Great2BThin

How blessed am I to have you gals in my life? I was just blown away today when DH brought in the mail he let pile up while I was down and out. I got a care package and some wonderful cards from some wonderful gals on LBT, thanks so much!! Apples, DH is especially interested in when am I going to open the snacks particularly the jerky. He's being the world's best nurse so I might have to share. Thanks so much!! Bummer about Nov 27th, Apples, we will be there starting Wed before Thanksgiving until Sunday or Monday, so maybe i can get away on SAturday instead would that work?? Again thanks so much for thinking of me! I get cards and gifts from my friends here that I have never met face to face, yet my own sister has yet to even call or anything. I was feeling kindda down but the mail today picked me right up!

Good morning! Doing well this morning. Took a shower, that felt heavenly, however I got lightheaded toward teh end of it and DH had to bring a chair in the bathroom for me to sit in for a minute. I have a little more pain this morning but not too bad and no where near what I was expecting before surgery. I think I was so prepared of it being so awful that it hasn't seemed too bad. and every day should get better and better.

I most certainally did have total knee replacement surgery, just this past Monday. I am amazed at how well one can do after it. I have a ways to go but can get around. My biggest obstacle in the hospital was my blood count levels but once that got better so did I. I just took my first shower at home and that felt so good. I got a little weak and DH had to bring a chair in the bathroom. Of course, he offered to shower with me incase I got weak. LOL NOT YET!! Already there is less pain in that knee when I stand on one leg than there was before surgery, it's not pain free yet but I have high hopes. Allie, I have discovered that having been prepared for the worst in recovery that it makes it seem so easy, maybe since you are getting nervous about your's when it gets here it will seem like a cinch. It will be so worth it.

Arlene, we must've posted at the same time. Sorry to hear about the fibromyalgia, i hear that is rather painful. Hope they can prescribe something that works well for you.

I'm home from my surgery!! Feeling pretty good too. The knee pain is gone, it's just a different kind of pain now and think it will get better everyday. I can already stand on my bad knee easier than I could before surgery. Allie, I am sure you will make the best decision for you regarding your PS, am anxious to see the pics!

I'm HOME!!! I got to come home today about 230pm. DH moved a recliner from the basement tothe family room as it provided better support behind my knee, I have DD's laptop and am set. Only thing is I can't type well on it so sorry for thetypos. I had a few minor complications with my blood pressure and hematocrit (sp) count. They almost gave me 2 units of blood but my surgeon decided to hold off since I was 'young' (thanks doc) and healthy. Also they gave me 2 bags of IV fluid, protein shakes and changed my pain pills. What a difference 24 hours makes. I hardly have any pain and the therapists were amazed at how well I could move and get around. So each day should get better and better. For some reason on the hospital's WIFI I couldn't access this site, I could get my email and Facebook but no Yahoo or LBT. My family has been awesome, my son even spent a night in the hospital with me. Speaking of the hospital they upgraded me to a suite for all my volunteer work, it was like a nice hotel room. Everyone that visited me was amazed. I have a walker to use at home but can really probably go to crutches or the cane already. Laura, sorry to hear of your dad. You sure these dr's aren't the ones that are wrong vs the ones that said he didn't have cancer? That really sucks. Apples, Yep I am one that would say why would you want a job, but I'm not you. You need to do what makes you feel happy and fulfilled, different strokes for different folks. The 65 mile drive would do me in. I apply for jobs at the hospital I was in sometimes but wonder if I want to drive 20 miles. LOL Sorry I just skimmed as I had 3 pages to read so have no other personals for now.

Sure has been quiet around the Junies for awhile. I am going in tomorrow for my knee replacement surgery. I hope that will complete my transformation! It will be great to be able to be as active as I'd like and not have the knee hurting. Of course, I'd like some PS to really transform but that ain't gonna happen and the skin really isn't that much of an issue. I've not lost anymore weight either, would like 10 pounds or so more so maybe after the knee when I can walk more and work out more it will happen, if not I'm not gonna stress over it. I am happy with my 10's and some 8's and how I feel. Maybe as someone else said I subconsciously am happy where I am at.

Happy Sunday. Was woken up this morning by a phone call from DS. He is the overnight manager at a Walmart and he ran some machine over his right foot. He needed to go to the ER so we met him and spent the morning there, then back to his work for more workers comp paperwork, RX's etc. Good news it's not broken, but he does have a severe sprain in several places and possible torn ligaments. He has to go to a workers comp dr tomorrow. Funny, he borrowed the crutches I have here for my surgery, they only adjusted to 5'10 and he's 6'8 and he tried to use them getting to the hospital. Luckily they had some longer ones for him there. I am getting nervous for tomorrow. I check in at the hospital at 1015 for a 1215 surgery time. Got my little bag packed and am ready. I'm not so much scared but just not looking forward to the process but look very forward to my new knee and less pain a few weeks down the road. We were going to go camping this weekend to keep me occupied. We didn't go cause the weather got colder. I am so glad we didn't go. I saw in the paper that Estes Park was 20 degrees yesterday morning and where we'd be camping is a higher elevation yet so would've been teens for sure. That's too cold for a tent! Not sure I will check in again before tomorrow. If not, DD has a laptop she is loaning me for the hospital so will try and check in there.

I had an I Italian charm bracelet and added a gold star to the bracelet for every 5 lbs. And for 20 lbs I usually got a pair of jeans, I didn't invest a lot in them as I knew they'd not fit for long but I needed something that I felt looked good on me. For 50 lbs I got a new Coach purse also got another one for 100 lbs. Well did I ever get a hook up at the hospital today. The office I volunteer in called someone on the orthopedic floor and next week after my surgery I am going to get a suite for a room!! Unless, of course, they get someone who requests and will pay the extra for it. That will be so cool. I'll feel like a VIP! She looked me up in the computer too and I'm not scheduled for surgery until 330. I sure hope that changes, they will call me with a definite time on Friday.

I like reading how everyone loves their new knees, just what I needed to read today! I must have long legs because I've rarely had to hem a pair of tall pants and I am 5'9. I'm not noticing them being longer this year at all. But then I am new to the regular size department too, maybe their lengths are different than plus sizes as well. Also long sleeves are never long enough so I like the 3/4 sleeve look as I can push my long sleeves to that length and they look like that's where they are supposed to be. Well almost time for Biggest Loser! Still love that show, though DH is always concerned when I get into that show as he's afraid I still identify too much with the fatter side of things. BUt like Janet always says we are still the fat chick inside and no one gets what htey are going through other than someone who's been there.

Apples, I talked to Dh about possibly meeting up with you while back in SD, sounds great! Probably the day that will work best for us is the day after Thanksgiving, is that a problem? DS may be flying in to join us so we'll have to venture somewhere to pick him up anyway (probably Huron or Sioux falls). So cool!! RE: long pants, I am 5'9 and need talls as well. I have good luck with Bass Pro shop's brand of jeans and also NY & Co carries some talls even in the stores and they fit well. I guess since it's less than a week away, I have been consumed with thoughts of my surgery. I can't say that I am scared or 2nd guessing it though. I am anxious to have it done. DD offered her laptop for me to take to the hospital where they have free wifi so I should be good to go! LOL She'll have to show me how to use it, I've never used a lap top or wifi, can't be too much different.

Apples, we go to Miller, SD which is pretty much in the center of the state. How far from SD are you? Last year we drove to Watertown to go to the Redlin museum and that was about 2 hours away. Would be great to meet you. Janet, I am assuming by your post that you found an air fare to TX? I must've missed that you were going, but am glad you were able to work it out.

Meredith, Congrats on the 50lbs!! And I agree, new realtor. If she's that hard to get a hold of and deal with now before you sign a contract, it will only be worse after. And after, there always seems to be little issues to come up etc. and then she'll be hard to get a hold of as she's already got you under contract. Today is my hair appt day and lunch with DH so not a bad day. Yesterday was so hectic I need a breather day, though I have to clean. I had my knee class at the hospital, got a flu shot, had my ribs xrayed but still know nothing. I am so upset with my PCP's office I am thinking of finding a new Primary care dr. I couldn't get an appt last week to get in, finally got one for yesterday afternoon and then they called the house after I left for the day and left a message cancelling it. When I went in to the office they wanted to reschedule me for next week! GRRR And the gal was so rude. I asked why they didn't try my cell phone, she insisted they didn't have my cell number. I knew they did and then saw my file on her desk and it's right on top on a yellow sticky. And she lied, she said she left me 3 messages and tried to call even on Sunday. I said she did no such thing, I have caller ID and an answering machine and I had nothing. She then backed down a little from that. So they finally wrote me orders for an xray but now no call back with results. GRRRRRR I am dealing with a partner Dr as my Dr is out due to the death of his father, but still. That's no excuse for rudeness and lying. I think I might write the dr a letter and letting him know what's going on. Getting nervous about my surgery next week especially after the knee class yesterday. I felt so young, I was definitely the youngest person there having knee surgery.

Sharon, no worries. I like to think my ribs got hurt because they are exposed now. LOL Used to be layers and layers of fat protecting them and now you can see I have ribs. LOL That's what they get for sticking out there. LOL They feel a tad better today but still very tender. I suppose I will probably keep my appt tomorrow. I have a super busy week this week so if I am scarce fora bit that is why. Tomorrow is my knee class, Tues. hair, Wed. volunteer, Thurs. I must take Grandma shopping to stock up since I will be laid up the next week or two, and then Friday if the weather is nice we are going to watch more 'elk porn'. A neighbor called going up to watch the elk that as it's their mating season and rut, we got a kick out of that and have been calling it that ever since. Though haven't actually watched them 'do the deed'. LOL Meredith, congrats on the house, I hope it works out for you. Octo, if turtles can be classifed as cute then they sure are. I liked the pic of the 3 of them on top of each other. Janet, more hugs on your loss. I hope you can work it out to go. Laura, hope the knee is better, I can understand knee pain!

Good afternoon. Guess what I got on today? A pair of size 6 pants. Can't breathe nor wear them out of the house but they were on and zipped! LOL Felt good. My DD is going through her clothes and getting rid of some, I took a stack and am putting them on a shelf in my closet in hopes maybe next year they might fit if I ever decide I want to go lower than goal. We then went shopping to Penney's 'Early Bird' sale and my bubble was burst, I tried on a fancy dress for the wedding and a 12 was tight. Who figures these sizes anyway? They are so inconsistent. Sharon, I don't think I am crushing my ribs from being heavy and rolling over in bed anymore, I did get a blow to my ribs and am sure that did it as I felt a pop. I would be more concerned about my bone density but I did just have a bone density test and that was really good. I do have a dr appt on Monday if I keep it. Will see. I just hate to pay a couple hundred dollars for an office visit and xrays when I have my knee surgery in a week and am going to have huge bills then. I have a high deductible. Janet, sorry to hear of the loss of your aunt. I am not close to any of my aunts at all. My family is so strange that way and I envy those that have closer knit families. If this link works it is pics from our camping trip last weekend and all the elk. Estes Park / September 2009 /

Laura, I got bumped in the ribs and felt a pop and it's been painful ever since. Not really short of breath but it hurts to take a deep one but I force myself to as I googled broken rib and it said that was important to make sure no secretions or fluids settle in the lungs. Icing it and taking tylenol. It kindda ticked me off that my dr office won't get me in til Monday afternoon and then it's not even with my dr. I know they are busy but have always gotten in sooner than that when sick or something. I didn't think it was ER worthy so here I sit. Lying down and rolling over in bed are the most painful and reaching with my arm on that side. I read if that's what it is, that it takes 6 weeks. UGH!!!

Nice to hear from you Hunzi. I have the big calves and no mine didn't go down much at all, maybe half an inch. I'm running out of places to lose it from so am hopeful if I get myself back on the bandwagon real good that they'll go down some. I've lost consistently from top to bottom, face first, boobs next, waist, butt, etc.

Good morning. I skipped my workout today again. I think I have a broken rib and it's extra painful today so didn't go. It's been a week but worse today. I didn't go to the dr as I figured all they'd do is charge me for an office visit and then probably an xray only to tell me there's nothing they can do for a broken rib anyway. Anyone know if that's the case? I did try and make an appt today but they are booked and can't get in til Monday at 3pm or go to the ER. I don't feel it's ER worthy so tenatively have the appt on Monday, should I go or not? I googled broken ribs and sound like they just need time to heal. I'm pumping xtra strength tylenol for the pain since I can't have any ibuprofen 2 weeks before my knee surgery. Julie, nope not camping with the elk this weekend, that is next weekend if it is nice out. Hubby is going hunting of the elk this weekend though with his brother. This weekend is their last chance to get one so they better get busy. LOL They are archery hunting. Next month is rifle hunting and then Nov. we go to S. dakota to DH's relatives farm pheasant hunting. Fun fun! I gotta admit though since DH realizes how much he's pushing the limits with all his time gone for hunting etc. he's being extra sweet around me and I get lots done. LOL Today he's taking me out to lunch before he heads for the hills.

{{{{{{{{{{{{JANET}}}}}}}}}}} What a bummer of a way to start the day. Wish I could help, but know that this too shall pass and that I am thinking of you. Calgon, take me away!!!!

Good morning! Been a busy couple days I didn't have time to check in. We never got the snow here in Denver they said we might get, so that is good. It is absoluteily gorgeous out though looking to the west and seeing the changing leaves and the white tops to some of the mountains and the bright blue sky today. IF (and that's a big IF) the weather holds next weekend we may even try and take another camping trip to Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park, it should be beautiful and love to listen to the elk. Thought it would be a good peaceful and relaxing way to spend the weekend before surgery instead of sitting at home fretting about it. Ocotillo, sounds like you know CO weather well. They say a pair of shorts and a parka and you are ready for CO weather. This time of year I go to work in the morning with the heat on and later that afternoon have the a/c on in the car. Laura, glad Dad is doing better and hope he gets a good 3rd opinion and gets some real answers. Apples, sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Arlene, glad you are doing better. is it today that Dr Davis is on Doctors? I better go set my DVR. Phyl, sounds like the knee is doing better. That gives me hope! IF, I always heard the don't let the bed bugs bite part but never the shoe part. Too funny. Scale is still up a bit but I am feeling better about it. I know it will go down after surgery eventually when I can move more, etc. In the meantime I gotta stay away from the 'comfort' foods! They tend to go down way to easy too!

Good evening. Not much to report here. WEight is up about 5 lbs which has me in a panic. I feel I need some more restriction but am afraid to because then it seems I get reflux at night. Plus I don't want to be too tight in the midst of knee surgery in about 10 days so will wait til after that. Might be the slack in exercise I've been experiencing as well. Julie, sorry you have such pain. I really have no professional suggestion but do have a personal one. Can you stop doing so much? You are taking care of your granddaughter all the time and am sure that entails lifting etc. Maybe you need to put yourself first and have your DD make other arrangements for a bit til you are better. You have had one thing after another and have really had no time to rest and recover after any of it. Just a thought. I don't know your whole situation. Well my DD moved back in for 6 mos until her wedding. She is saving $$$ for that. It's kindda nice so far having her around. We are supposed to get SNOW tonight! Just a dusting but snow is snow. It was 87 on SUnday and supposed to be in the 80's this sunday as well. Colorado weather!

Allie, Living life as a thin person, LOVE IT! I don't think about my band much anymore either, but I do think of my weight a lot unfortunately. I live my life different now but still think like a fat person I guess. I had a great time camping this past weekend too. I would love to work for my surgeons office! In fact I sent them a resume awhile back, but it's pretty pathetic all I really have is airline experience. But thought what the heck. Good luck with your 'offer' hope it's a good one! They'd be lucky to have you.

Oh that's too funny, Phyl, the photo that is. I was reading it thinking it was all serious and wondering, why is she posting a bear warning sign then when I got to the end I about spit my water all over the screen. Thanks for the laugh.

It has been too quiet, I miss everyone's updates! Guess at over a year out folks are reading the message boards so much. Teach, I totally hear you on the old habits kicking in. How can one hold them at bay for over a year and think they got them licked and then WHAM back they are! I too would like to lose a tad more, I am maintaining well where I am at the high end of my goal but would like a little more cushion room. Exercise is also not what it was. Unfortunately that will get worse before it gets better as I am having knee replacement surgery in 2 weeks and won't be exercising much for several weeks other than physical therapy which will be a bear! Heading up camping for the last time this year this weekend. Back to the site of the bear! Hopefuly he doesn't return. It's the elk mating season and they all come down into Rocky Mtn Nat'l park and Estes and bugle, fight for their harems, etc. it's pretty cool to watch.

No you hadn't mentioned the pointers to me. I appreciate them. I did ask for my pain meds to be in liquid form already. I remembered that from my banding and gall bladder surgeries last year. I do have a higher toilet and access to an extender if need be. They keep telling me how well my recovery is going to be and physical therapy because of my muscle strength from the workouts. I am praying they are right! I am dreading that part more than the actual surgery. Janet, I was glad Jordan won too. I was so worried Natalie would win but after they showed the jury talking it became apparant that they all pretty much turned on her. The one that surprised me for voting for her though was Russ as it was her lie that got him kicked out. Talk to you all when I get back from camping.