Frangipani

Kendra, That's wonderful news!!!!! :hurray:

LOL Jody! And thanks for the well wishes :frown:. I wanted to share some additional details regarding the surgery saga in the hopes that it might provide additional info to someone else who might have the same gynecological issue I have (Fibroid tumors). The gynecologic surgeon that I finally chose to work with is actually the fifth gynecologist I have consulted with over the past year. The first three Dr.'s I talked took one look at my fibroid (which is quite large) and immediately recommended a hysterectomy. The fourth Dr. I spoke to was willing to do a myomectomy, but only very reluctantly, and was strongly encouraging me to go with a hysterectomy. The fifth Dr. was the only one out of the five who left the choice completely up to me. Many people I know (including my Mother and Grandmother) had hysterectomies for their fibroid tumors, BUT in the vast majority of these cases a hysterectomy is not necessary. In Europe, for example, hysterectomies are almost never performed for this reason. Long story short ladies, if you want to keep your uterus in the USA, keep talking to Doctors until you find the right one and don't take no for an answer!!!! There are several minimally invasive treatment options out there. Do lots of research and learn as much as you can about the various treatment options and then talk to Doctors, and choose the one that's right for you -- don't let someone else make that choice for you. I was "this close" to scheduling a hysterectomy, thinking that it was what I "needed" to do, but something in the back of my mind kept telling me to explore this whole issue a bit further, and I'm glad I did. Fibroids can grow back of course, and frequently do, however they also often don't grow back. Therefore, my thought about this whole thing is that I will have it removed, and if it comes back in a significant way, then I will consider having a hysterectomy. Another interesting twist to this whole saga was the decision to have the gynecological procedure done "openly" or laparoscopically in conjunction with the plastic surgery. One Dr. unequivocally told me that it makes "no sense" to do a laparoscopic procedure while doing a tummy tuck, because I would already be "open." Well, it turns out that this is not exactly accurate. After running this past wonderful Dr. #5 and my wonderful plastic surgeon, I discovered that it likely does make sense to have the procedure done laparoscopically because the plastic surgeon does not need to cut through the abdominal fascia (as one would need to do to perform an open myomectomy or hysterectomy) and cutting through the abdominal fascia is the thing that creates the most post-operative pain and recovery time. I hope I'm not boring everyone with all these details, but I found these little pieces of information I discovered along the way very interesting -- and certainly not readily available without research, talking to several Doctors, and asking lots of questions.........

Well Becky you and I have been corresponding a lot lately and you know how excited I am for you!!! This additional testing is just a minor blip and I am 100% certain that everything will be just fine. I think you're right about all this testing sometimes being something other than about our health per se. However, being considerably more cynical than you (total sweetheart that you are), I feel that this has less to do with "malpractice insurance fears" (many states, including Texas, already have tort limits on medical malpractice claims) and more to do with the fact that health insurance makes it possible for Dr.'s to sometimes go a bit overboard in their testing, for a whole variety of reasons, including (at times) their own economic interests. Anyhow, enough about that........ I'm trying to get my PS details worked out once I get the "all clear" from the gynecologist, but here's what's going on with me so far. I will be doing something a little different. There will be two surgeries. Surgery number one will be a laparoscopic myomectomy (utilizing a fascinating new technology called the DaVinci robot), tummy tuck (the first half of a circumferential tuck) and breast lift with implants. Surgery number two will be finishing out the circumferential tuck, and large-volume liposuction of the thighs. I have lots of details to share about my plastic surgery/gynecologic surgery saga and I have been working on this and researching like crazy for quite some time now. But since this post is getting very long, I will leave it at that for now and will fill in some other details later. For obvious (and health insurance) reasons, I will be having my surgeries done in the US, and I am simply thrilled with both Dr.'s that I have chosen to work with -- both are absolutely top-notch. I am shooting for surgery number one in early June if I am fortunate enough to get everyone's schedule together. My gynecologic surgeon is always quite busy and very in demand, so his schedule will probably end up dictating the timing of this whole thing. More updates later!

Lessnless, Congratulations!!!! And what a great attitude you have -- no wonder you've been so successful with this!!!! FABULOUS JOB -- I can't wait to get to where you are. I'm happy with my weight loss, but quite anxious to reach the finish line!

Hi Molly Molly, Welcome! Glad you're joining us :tongue::smile:! It's great that you're an August bandster too!!! I was thinking of starting my running program tomorrow, but if you want to start together, just let me know what day is best for you and we'll do it. On the weekends I usually go hiking, but the first week of the Couch to 5K program looks pretty easy, so I can do both in a day, if need be. I got one hour of cardio in today. Have a great night everyone!!!

Hi Guys, I'm back! I did get two cardio workouts in while I was away, but fell short of my monthly goal for the very first time because my gynecologist discovered something going on in my uterus that he has "questions" about and sent me running all over Miami on the last few days of my trip having several tests done. Thus far, things are looking good, and I'm waiting for a few more results so that I can get the Dr. off my back. However, if these last few results are not what the wants them to be, then he apparently plans to send me running around the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico having more tests :smile:. This Dr. is definitely starting to get on my last nerve! I'm telling you I just don't have time for this nonsense, and the worst part is that he cut into my shopping time with all these dumb tests :wink2::mad::eek: Anyhow, everyone did a fabulous job in April -- I am so very proud of us all :thumbup:! Now onto our May challenge!!!!

Happy April Everyone! Time for a new exercise challenge thread. This thread is open to anyone -- you don't have to be an August 07 bandster to join us. Have a happy and healthy month! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 0/30 Exercise Sessions Mexico

Hi Shirley, Thanks :tt2:! And you're right! What else could I be but a Michigander?! Have a great night!

Where is everyone??? I got another hour of cardio in today. I'll be be traveling up to the States tomorrow and will check back in a day or two. Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 24/30 Exercise Sessions (15 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 3 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Everyone, This thread jumped out at me on the forum home page, and I just wanted to pop in and say Hi! Michiganders and Michibanders Rock!!!! I don't live in Michigan anymore, but I was born at St. John hospital, and graduated from Northville High, and the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) -- so, I guess this makes me a dyed-in-the-wool Michigander....just not a Michibander :blushing:. Can I be an honorary member? Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 23/30 Exercise Sessions (14 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 3 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi, it's me again :blushing:. Still plugging away -- one hour of cardio and one hour of weight training (legs/lower body). Have a great night! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 23/30 Exercise Sessions (14 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 3 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

LOL! I know how Becky misread this -- we have both been pricing out plastic surgery, and every number we've been seeing lately has three zeros behind it......... $300 is a steal! You can't even get Botox for that :glare::tongue::Dancing_biggrin:! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 21/30 Exercise Sessions (13 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 2 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Kendra, I'm from the August 2007 bandster group and I cannot believe I did not discover this thread earlier. I'm glad to hear that all is going well so far. I live in the Virgin Islands -- and I just want you to know that when that dumb tumor passes through the Caribbean, I'm going to kick it all the way to the South Pole!!!! Lots of big hugs to you :smile::thumbup:! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 21/30 Exercise Sessions (13 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 2 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Sue, Thanks for the info and the pic -- Trikking looks like a lot of fun! I did one hour of cardio and one hour of weight training (arms upper body) tonight. Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 21/30 Exercise Sessions (13 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 2 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Rubyjade, you look adorable -- Congratulations :thumbup::thumbup:!

Nikki, Congratulations on losing 102 pounds. That is simply amazing!!! I'm looking forward to joining you, Texas Becky, Candle, Ceradad and Whosyaddady, soon in the 100 pound club. My goal is to be there by the end of May. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I reposted the stats because it looks like we lost some names off of our list. Name: Frangipani Weight loss from day of surgery: 91 lbs Total weight loss: 97 lbs Name: Candle Weight loss from day of surgery: 93 lbs Total weight loss: 107 lbs Name: Salsa Weight loss from day of surgery: 93.5 lbs Total weight loss: 93.5 lbs Name: Pammycakes Weight loss from day of surgery: 88 lbs Total weight loss: 90 lbs Name: Ceradad Weight loss from day of surgery: 85 Total weight loss: 105 Name: KarenG. Weight loss from day of surgery: 79 Total weight loss: 79 Name: NanaRenan Weight loss from day of surgery: 52 Total weight loss: 72 Name: TexasBecky Weight loss from day of surgery: 98 Total weight loss: 108 Name: SPEBSQSAlady Weight loss from day of surgery: 57.8 Total weight loss: 57.8 Name: Brandottie01 Weight loss from day of surgery: 23 lbs Total weight loss: Name: Bergdorfblonde Weight loss from day of surgery: 32 lbs Total weight loss: 32 lbs Name: Gometros Weight loss from day of surgery: 52.9 lbs Total weight loss: 74.9 Name: Pizzicato66 Weight loss from day of surgery: 66 Total weight loss: 78 Name: Valstar Weight loss from day of surgery: 52 lbs Total weight loss: 57 lbs Name:Gweniper weight loss from day of surgery: 50 total weight loss: 84 Name: purplegirl1818 weightloss from day of surgery: 73.5lbs total weight loss: 90.5lbs Name: LessNLess weightloss from day of surgery: 56lbs total weight loss: 62lbs Name: JudiM weightloss from day of surgery: 62lbs total weight loss: ?? Name: hf2havefun Weight loss from day of surgery: 35 lbs Total weight loss: 50 lbs Name: Nikki S Weight loss from day of surgery: 102 Total weight loss: 102 Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 19/30 Exercise Sessions (12 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Wow, lots going on here in the past 24 hours! Hi Renewedhope and welcome :thumbup::smile::eek:! Becky said it best when she explained how we do things around here. Glad you're joining us! Jody, glad you had a great weekend! I thought maybe something like this happened because it's not like you to be gone so long.That's some husband you have there girlfriend -- jewelry, surprise trips, telling you you're hot.... Whatta man :thumbup::thumbup:! Salsa, congrats on signing up for a half marathon! You make my head spin -- you are a real fireball! You guys are inspiring me to start running -- so I will. I need to head up to Miami again later this week, and when I'm up there, I will buy myself a good pair of running shoes and get started on the "Couch to 5K program." I have been getting good cardio workouts with all the hills and hikes around here, but it's time to kick this up a notch. I did a 1.5 hour hike tonight. I saw a group of four deer while I was out -- it was a lovely surprise. I have seen individual deer on a few occasions, but never a group. Yes, we do have deer here on the island -- they are not seen very often, but they're here and it's always a delight to see them. Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 19/30 Exercise Sessions (12 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Hi Coach Cher, Great post and as a "first year bandster" you have given me a good reminder that I will always need to keep my focus. I must say that I am at a point to where, when I tell people my goal, (28 more pounds to go) they try to tell me that I should cut my goal in half to make it more "realistic." I know these people have the very best intentions, but I'm here to reach the finish line, have a normal BMI, and reach my ideal weight, not just make an "improvement." I mean, do you sign up for a Marathon thinking, "Oh, I'll run 18 miles, see how feel, and then decide if I want to finish the race?" NO! You start a Marathon thinking "I'm going to run the entire 26 miles and in good time too!" Thanks for the reminder that it is important not to get complacent, and congratulations on your weight loss and on becoming a Certified Life and Wellness Coach! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 18/30 Exercise Sessions (11 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Thank you so much Val and Jody :thumbup::smile:! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 18/30 Exercise Sessions (11 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Becky thank you so much for the wonderful compliment :tongue_smilie::smile:! I know what you're saying about heels. I love heels and quit wearing them because I thought it looked ridiculous and disproportionate to have a huge body teetering on little heels. It feels great to feel comfortable wearing them again. Salsa LOL :lol:! You crack me up! That said, I had no idea that it was still cold and snowing in your part of the world. Since I try not to travel much farther north than about Latitude 25 during the winter (Christmas being the only exception), I am really starting to lose touch with the weather (except during hurricane season when we all follow the weather obsessively around here). I hope it warms up soon for you!!! Wow! You're a whiz with these photos -- I could not figure out how to do that and just assumed it wasn't possible. Thanks a lot!!! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 18/30 Exercise Sessions (11 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training)

Thanks for the lovely comments Salsa -- very sweet of you to say! Thanks for resizing the photos, I was hoping to keep the background in the "after" photo, but I guess there's no real way to do and place the photos side by side unless the entire photo is downsized, and then it loses something. Oh well, maybe I'll have mastered this when I take my "goal" photo..... As I said before, this putting photos up was a fun little project that forced me to learn a few things, so it was good! Thanks again for your help :tongue_smilie::smile:

One hour hike today -- straight uphill without stopping and I wasn't even breathless!!! I think it's because I'm carrying a lighter load these days. Jody, where are you???? This is one heck of a long "special evening" you're having! :biggrin::smile::tongue: And where have all the guys gone -- Dave, Daddy, Sandy??? We miss you! Have a great night everyone! Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 18/30 Exercise Sessions (11 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico

Thanks Angelsma! I live in the Virgin Islands. I'm still fiddling around with the photo trying to get it so that the two photos are side-by-side, but it's not working, and it's not worth spending all the extra time, so I am just going to leave it as is for now. Thanks again for all the nice comments, I'm still feeling like I look pretty chubby, despite the progress (which I'm very happy with), so you guys are giving me a great boost!!!!:biggrin::smile::tongue: Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training)

Thanks Salsa :biggrin::smile::tongue:! I'm trying to edit the photos so that they would be side-by-side and easier to view, but it doesn't seem to be working -- oh well........... This putting photos up is giving me really good practice though! I'm sure I'll figure it out sooner or later. Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training)

Hi, just a quick update: Name: Frangipani Weight loss from day of surgery: 91 lbs Total weight loss: 97 lbs Name: Candle Weight loss from day of surgery: 87 lbs Total weight loss: 101 lbs Name: Salsa Weight loss from day of surgery: 91 lbs Total weight loss: 91 lbs Name: Pammycakes Weight loss from day of surgery: 88 lbs Total weight loss: 90 lbs Name: Ceradad Weight loss from day of surgery: 85 Total weight loss: 105 Name: KarenG. Weight loss from day of surgery: 79 Total weight loss: 79 Name: NanaRenan Weight loss from day of surgery: 52 Total weight loss: 72 Name: TexasBecky Weight loss from day of surgery: 96 Total weight loss: 106 Name: SPEBSQSAlady Weight loss from day of surgery: 57.8 Total weight loss: 57.8 Name: Brandottie01 Weight loss from day of surgery: 23 lbs Total weight loss: Name: Bergdorfblonde Weight loss from day of surgery: 32 lbs Total weight loss: 32 lbs Name: Gometros Weight loss from day of surgery: 52.9 lbs Total weight loss: 74.9 Name: Pizzicato66 Weight loss from day of surgery: 66 Total weight loss: 78 Name: Valstar Weight loss from day of surgery: 52 lbs Total weight loss: 57 lbs Name:Gweniper weight loss from day of surgery: 48 total weight loss: 82 Name: purplegirl1818 weightloss from day of surgery: 73.5lbs total weight loss: 90.5lbs Name: LessNLess weightloss from day of surgery: 51lbs total weight loss: 57lbs Name: JudiM weightloss from day of surgery: 62lbs total weight loss: ?? Name: hf2havefun Weight loss from day of surgery: 35 lbs Total weight loss: 50 lbs Crazy Ates April Exercise Challenge 17/30 Exercise Sessions (10 Cardio, 6 Core Strength and Flexibility, 1 Weight Training) Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico