marcyinak

NewCC - my port is centered...a few inches above my belly button...I have felt it, but it takes some effort to feel it. Renee - I'm sorry to hear about your dog...I totally support euthanasia...my parents let my childhood dog suffer for YEARS before he finally collapsed and died in severe pain!:think Wrangler - that swelling is probably the port site...where it actually is and the swelling is normal. I'd ice it and see if that helps with the swelling. Lindaa - Oh My! I tend to say the most inappropriate things at times like these so I'll just say that I'm so sorry, how sad that is for the family, and at least your son and his wife can have comfort knowing that they were able to spend some time with him during his last day here. Phyl - I just read that your fever is gone! GREAT! I had/have diarrhea occasionally...remember, we're mostly eating soft food...nothing with real bulk so give yourself a little bit of time for this.:nervous Chimboree - I too have been the biggest in an exercise class. You have to put it into perspective though...some of those folks USED to be the biggest in the class...the reason they aren't is because they are AT THE CLASS! LOL! Keep smiling and pumpin' along sister!:whoo: Lynette - I'm so jealous that you have a Dollar Store! There's really no such thing in Alaska (even in the cities). While I was in Denver for my surgery I used the Dollar Stores and Target as my "reason to walk"! LOL!:bandit Mango - I just realized that I spent all last week being upset at my DH for leaving town for 5 days (a week after surgery!) I managed ok and I should be thankful for that. That negativity was NO GOOD for me, try not to be upset...maybe you'll recover like me and not need him at all...that'll show him. (Of course, it is nice to milk it once in a while. ) Ash - instead of potatoes try mushed up steamed cauliflour! It actually does taste good and it's so much better for you! Also, get in on come creamy soups that are good for you...also remember that your RECOVERING...we're not supposed to be trying to lose weight while we recover, just eat healthy!:biggrin1: Sunny - you know the ratio in Alaska is 6 men for every woman! Why you going on-line? Just do a summer stint as a nurse for an Alaska hospital and find yourself a rich health care professional! Dini - First, I'm disgusted that people gave you crap about your weight (before surgery)! You're not FAT, and from what I see in your pics...you really weren't that bad! It sickens me that there are folks in the world who make fine looking people feel like they're cows and then go through SURGERY to look "normal"! You are a beautiful woman and I'm sorry that you've had to go through all this (man, your STARTING BMI is where most of us would LOVE to be!) Please, learn blow off those who can't see your beauty, because you ARE beautiful! POST-OP UPDATE: Well, I seem to have a more lenient doc than everyone else...first there was no pre-op testing and now, afterwards I've been given the go-ahead for ANY food (and tomorrow makes 2 weeks out, but he said this after two days). I've been able to eat anything I want. I chew a lot and eat slowly, not because I get full fast (I don't), or because I get tummy pain (never had this), but because I don't want any of those! Maybe my brain IS helping me!?! I had a pretty lazy weekend (which I needed) but am back in gear. Chasing the chickens (getting them in and out of the coop...and back in again because my 4 yr old sprayed them with the hose and it's too cold to be outside and wet) has been a good form of exercise today. I'm definitely feelin' it! I only have one spot of pain...near an incision (not the port incision), but it's better today that I have some girdle-like panties on that's holding it all in...MUCH better. I know someone recommended an "ace bandage for the belly" I too recommend this. I saw it at Walgreens. I'm still suckin' at drinking the shakes, but I'm getting enough protein, etc. in so I'm not too worried. I can sleep on my stomach now and pick up my daughter (she's almost 2) so I'd say I'm doing FANTASTIC! I know that's a lot, but I don't post that often and since it took 3 hours to get through the thread....I deserve a little long-windedness!

ShelCal- Welcome! I just got back from surgery last week and things are going great. Dr. K did not have me do ANY tests, including some urine and blood whilst in the gown as Woofay stated! I didn't find this unusual as he's not using insurance and doesn't have to "prove" that our obesity is a health risk, etc. I know he does pre-op testing on a patient by patient basis though. Marilyn will give you all the info you need to set up your post-op appt. and surgery. I stayed for two days post-op and I HIGHLY suggest bringing someone with you, even if they are just a driver! This goes for all the new Out of Towners! I took off my tape/bandages today. The incisions are a little sore so I put steri-strips on a couple of them so my skin doesn't pull....much better! I've been kinda blah on the whole Protein shake thing...I usually like them, but I'm just not in the mood this week. I think my chickens are eating healthier than I! LOL! Mal - Geez! I had a month like that last year....by the end of the month I was just so stressed that I started praying, "Bring it on! I can handle it!" There's a hymn in my church that talks about our trial and one of the lines is, "And if I die before my journeys through, All is Well, All is Well!" I swear that was my theme song! LOL! May God give you the strength too! Woofay - try housetraining a Boston Terrier....is just doesn't happen! Too bad, they are so cute and ours was so much fun, I just couldn't have my new baby crawling around on the floor only to find a "Tootsie Roll" to munch on (this didn't happen, but it was a BAD vision)...he found a new home where they just love him...we miss him a lot, but it's all for the better! If I only knew.....chickens crap A LOT! Have fun with all those visitors! (See, it pays to live out in the middle of nowhere!) Dynamo - the friend we stayed with while there is a painter and holds private classes. She let my sister sit in on one and my sister actually had the better painting! LOL! Sue kept saying, "Try mixing these colors....apply like this...you know, like Mary!" It was too funny! Good luck with yours! Hey, there's a few planes for sale here...you interested?

I've heard some complaints about dry mouth and bring thirsty. I was given a scolpamine patch behind my ear before surgery to ward off nausea....as soon as I took it off, things were DRAMATICALLY improved! Took off my tape today. My incisions are a little sore so I put a steri-strip accross them so they didn't pull...much better. I am currently eating a Pringle potato chip...I know, bad, but it tastes good, even pulverized! I've been able to eat pretty much anything...not bad for 10 days out! I have not tried bread or peanut butter (which I hear and the toughies). I've also not had soda, which, surprisingly, hasn't been that bad! I feel ok, but had some sharp pain the other day that was remedied by ice and rest....let's just say chasing chickens was NOT a good idea! Funny, I usually like protein shakes, but can't seem to even MAKE one for myself this week! I think it's psychological...I tired of hearing about protein shakes! AAAHHHH!! Oh, I got Eat Smart protein powder from GNC..it was expensive and tastes nasty in broth/soup...but tastes fine in everything else. Cherea - I've been thinking about you and sending you good vibes for your upcoming surgery! It seems so close now!

I'm doing well, thanks for asking. I was actually doing GREAT the other day and then yesterday I had a sharp pain in my belly around the port (or near to where it should be - I have yet to really feel it) and ended up icing and medicating. I'm better today, but know that I should be taking it easy. At least it's cold today and I can leave the chickens in the greenhouse (chasing them last night was a pain...in more than a few ways). I'm eating pretty much whatever I want (mind you my WANTS list isn't that long) as long as I chew it all to a pulp...I haven't experienced anything "bad" from eating yet, which I hope to avoid all the days of my life...really, I don't think it's a lofty goal! JenniferNAZ and I have been emailing eachother and it's nice to just chat with someone who's right at the same step as me....we're not avoiding you all, just letting you know where we are. It takes 3-4 minutes to download a page here and email is a little quicker. Thanks for all your advise and support!

Lynette - great job on the weight loss! I've only lost a couple of pounds (which seems strange since I'm not eating much, but oh well). I'm still quite swollen and I'm sure that has something to do with it. I'm not drinking much...because I don't like to, but I have bottles all over the house so there's no excuse! I've been able to eat oatmeal and I even had some Cereal with the kids (one piece at a time and chewing it COMPLETELY). My doc has given me the go-ahead for anything as long as I feel good about it. I'm taking it slow anyway. I have to admit that I did have a couple bites of king crab last night (living here is nice sometimes), but it was hard to really chew to a pulp! It didn't bother me, but I think I won't try that again for a while.

I'm sorry, but I just can't bear to run through 20 pages that I've missed when it takes 5 min. to load a page! (I miss faster internet already!) Let's see...I'm a week out now. I haven't used any meds in a few days, but have some swelling...lookin' pregnant! Saturday I woke up dizzy! I called the office and was told by on call doc. to go to the ER if it didn't clear up soon. It had been >12 hrs since my last Vicodin. I had some broth and water and seemed to "clear up" after about an hour...scary and weird though. I surrmized that I hadn't eaten much on Friday and the drugs probably just sat there in my system. Needless to say, that's my last dose of Vicodin! My surgeon called yesterday to check on my and seems pleased with my progress. I'm back in Nome now and feeling ok. I spend all Sunday in bed, just resting, and needed it! Now (thanks to the EXCELLENT planning of my dear, sweet husband) I am alone with the kids until Saturday. I'm farring ok so far and have lots of friends available for help so I'm not worried. I'm eating oatmeal for breakfast and soup for other meals (I have some Nutrisystem soups that I like and I just puree the chunks out). It's cool here and I've noticed I'm not drinking enough so I'll have to step that up today. I lost one more chicken, but the others seem to be doing well...I just might have a few chicken dinners at the end of the summer!

Mal - I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I have to say that I'm so proud of you for choosing euthanasia...my parents let my dog suffer for YEARS before he finally collapsed in incredible pain...I still have issues with it. (His last years were not pretty and did him a terrible disservice.) I know he's happy you let him go painlessly! I also have to give you something to smile about...Stormy, my little girl is dancing to your dancing banana...it's super cute! Anita - Good luck with the fill...I'd say take it slow, you're near town so you can get adjustments a lot easier! Let's see...I'm a week out now. I haven't used any meds in a few days, but have some swelling...lookin' pregnant! Saturday I woke up dizzy! I called the office and was told by Dr. McVey (sp?) to go to the ER if it didn't clear up soon. It had been >12 hrs since my last Vicodin. I had some broth and water and seemed to "clear up" after about an hour...scary and weird though. I surrmized that I hadn't eaten much on Friday and the drugs probably just sat there in my system. Needless to say, that's my last dose of Vicodin! Dr. K called yesterday to check on my and seems pleased with my progress. I'm back in Nome now and feeling ok. I spend all Sunday in bed, just resting, and needed it! Now (thanks to the EXCELLENT planning of my dear, sweet husband) I am alone with the kids until Saturday. I farring ok so far and have lots of friends available for help so I'm not worried. I'm eating oatmeal for breakfast and soup for other meals (I have some Nutrisystem soups that I like and I just puree the chunks out). It's cool here and I've noticed I'm not drinking enough so I'll have to step that up today. I lost one more chicken, but the others seem to be doing well...I just might have a few chicken dinners at the end of the summer!

Renee - Don't get down on yourself for "failing" at the pre-op. Keep in mind that the diet is not to torture you, it's to make the surgery safer and therefore, your recovery quicker. Just dust yourself off and get back on! Go sister! My husband and I started dating the day he got his motorcycle...not a Harley...Magna 1100cc...NICE bike, then we got too fat to ride together...this would be a goal for us! Nicole - HALLELUJAH! I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I've started burping, but the pressure is still there. I have not done enough resting and I think I'm feeling the consequenses of it. Dini - I've tried feeling my port, but can't. That's gotta be one of the most strange things - asside from feeling a baby kick you in the gut the first time! I wish we could insert your accent in here...us Alaskans don't have one so we pick up others' pretty quickly. Today is my worst day...3 days post-op. I was good this morning, but now I'm so bloated that I look pregnant! I'm a little nauseated too, but I've been controlling that. I've taken some walks around the neighborhood and gone driving with my dad (they bought a corvette while I was in Denver so we took it for a spin..it takes some effort to get in and out of it!). I'm trying to stay active, but taking naps when I'm tired...which I am now so I'm off to sleep! I think maybe I'm just over-doing it. I'm headed to bed early... Some advise for those travelling for the surgery: liquid medication can be carried on (in a ziploc bag) as long as it's a prescription - there is no amount limit (I had a big bottle of liq. vicodin and some antibiotics). I was given some compression stockings (TED hose) for the surgery. Keep them and wear them in the car/plane home...this will help with swelling and circulation (VERY important because of DVT). I did not use a heat pad, but found my ice pack to be quite a relief. (this is different for everyone, so maybe have both on hand.)

Today is my worst day...3 days post-op. I was good this morning, but now I'm so bloated that I look pregnant! I'm a little nauseated too, but I've been controlling that. I've taken some walks around the neighborhood and gone driving with my dad (they bought a corvette while I was in Denver so we took it for a spin..it takes some effort to get in and out of it!). I'm trying to stay active, but taking naps when I'm tired...which I am now so I'm off to sleep!

mymacky - I respect ALL opinions (but usually prefer my own :-) I am sorry that you did not have a better experience with Dr. K and his staff. I can't say that I have any complaints. Everyone answered my questions, including him, and Marilyn even tracked down some copies of things for me because I had left them on my email at home and couldn't get them. The important part of all of this is to choose a doctor with whom you are most comfortable with. Really, regardless of what everyone else says, it's really up to you and your own "gut feeling." I'm glad you've found a different doc that you are, so far, pleased with. Also, I've worked with docs since I was 12 and with your experience you should know that the surgeons are not the talky-touchy-feely people that we wished they would be (although, I though Dr. K very personable). This "skirting around the issue" could just be that he might have felt that it's the primary care provider's responsibility to talk to you about all that and he's just there to implant the thing. I just like to throw a little perspective in. Also, I was the ONLY patient in his office both times I was there so I wasn't contending for his time, which might have made a difference. About the weight loss and what to expect. I think that weight is both a psychological and phsiological issue. If I WANT to be fat I WILL be fat...there's ways to get around these weight loss surgeries. Same goes with others...sometimes weight loss can be frieghtening to folks who have never been thin. Now, physically, I like to feel full, I like to feel food in my mouth and going down my throat. THIS could be my downfall, but I'm hoping that with the Band that I will not be able to indulge as much anymore. FYI: Dr. K informed me that his lease is up soon and he'll be moving into a new office in Parker. Apparently, newer, brighter, better....so maybe it will be a more friendly environment for others. Mind you, I thought his office was fine!

Cherea - I, too, hope your body is recovering and you'll be able to go into surgery with the healthiest body possible! Dini - Your brother is not just a jerk, but a time waster...really, THAT'S what he does with his spare time...sad. Sunny - thanks for the "warm" wishes. Danny - glad the Mexico thing went well for you and that you're already loosing! BTW typing speed has nothing to do with it (my speed is around 90wpm and I STILL can't keep up with everyone!) Update: I'm in Fairbanks now, flight from Denver went well (I kept the compression stockings from the surgery cener and wore them on the plane...really helped my legs feel good and not get swollen). We got here early this morning and I was feeling quite great (I'm just on Tylenol now) so I took a shower and drove around and went to some garage sales (a good "purpose" for a walk). I came home feeling not so great and took a nap. I'm nauseated now so I'm using an anti-nausea suppository to see if I can make it through the day. (I'd better get feeling good fast, my parents bought a new corvette and I want to go for a ride before I head back to Nome!) I've also had some discomfort in my chest - not pain - it feels like there's a burp just sitting there, high under my breast bone and it just won't come out! I'm also puffed up like a blowfish! I can't wear any of my pants just yet! But, really, if this is as bad as it gets, it's still better than I could've expected. About me: I grew up in the AF and landed in Fairbanks for too long (abot 22 yrs). I'm LDS (a Mormon) and met my Big Stud of A Husband (BSOAH) at church. We've been married 10 yrs in Sept. and have three kids (Connor-7, Owen-4, and Stormy-almost 2). My BSOAH is a State Trooper and we moved to Bethel for a bit and we just moved to Nome. We plan on a couple more moves before we find our "home sweet spot". I went to Idaho State and earned a BS in Health Care Administration. I stay at home with the kids now and raise our chickens!

It was fun actually SEEING you all last night. It's alost surreal meeting cyber-friends. LOL! Anita - Mary made a comment about you after we left that I thought you might like...she said "She's stunning!" Trip went well, today I'm at my parents' house and kinda over did it...I'm a little nauseated now. Hey, is it normal to feel like you've got a burp bubble stuck in your chest? It feels kind of high, like right where the breast bone is. I have been able to burp a few times, but not much. Any ideas?

Littleroo1 - I just had surgery the other day. I did ZEOR pre-op testing (no blood, no x-rays, etc.) This may be different for each patient. All went amazingly well! EVERYONE ELSE: My sister and I are going to Red Robin early (she'd like to eat before we leave). So just look for us there. Couple blondes, one skinny, one on her way!

Icy - What the heck?! I got Demerol in the surgery center and was sent home with liquid Vicodin...now I don't use a full dose, but it's nice to have...especially to sleep. I think you should give him a call. Lindaa - I was able to shower after one day...I didn't get sutures, I got a plastic band-aide thing called an "Op-Site"...no glue, no stitches, sounds good to me. Wrangler - drink plenty of water before your blood draw - it will make the blood flow better. And FYI I had ZERO blood work or labs done prior to surgery. AppleBlossom - glad to hear that you're back home and doing well! Keep up the good recovery. So, I've been telling my sister about this "support group" I'm part of and she asked if I had bragged about sleeping on my side, drinking well, and shopping at Target (it gave purpose to my walk). So....I told her that I already bragged, but she thought I might not have bragged enough! Therefore, here I am bragging! I really hope everyon else's recovery goes this well!

Rene - thanks for the info...I will definitely hit SAMS up for the protein powder! CeCe - I'm glad that you went to see a Kwakapractor (as my mom says). This should really help you prepare for the surgery and help you move more to recover faster. :Banane56: Ash - Yeah, you're home! Lucky girl to have a pain pump! Although I'm not in a lot of pain, just stiffness. Lynette - I concur...cute kid and I love your new picture! I LOVE cruising...I'm going on one in November to celebrate our 10 years together...a bunch of family are joining us too. I'd not suggets Caribbean in August because of weather...Alaska cruises are nice, but tend to be spendy. The Mexican cruises could be a good option...leave from LA and go down the west side of Mex...just something to think about. Also 3-5 day cruises are available at a good price too! I spent the day at a dollar store and Target (things we don't have in Alaska) so I got a LOT of walking in. I haven't taken a full dose of pain meds today - YIPEE! I did get some shoulder pain, but nothing like I had when I had my gallbladder removed years ago. I just have one spot that is sore. My doc didn't use stiches, he used "op-sites" kinda like a clear bandage that I'll take off in a week. The incisions run accross my upper belly with one small one right in the middle of my boobs (low enough for a bra though). Interesting that my port is placed in the middle and not on the side. I've tried to feel it and can't. BTW - I can paint my toenails!:clap2::whoo::whoo: I head home tomorrow night and am looking forward to being back at my own house. I'll miss this speedy internet though! Count your blessings Lucky 7's if you have this quick internet!

Wednesday update - day 2. I'm more sore today than I was yesterday, but still not bad. My biggest worry right now is how to get all my liquid meds home. Does anyone know if TSA will let you have more than 3 oz of prescription meds? I'll try to call them and find out. What a pain! I was able to sleep on my side (both of them) last nigt, but it was still a little restless...I think it's the whole "not being in my own bed" thing though. So, I'm walking around in pajama pants and a tank-top...real sexy! We're going to go for a drive and maybe hit a dollar store so that will get me walking...me in my garb and my sister lookin' hot, hot, hot! JenniferAZ - The surgery took just over an hour...he determined the size of the band once he was in there, but after my pre-op said he'd probbly use the 10cc band on me. I was in recovery for several hours (but usually that's just one hour). I was asleep and my sister asked that they just let me sleep and leave me and they were very obliged. Oh, I was at Health South, not at the other one in Parker.

MM - I don't like protein shakes in anything but vanilla...I swear the strawberry smells like vomit to me. I like the EAS low carb "cans". I've been looking for a powder that I can add to water, but haven't found much past Myoplex (which I like too). So far right now I'm on clear liquids too, but I think tomorrow I get to add color! It's not so bad, I'm actually not hungry at all. Anyone hear from JenniferAZ? She should be here (Denver) by now and surgery tomorrow. I'm going out for a walk...later!

I didn't sleep last night very well...even got Dr. K to give me a sleeping pill. This wasn't so bad though because this morning I was too tired to be nervous! The experience was pleasant. I don't have much pain at all and I've only had 1/2 dose of liq. Vicodin. I'll probably take a full dose before bed tonight. Really, I'm amazed at how well I feel! There were several people who were in and out before me, but there weren't any complications except for the fact that I was TIRED and SLEEPING so they decided to just let me be. I've slept a lot today and am looking forward to an AWAKE day tomorrow. So...here's how the day went. We overslept and ran out the door, got there just in tme (this happened yesterday too becaue of a delayed flight - the Lord is helping us). Pre-op was painless except for the IV. I was given a Dulolax the night before so clean out my intestines - this may explain why I have NO gas or gas pains. I remember falling asleep fast and waking up well. I was tired so they piled me with blankets and just let me sleep. Surgery was at 9am and we left at 2:30p. I've been sleeping a lot, but walking up and down the stairs everytime I wake - I'm so glad we're at a friends house instead of a motel. I DO have a little shoulder pain and I'm hoping it doesn't worsen...my sister said she'll give me a little massage later to knead out all the extra gas. (BTW this extra gas causes that referred pain.) All in all a good experience--WAY better than I was planning!:biggrin1: I'm not going back to read ALL the posts I missed, but knowing some of our cheerleaders there were some well wishing posts and I'm thankful for that! Now, off to the races! Oh, did I mention that I lost 14 lbs on my 2 week pre-op? I feel REALLY good about that!:whoo:

I'M BANDED! I didn't sleep last night very well...even got Dr. K to give me a sleeping pill. This wasn't so bad though because this morning I was too tired to be nervous! The experience was pleasant. I don't have much pain at all and I've only had 1/2 dose of liq. Vicodin. I'll probably take a full dose before bed tonight. Really, I'm amazed at how well I feel! There were several people who were in and out before me, but there weren't any complications except for the fact that I was TIRED and SLEEPING so they decided to just let me be. I've slept a lot today and am looking forward to an AWAKE day tomorrow. Looks like I'll be seeing you all on Thursday. I won't be able to stay long because we have to be at the airport at 8, but that's ok.

Mal-surgery is supposed to be at 9am....in Portland now, one more flight to go! We're sooo tired!

OK, time to go to the gate! I'm getting further away from home and closer to a BAND! YIPEE!

Jennifer - I'm so glad that you didn't have to post-pone. I'm looking forward to MEETING everyone in Dr. K's office and just getting it done. I'm getting nervouse, but it's 12:30am and I'm in an airport on my way and that doesn't help anything! I think I'll take a Tylenol PM and see if I can sleep on the next flight! Good luck sister!

First, I tried the chewable Centrum that I found at Safeway and they are actually good...so there's an option! They weren't too pricey either, which is a bonus for me! Cherea - Man, that sucks for you! Keep those positive thoughts, drink lots of Water and pee that infection right out! You could always ask the doc to culture the urine and actually find out what bug is growing and get antibiotics for that particular bug. I swear my calling is the State Ombudsman! Kristen07 - Since I'm flying from Alaska to Denver (right now in fact) I have a shopping list for Walgreens: Protein powder, chewable Vitamins, gas X strips, papaya enzyme (if you get "stuck" it will help break down to food so it will go down), someone also mentioned an ace bandage like thing for your tummy...I might try that, we'll see. You should take the opportunity to try some protein powders and shakes NOW. Also have on hand some Clear liquids for post-op and some mushy foods for post-post-op...I was told by my doc that they should be the consistency of applesauce. I feel like I missed a few pages...couldn't really keep up with some of the subject matter...and I read a TON of pages. We have a LONG lay-over on my way to Denver for the surgery. ONLY 24 HOURS LEFT!!! YIKES! For those of you who were concerned...my baby chicks are now doing well and walking, eating, and drinking like normal. Now I'll be able to feed everyone for Christmas! LOL!:biggrin1: Dini my sweet - You're still sounding negative! You know, I had a friend/boss from Ireland (she moved back about a year ago) and she came to Alaska to work for a bit....maybe you need a change? Oh yeah, that's right, you GOT A CHANGE! You're pretty hot in your before pictures and you'll be even hotter soon! Try to stay positive! You don't want that little girl picking up negative thoughts. You did this for you, so you can be happier...so start being happier!

THE CHICKS ARE DOING WELL! I've been in Fairbanks for a couple of days and am now at the airport (LONG layover) on my way to Denver. It'll take a while to get there - better connections on the way back though. I'm getting anxious and considering asking Dr. K for a sedative for the night before so I will get some sleep....I'm one of those people who just can't sleep when I'm excited...I STILL wake up early on Christmas morning! LOL! Be there soon!

This should be long...but I've already written it and it was deleted before it was posted...DANG IT! Dini - I'm married to an Andrew and I don't think there's a bad one in the lot. (I'm sometimes wrong, but don't tell him I said that!) I think maybe you've been focusing on the negative instead of the positive. Try to think of the GOOD things he's done. Now, if there aren't any good things, maybe you SHOULD look into being single, but remember...us "fat folks" have been programed to focus on the negative...you're not going to be fat anymore so you should go ahead and start focusing on the postive! Lynette - You're crackin' me up! Although I'm keeping in the laughter (too many people around to laugh AT me). I was thinking about when you said "I think I strained my port" and I couldn't help thinking how HILLARIOUS that would be if said in any other conversation! Bobbertsmom - make sure you walk, walk, walk! That includes just getting up and switching chairs! You can still do that in your house! Also, just walk around the house...discover where you left some dirt (to clean up later). I KNOW this will help! It's the only way I recovered from my c-sections so quickly. NOTE: I found some chewable Centrum Vitamins today...I'll try them and let you all know. I've been doing awesome on my pre-op diet! My sister's scale is GREAT! (it showed I lost 4 lbs. overnight...of course it's off though, but it's a nice thought) I'm still hating meat and cheese, but I'm enjoying the chicken salads I'm having. I'm just looking forward to some other flavors and FRUIT...I really want some friut and milk. I'm worried when I hear people say that they just can't do the diet, that they dream of things like Cookies and cake...please be aware that this tool won't keep you from eating those things so if that's really what you want, maybe you should see a therapist to find out why you want THOSE things instead of healthy things. ALSO-AN IDEA: There just seems to be a lot of negativity lately...with relationships (and that includes me), pre-op diets, etc. So let's all take a minute to write three things we're truly thankful for (the band and this group don't count, that's a given). I'll start: 1. I'm thankful for a husband and family that share my faith and values. 2. I'm thankful to have sisters that I hated growing up, but cherish now that we're all adults. 3. I'm thankful to always have what I need when I need it. (ie. friends, family, money, STUFF, etc.)