts every week this month, I have my grandson 2 days a week till 11:30pm, and I have to do some major shopping for our cruise.... and some how I have a full time job to think about. I would love to meet with you all after the middle of February??? Sue.... don't give up. Pester the poo out of that insurance company and refuse to be refused! (if you haven't already) I would review your policy and see for yourself what it says about sleep apnea. I really don't see how they can deny you if there's not clear wording. I really do think they try to get you to give in and walk away. I wouldn't do it. My DH says I am like a dog on a bone when I think I'm right about something. I would bug them daily till they give in just to shut me up. Specialk.... I am so envious of your organization... I do good to remember to turn the dryer on once I put the clothes in. From the looks of your list, you will be banded in no time. I think my slogan is going to be "feeling great in 2008"....... though I'm with Niki, I will get my band this year, one way or another, it's going to happen in 2008. Niki.... I still have my tree up! I am going to wait till this weekend.... maybe after morning service on Sunday.... I think its wonderful that your babies are going to have a healthy mom. I wish I could have given that to my kids, though my grandbabies just better try to keep up with mamaw! Dorothy....where are you??? I hope all is well. I hope you all have a blessed day...

Good morning Ladies. I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Sue......OMG!!!!!!!!!! What are they trying to do, make you give up??? DON'T DO IT! I wish I could help you with the letter, but I am at a total loss when it comes to that kind of thing. Could someone at Mt. Carmel help you out? I spent the day cleaning and getting my house in order yesterday. It looked like I hadn't done anything for weeks. I have to clean my bathroom and wash sheets today and I'm done...... well, the basement and the garage are a mess, but I don't think they count . I'm getting ready to hit the stores for some after Christmas shopping. You can get some great deals on decorations, wraping paper and such right now. We went for Dh's CT scan on Monday morning. We have to carry the films and report with us to the James. They offered to give us the films right then and then send the report, but I refused. I know if we had them I would have to look (I'm a nurse), and I didn't want to even think about any of this during Christmas (ok, so its pretty much all I thought about, but I didn't want anymore bad news). I think I will pick them up the day before we go to the James.... my way of avoiding the problem I guess. I have one more visit with the dietician (Jan. 30th) and then I can submit to the insurance company. It feels like I have been at this for years..... well almost a year. I can't wait to be banded and get on with my life. Ok, I'm off to get the sheets in the wash and head out to shop. Everyone have a blessed Thrusday!!

Sue.... As I was reading your post, I could feel your pain as you remembered your husbands illness. Its amazing how we realize just how much we love someone when there is a chance of losing them. Thank you for your prayers, that means more than anything. SpecialK.... Thank you so much for your kind words and your prayers. I know just how awesome God really is and I am a living testement to what he can do. I just really needed to vent alittle. We go for a CT on Christmas eve, and then to the James on Jan. 19th. I will keep everyone posted. Once again, thank you so much for the prayers.

FYI...Nichole was the girl that dove in the shallow end of the pool and broke her tooth. I am always in awe of the people on the show, they are proving that hard work really does pay off in the end.

Morning Girls. Well, We didn't get great news yesterday. The dr. said the "offical diagnosis" is rectal cancer. Though the good news is she is positive she got it all, and said that we got there just in the nick of time. We are going to see an oncologist at the James and see what their suggested route of treatment is. Could be radiation, chemo, a combo of radiation and chemo, or nothing at all except regular screanings. I HATE that word cancer! I'm 5 years out from a high grade sarcoma..... my dad passed away 3 yrs ago Dec. 10 from brain cancer, then my dads brother AND sister both passed 10 months later in Oct. of lung cancer. Our family has been through the wringer with this, and I am so tired of it. I will never forget how sick I was from the chemo. I would check into the James on Monday and they would start a 96 hour drip of chemo. I would be released on Friday evening and would spend the next 2 weeks so sick I couldn't even dress myself. Then if I were lucky, I would have a week where I could actually sit in the living room and watch tv, only to start all over again the 4th week. This went on for the longest year of my life. At one point I told my mom that the chemo was going to kill me before the cancer ever had a chance. I wouldn't wish that experience on my very worst enemy, let alone the person I love most in this world. I have a very strong faith in God and believe that he wont put more on us then we can take, but I am begining to wonder just how strong he thinks I am! I dont want to sound so defeated, and I truely know in my heart of hearts that its all gonna be fine. I just needed somewhere to vent these feelings, with out Bruce being able to hear. I am so thankful for your prayers, it means so much.

Good Morning Girls! Thank you so much for your kind words. We see the dr. Thursday and find out the good news ( I refuse to believe anything else). I will keep you all posted. I am doing pretty good as far as diet goes..... I was 269.5 yesterday morning. Thats 17 lbs. I'm pretty happy with that. I am headed out the door for a trip to my family doctor (monthly weigh in), then alittle shopping with my mom and sister. I hope you all have a very blessed day.

I quit 5 months ago using Chantix. I NEVER thought I could quit.....smoked for 22 yrs, 2+ pks a day. I quit after the first 2 weeks on it, and like Pamela said didn't allow my self "just one", thats where I failed so many times before. The smell of smoke actually burns my nose and makes me sick now, THANK GOD!!!! Good luck and keep us posted on how your doing.

What a wonderful feeling that must have been for you! I am looking forward to that day myself.

Hey Niki.....:wave: Welcome and make your self at home here!! I really love this little group of girls. It is such a shame you went through what you did with your insurance company. I would have been heart sick. I hope everything works out for you this year. If you are praying people, please pray for my DH. He had a colonoscopy this morning and they found a mass 3cm long. The dr said she tried to remove it, but not sure that she got it all. We will hear back from pathology no later than next Thur. The scary thing is his mother passed when she was 39 from colon cancer and his older brother had malignant polyps removed 3 yrs ago. I have been on him for 3 years to have another scope done, but he always said he didn't have time (he has 5 weeks vacation every year!) Now we wait and trust that God has this in control. I am finally starting to lose the "steroid" weight. I topped out at 290 the last time I had a weigh in with my PCP. I am now at 272.5. I really wanted to be about 225 when we went on our cruise in Feb. Don't see that happening, but at least I'm not 290 either I guess. I guess thats why I need the band so badly, I can't do this on my own, God knows I have tried. I am working out everyday with bands that I got in physical therapy. Has anyone tried these? I love them, they give you restriction without the pain of lifting weights. I hope that will help me drop a few more lbs by Feb. Then when I get back there should be news from my insurance company and a surgery date. I keep thinking.... Ok, Christmas, New Years, Mid Jan. is girls only night at my dsl. (old 80's movies, popcorn, pizza), then we leave Jan. 31st for the cruise and when we return the 12th someone should know something. If I have days to mark off it doesn't seem as long for some reason. :omg: Alright I have written a book! I hope you all have a blessed day!

Lady and Debbie... SIZE 14 is awesome! I don't remember the last time I wore a size 14. 16 is about the smallest I've been, but didn't look to bad because I'm 5'8. I know you have to be so proud. Debbie, Way to go with the coat. I LOVE thrift stores. I'm a huge bargain shopper. I bought a dress for our cruise in Feb. at Just Plus for $7.00 and it's fancy enough to ware to the captains dinner.....now to find a store that specializes in cheap clod hopper shoes to fit my size 10 feet . I love what you wrote about eating sugar. I like to have a piece of chocolate cake...no icing with my coffee sometimes, and the thought of never having that again was painful. I too want to eat like the skinny girl, one small piece and walk away. Way to go SpecialK!! :clap2: It is so hard to not gain weight at this time of year, but you have lost! Thats great. Sue, whats the news on your insurance company? Ok Ladies, my grandaughter (4yrs) just got here so I am off for a fun day of Christmas crafts with her. (Baby Jesus may never look the same afer we're finished with him :nervous) I hope you all have a blessed day.

Hey SpecialK, I get to "interview" a new surgeon on the 19th. I am still pretty upset about this. I chose Barix because of the surgeon.... and I felt better knowing that all they do is WLS. I just keep reminding myself that these things happen for a reason. I will keep your mom and her husband in my prayers. I took care of alzheimers patients for years and I know how hard it is to watch a loved one decline. Its kinda funny but alzheimers pts were my fave. Speaks to my sanity huh? BTW....I'm about a mile from the mall.

Debbie, I know that pain. Just walking is painful sometimes. I don't think my back or feet have ever hurt as bad as they have the last year or so. I usually say its because I'm getting older, but I'M ONLY 39!!!!!! I don't really care about being "skinny", I just want my life back (and if I look as good as you do..... BONUS).

Debbie, I just went back and looked at your pics again. Lady is right you look years younger. I would have said you were in your early 40's NOT 57. Thats just wonderful. I am so happy for you. Keep up the great work!

:clap2::clap2:OMG Debbie you look wonderful!!! You and Lady are doing great! I know you have to feel like a million bucks. WTG with the NSV, it the greatest feeling when people notice all your hard work. Special K, girl you are moving right along in your journey. I feel like it is taking FOREVER.... its been 9 months so far! But there is an end in sight. Keep a jumpin'!! Lady, Heath is east of Columbus right between Newark and Buckeye Lake. Kind of like Reynoldsburg is between Pickerington and White hall, only closer. I can be at 256 in about 15 minutes (without lots of traffic) DH and I go to church in Reynoldsburg and it takes about 20 minutes to get there. BTW 50 lbs is amazing!!! :whoo: You guys really do inspire me and help me keep faith that this is gonna happen for me too. Sue, I feel you pain with the doctors. My psych eval was 500.00 and insurance didn't pay one red cent!!!! You would think after all the $ we pay into our insurance company that when we need something they would cover it. So when will you hear if you are approved or not??? I would think with sleep apnea that it would be a sure thing for getting approved. Hang in there my friend, we will get through this. Hey Dorothy! How are you doing? I hope you all have a blessed day!

:ranger: Good morning ladies. I feel like everything is starting to get back to normal now. My honey is back to work after a weeks vacation and the house is quiet.... LOVE IT!!!!! I really do love when he's home, but I like to get back to my schedule too. We had a great Thanksgiving, though I ate way to much. I am afraid to even think about the scale right now. (but for some reason its all I can think about!) I managed to get my Christmas decorations up, keeping them up is another story. My grandson thinks the decorations are for him, and yesterday was a huge struggle to keep him from breaking things. I hope you all have a blessed day!

:grouphug:Happy Thanksgiving girlies.

Saturdays are best for me too especially if we are going to Polaris. Thats a quite a drive from Heath.

Lady, Hang in there hon. I am feeling your pain with gaining weight. I have been on those steroids for so long that the weight has piled on more and more. I am so fuffy. TOM always gets me too, and with the PCOS, TOM is every 3 weeks now...... Ok and I am out of control with the eating too. I just eat, ARGGG! I so want to get my band and be done with this out of control feeling. I know its not magic and I have to work with it, and I ready for that. Just a few more months. Did I mention my surgeon has left Barix? I am so upset. I found out when I went to my dietician appt. I am seeing the other doctor next week, but the reason I chose Barix is because I liked that doctor. I'm now questioning my choice of facilities. I'm in a bad situation though. If I switch now, I will have to do the hoop jumping for another program, and I am finished with all that for Barix......just doing the final 3 dietician appts for my insurance. I really do like Barix, and I love that all they do is WLS, but I liked Dr. Viglianco. I know all things happen for a reason.... but whats the reasoning in this??? I may never know. SUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU!!!!!!!!! Hey Debbie, Hey Dorothy, Hey Special K :wave:. DH and I are on vacation this week so I am going to keep him busy with cleaning out the garage and putting up decorations for Christmas. I have a list of my own, so I'm off for now. I hope you all have a blessd Monday.