piercedqt78

I have a fairly large box of clothes that are now too big for me. It's 95% casual clothing, jeans, dresses and a few tops. The box is stuffed full of clothing. It's about 12x14x18 and the clothes are piled so full that I can't close the box. If anyone would like to pick them up, or meet up somewhere in the clay county area, they are yours for the taking.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/juliegerstein/shape-magazine-refused-to-let-this-woman-wear-a-bikini-on-it?bffbstyle Shape Magazine didn't want to run pictures of a woman that had lost 170 pounds showing her excess skin. It's real, it's the truth, and it's not always pretty. If you make a drastic change, and drop that much weight you WILL have skin. It's sad that they claim it's policy to have everyone cover up for their before/after shots, but one look at their site, or the pages of their magazine prove otherwise. I guess they only want to showcase those that have toned and not had dramatic loss.

If insurance covered the surgery there should be a "global period" where all surgical related issues are covered 100% with no co-pay.

The 28th works for me. So that's 3, anyone else? I will see where I can set up for a group on the 28th.

It could also be a rash from taking pain meds if you are on codine. I know my mom and my daughter are both prone to rashes with pain meds.

Also all the menus are available at http://allears.net/dining/menu that whole site is amazing for planning, recipes and menus that are updated fairly often.

You could always go to non buffet places and share meals, and go to 2 places a day. Using your credit at one, and your travel partner at the other. If there are more than 2 of you, then use your credits for the group to have an extra meal or 2. We did this when we had free dining, we were there 10 nights and had 30 table service credits, it was my hubby, young daughter and myself (with a band at the time) my daughter and I split meals, and hubby had his own. So we only used 2 credits at each meal, so we did 15 table service meals. We LOVED Wolfgang Pucks at downtown Disney, they had the most tender steak I think I have ever eaten, and my daughter fell in love with asparagus there. We ate at the the Wolfgang Express several times, and loved the pizza, and the chicken dinner is perfection. It's 1/2 a chicken and mashed potatoes. It was enough for my daughter and I to have for dinner, and then we took out dessert back to the room for a midnight snack.

My bariatric group hosted their first meet and greet, that was loaded with some great vendors giving out some nice goodies, and holding a few drawings for some cool stuff. Then they held an amazing fashion show using some of their patients that were willing to walk the catwalk in some beautiful outfits. They also provided some tasty Snacks, some healthy some not so healthy. (I will question that when I see him in the office next week). My mom, hubby, daughter, and daughter's best friend attended with me as my "support people" As the fashion show was coming to a close, I notice my surgeon standing in the back watching, and I slipped back to talk to him for a moment. I haven't seen him for 4 months, like I said I have an appt next week, he looked at me and seemed puzzled, he said I know you, but I don't know where I know you from. He thought I was a spouse of a patient. I reminded him that he did my surgery last May, and that I had lost 130 pounds, his mouth dropped open, and then it clicked who I was in his mind. He asked how I have been doing, and how I am feeling now that I am at my goal. I told him I feel amazing, I was so overcome with emotion that I just stepped forward pulled him into a hug and started to cry, on his very expensive suit. He hugged me back to my surprise (he is very professional, and doesn't have the most friendly personality, very to the point and blunt in the office) and said that he was just blown away with my success, and that he was PROUD of me, and wanted me in the next fashion show. My family had joined us at this point, and my mom made the comment that I was too thin, and he corrected her and said I was not too thin, I looked perfect. He said I looked like a barbie doll, and he wouldn't change a thing about me. I thanked him for saving my life, and he reminded me again tonight of something he said to me on the day of my surgery. He couldn't "fix me", but he was giving me the tools to fix myself. That has stuck with me, and when I start to think of cheating on my food plan, (I NEVER diet, I have a life long food plan) I think of the amazing tool he has given me, and how he told me it was up to me to make this tool work for me. I have worked my sleeve to it's fullest and I am proud to say that I have gone from a size 22/24 to a 4 yes that's right a 4. I am going to walk in the next fashion show, and I am not only going to walk, I'm going to strut my stuff. I am so proud of the work I have put into my new self, and I and forever greatful for the tool that Dr. Uchal had given to me. My life was changed on May 8th 2013, that will be the day I Celebrate my rebirth. I just wanted to share with you all, it was an NSV but seeing all the other women that had made the same amazing transformations that I have made brought me to tears. At the end of the show, they announced that the ladies that walked in the show tonight had lost a total of 2,200 pounds. Amazing. And my mother who needs the surgery told me that she was too old. Well tonight she met a woman that is older than her that was sleeved and lost 156 pounds. She looked AMAZING, and my mom asked her a ton of questions. I think she might actually look into being sleeved. This is something I have prayed about for the last year. My mom is diabetic, high blood pressure and high cholestrol, and she had to have back surgery, and now she needs knee surgery. I keep telling her the surgery would change her life. It would help her live longer, healthier and happier. She told me that she would do the surgery but doesn't want the excess skin, I told her I would rather have her with excess skin, and Alive, than bury her with tight skin. I don't want to lose my mom to obesity, when help is available. I think that actually sunk in tonight. I guess we will see what she does. I did my surgery to be here for my daughter, and I hope she is willing to do the same to be here for myself and my daughter. Tonight was a great night. It also made me decide to help set up a monthly meeting for my area. I posted in the local group area so I guess tonight not only made me happy, but also made me see that I have a lot of support and motivation to offer.

If you read the follow-up from Shape, it was actually the independently-contracted writer who stated the policy to her, not the magazine itself. The magazine apologized to the person in question (and no, I don't know if it was the result of the social media fall-out, but the author in question did admit to turning down the photo and not actually submitting it to the magazine) Sadly I don't trust what Shape magazine has to say. They also stated that only more modest photos were ever accepted. I have seen more "after" photos in bikinis then not, but they originally told her that a more modest photo would be ok, and "to their standards" but if you look at their archives there are more bikini pictures than anything. It's sad that a bikini on a thin person that more toned than lost is ok, but a bikini on a formerly MO person is not, due to some excess skin, which is a fact of live for most if not all bariatric patients.

Linda, that's beautiful! I'm from here originally but lived in Chicago for 17 years. I'm so happy to be back home it's not even funny. My daughter (she will be 13 in 2 weeks OMG!!!) says she misses Chicago and having 4 seasons. I told her I only seem to remember 2 seasons there, Harsh winter and the short road construction season. She has a bleeding disorder and the humidity helps her about 90%. In Chicago we dealt with bleeding bouts at least once a week, and averaged about 2 ER visits a month for cautery, we haven't had to go to the ER for a bleed since moving here almost 3 years ago! We discovered how amazing the humidity was for her 3 summers ago, we have a wedding, a family reunion and my Grandmother's 80th birthday all about 2 weeks apart. She and I came down and stayed with my Uncle for about 5 weeks, it was cheaper than going back and forth for all 3 events. She was perfectly healthy the entire time we were here. When we got back to Chicago I called a meeting with her pcp and her hematologist and was very blunt and asked why she was so sick in Chicago but perfectly fine in Florida. They explained that the humidity and the air quality played a part in her disorder, something I had never heard of before. They also explained the some kids in Florida may thrive and flourish in Chicago while some kids in Chicago may be better off in Florida. Each case is different, and each child reacts to outside stimulus in their own way. We got back to Chicago in early July and had packed and moved here by August 1st. My hubby stayed behind until Feb of the following year to wrap up the details of selling our home, and I did a ton of the computer work to help him get a job here in Jacksonville. My parents were amazing and allowed my daughter, and my self along with our little dog to stay with them until my husband was able to join us here. It saved me a ton of money because I didn't have to pay living expenses on 2 homes. And it gave me a chance to see the different areas around us, and to check out schools before commiting to a place to live. We sold our home in Chicago, and right now we are renting an apt, I have a few areas that I really like, and I'm starting to look into houses in those areas. We have one more year of middle school, and my daughter wants to attend one of the magnet type high school programs here in Clay county. She is looking into graphic design, advertising, or graphic arts with computer aided drafting. Most kids change their minds 100 times about the career they are interested in, we were told when she was in pre-school that she wanted to be an animator for Disney, her dream has never really changed all that much. Any of the careers she is looking into would let her make that dream come true. And thanks to the programs offered here in Clay county, she can finish high school with an associates degree, and she will only be 17. If she goes straight to college she can have her BA at 19. She is a brilliant young lady, and has amazing artistic ability. I'm glad her teachers have all encouraged her love and talent for Art, they actually take her abilities seriously and that has really boosted self esteem and self confidence.

http://www.cummer.org/ you can explore the gardens in the photos, it's really beautiful there.

There is also a cafe in St. Vincent's Riverside location. I haven't eaten there, but they serve Soup, and it always smells AMAZING when I pass by on the way to my appts. My hubby and mom ate there the day I had my surgery, and both agreed it was really good. So that might also be an option, and they have something for every stage of postop eating. I just hate that people will have to pay for parking to meet there. I know it's only $2 but still.... How about Sat June 14th or the 28th? After we get established I would like to set up a meeting/outing on the first Sat one month and get together at the Cummer Art Museum. It's free the first Sat of the month and I think sitting in the garden would be perfect when the weather cools off. We can have our meeting in a beautiful spot, and afterwards those that want to can explore the indoor Art exibits together. A good way to develop friendships.

There is always broth, or hot tea for those in the early phases.

I'm not sure any restaurant is going to let us meet there and bring our own foods. Is there a tapas place in that area? All tiny portions, and usually some healthy options.

I haven't been to either place, but I would prefer to call ahead and make sure we have seating etc. I figure max of about 10 people at first.

I don't have very many at this point, but St. Vincents is willing to help promote the Sat group. Do you have a restaurant that you would like to go to? I only know of kickbacks in that area.

I am working with St. Vincents Hospital to get their meeting room on Sat afternoons. I will keep everyone posted as soon as I hear back from their co-ordinator.

I personally have never been denied the use of my card. We have dined at Chef Mickey's, Whispering Canyon, and The Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. I was charged the kids price each time. Another good place is Wolfgang Puck's at Downtown Disney. I either eat the filling out of a sandwich, or the toppings from a pizza. They also have an amazing grilled chicken salad with their signature dressing. I only live 2 1/2 hours from the parks, and last year we had Florida Resident passes, we went fairly often, and I was able to save some $$ with my dining card, and had a blast.

Disney has a rule that everyone in the room must be on the plan, or no one can have it. I tried to just add my hubby and daughter and was told nope, can't be done. We love the food at colombia harbor house in Magic Kingdom, as well as Cosmic Rays grilled chicken salad. Pecos Bills also has really good burgers and wraps, and they are plenty large enough to share. I also really like the hotdogs at Casey's. I take it off the bun, and dip it in the cheese sauce that is on the toppings bar, I also have to have a bit of saurkraut. At Animal Kingdom I agree Flame Tree is a great option, as is Yak and Yeti's to go counter. I had shrimp stirfry and hubby had chicken stirfry. I simply skipped the rice. Epcot, you have a ton of fun tasty options eating around World Showcase, I LOVE the food and wine festival simply because the portions are just right for me. We really like Beirgarten (germany), and Rose and Crown (the UK). Rose and Crown has a take out window as well, it's listed as a fish and chip's place. I just eat the fish, with the breading pulled off. And Sunshine Seasons is really good, they have a kids meal that is a chick leg or wing, and a veggies or bag of apples and a drink. I take the apples and eat them later in the day. For Hollywood Studio's I like the chicken cesar salad at pizza Planet, they have the best turkey legs there too. And just for the record, you can show your card from your surgeon and eat at the kids price at the buffets. Still like $15-$20 but cheaper than the $35-$40 for adults. And all of the quick service places list only meals on their menu boards, but you can order anything ala carte. I don't care for the fries in Disney, so I either get apple slices, or sub another veggie, or just order the Protein without bread ala carte. In some cases it's not much more to get the meal, and then have apples for later, so that's always worth looking at as well. Have fun, that really is the most magical place on earth!

I didn't read the 5 pages of replies, as I felt they were personal and for you. I will say that I'm a firm believer that cancer is just pure evil. Please take the time to take care of yourself, I know that is hard, but the more you take care of yourself, the more you can take care of your Bear. I lost my father to an inoperable brain tumor when I was 12, and then my grandfather (an angel in my eyes) when I was only 20. Cancer ravaged the men in my life, and it was very hard for me to grieve and let the anger go, it took me several years to allow myself to love my husband, out of fear that he too would leave me too soon. I believe the coffee maybe a factor in the reflux, there are several low acid coffees on the market, and they really do make a difference. Also ask about protonix, it's cheap, has been around forever and works really great on acid. I also have a suggestion for the fudgesicles, buy sugar free pudding mix, and make it with almond milk, freeze in popsicle molds and have those, they are only a few calories and really help boost Protein intake. I lived on them during my "whole liquid stage" You could also get the pre-made sugar free puddings and freeze them, they are more limited in flavors, and are about double the portion of a popsicle mold but much easier. I make them for my daughter and her friends, sometimes we layer chocolate and banana, or cheesecake pudding with strawberry and cream pudding. I will make the cheesecake for myself and the girls with crush oreo's into theirs. Since I don't care for oreos (I know I'm un American) I'm not tempted. Last but not least know that your bariatric family is here, we may be miles away, but we are never more than a keyboard and monitor from you. Prayers and love to your family tonight, and always~Mandy PS: feel free to email me, my address is in my signature. I'm online and check my mail several times a day. Even if you just need to vent, or want someone to tell you that you are stronger than you realize. (((hugs)))

I guess working with a rescue and having animals in and out as fosters, temps, and just simply not being able to say no to any animal tends to build up quite a collection of fur babies, shell babies, and of course scaled babies when needed. My Kammi had to have an eye removed, and they drained the Fluid out of the eye they removed, and then injected it into her remaining eye to try to save it. She is known in our area as the miracle dog, all the local vets know her. And we take her to all the local pet adoption events, to show that even the roughest looking babies can look like a show dog with love and good vet care.

Alex, there is no greater love then the love of a rescue. Congrats on the new pup, may he bring your family many happy years.

This is Leo, he is my daughter's Cavalier King Charles. We adopted him from a woman that was dying of Breast Cancer, and could not take him to the hospice home. This is Kammi and Louie, the little guy has been in our lives and hearts for about 6 years now, and I love him with all my heart. The bigger girl is my hubby's little lady. She has had a long life, in just 4 short years. I am also adding a picture of her the day she was picked up off the street. She was still nursing a puppy in the condition she was in, my grand puppy Winston turned out to be a wonderful, goofy big mixed breed boy, that we still visit. She has come a long way don't you think? This is what I come home to, MY pillow that has been dragged from my bed to the couch, so Princess Kammi can be more comfy. I have bought her the same pillow, I have tried giving her my old one and taking the new one, but she still takes mine, not hubby's or the kid's pillow, only mine. This is the day Kammi officially became ours. It was the best day. Louie sunning himself. He LOVES living in Florida, there is always grass to roll in, and since it rains often, he gets to roll in wet grass, yay for him, not so much for me. This is JubJub, he is a male sugar glider, we also have a female but she is a total snot, and doesn't care for her picture being taken. Last but not least, our red footed tortoises. We have 2, the larger one is strawberry (they have spots that look like strawberry seeds on their legs) and the little guy is Squirt. I wasn't sure about having them, they live like 30-50 years, and eat a special diet, but now I LOVE them. They are in a large reptile tank on my Breakfast bar, we never used it anyway, and they come out and watch me cook, or do dishes. They know when it is time to be fed, and will tap their shells on the tank if I'm late getting to them. They also LOVE a bath, and I soak them in a small hospital tub (like the ones they use for sponge baths etc) and they are just too cute in the Water. It's really amazing to watch them grow and everyone loves watching them eat. They take such massive bites for something so small. And honestly the cutest thing to ever happen is to see a tiny little tortoise yawn. I don't know why it's so cute, but it is. That's my little zoo. It's crowded, and feeding time takes forever, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I had my 1 year on the 8th but due to a nasty stomach virus I was unable to go, so I went today. I'm down 91 pounds from my revision weight, and 134 from my highest. I had 100% perfect labs, and my surgeon that is normally very to the point called me a "superstar" It just made my day. I also did my measurements and I'm now a 33-28-32. I can wear a size 3 in every brand, and as small as a 0 in some brands. Today was one of the happiest days of my life!!

Thanks! I'm planning to renew my vows in 2015 fall for my 15th wedding anniversary, and I am really excited about getting to dress shop. When I went for the original wedding, almost 14 years ago I had like 10 to choose from, I went online to David's bridal and they have thousands to choose from, and none of them look like they were shipped here from the 80's. Thankfully we are considering a theme wedding, him as a pirate, and me as a wench, seems fun, and since we are looking at a boat for the reception, it's fitting. I live in North Florida (less than a 45 min drive to St. Augustine) and that's really pirate central.