*susan*

Lisa, I chewed sugarless gum to help me get over that craving to chew something. It really helped, so long as you don't swallow it. Donna, welcome to our forums.

Janette, I hope everything goes wonderfully for you today and wish you a speedy recovery! Please let us know how you are doing as soon as you feel up to it.

Wow, that just really touched me. You perfectly expressed what so many of us have felt. Thank you for sharing with us.

Amanda, that is amazing! You are going to melt away girl!

Tiff, you are doing fabulous!

Okay, just popping in to say, I want to go on a cruise too!!!! As for the hair, I am starting to have a problem with a bit falling out now. But, mine is so thick, I could stand to lose a little. But, I went and got mine cut the other day and my hairdresser commented on how a lot of my new hair growth is coming in curly. I have always had really straight hair. Has this happened to anyone else?

Yep, it is normal. The hard part for me was, when my body decided it had to go, it meant it was ready to go right now!! Making it to the bathroom was tricky at times for me during that period of time. I know, I know, TMI!

I might make it in after this weekend too. Our big fundraiser is tomorrow, then I can finally breathe and rest a bit.

I was in surgery for several hours, but that was because Dr. Aceves removed several cancerous moles and two tumors from my liver. So, mine took longer than expected, primarily because of the tumors.

I had mine all done in one procedure. No point in having to go back for a second surgery when you can get it all done in one shot.

Wow, that is awesome news! I am so excited for you!

Please don't anyone send me any fruit baskets! It takes chocolate to get on my good side.

I am still excited beyond all belief about this. I have been shopping at Lane Bryant or in the "woman's" section of clothing stores for twenty plus years now. We all know that in regular department stores, the selection for plus size clothing is very, very limited. Yesterday I took my daughter back to school shopping. We went into Kohl's. All of my clothes are absolutely huge on me, and I really need some new clothes for work. I had already made plans to hit Lane Bryant later in the day. But, as long as we were already there, I begrudgingly made my way back to their teeny, tiny "woman's" department. As I made my way there, I was looking at all the really, really cute clothes along the way in the normal sizes sections and hoping that one day I will be able to wear those cute clothes. So, I get to the Woman's section. I had to guess my size, because it had been a while since I clothes shopped. I got to the dressing room, and the clothes were too big. I couldn't believe it. So, I went the next size down, and then the next until I was at the smallest size they offered in the woman's section, and they were still too big!! I couldn't believe it. So, I thought, dare I venture into the regular people's section where all the really cute clothes are. I thought, no, I am just going to be out of luck because there is no way nothing there will fit me. But, I decided what the heck, it wouldn't be the first time in my life I was disappointed so I may as well give it a try. I grabbed several items that I thought were incredibly cute and made my way back to the dressing rooms. You won't believe what happened... THEY FIT!! I was so excited and happy you wouldn't believe it. It was crazy, but a whole wave of emotions came over me and I sat down on the bench in the fitting room and started crying. Then, I had to run and find my daughter and share the exciting news with her. I had to call my husband and my mom, she called her brother. I have to say, this is the best NSV I have ever experienced. And, today, just to see if it worked in other stores, I tried clothes on at Dillards and Coldwater Creek, and I was able to fit in regular sizes there too! I am so blessed to have been given this wonderful opportunity to be sleeved. It is truly the best thing to ever have happened to me!

The negativity in this thread is to stop now, please. Remember our rules of attack the idea and not the person.

Wow, I would be afraid to see what my hubby would come home with if he were to shop for panties for me.

I think as the site continues to grow, you will see more people chatting. Just make sure you help us get the word out as much as possible about VST, it helps. Although, I am surprised that there are some cranks over at OH of all places claiming we are very negative here. I have never seen anything but support here.

Daisy, I like the new avatar too. Sorry I didn't get back with you sooner on it. I was in bed by 7:30 last night! But, I see you figured it out. You are more computer savvy than you give yourself credit for girl!

Mac, most of the time someone at home (aka, the hubby) eats them before I have a chance too. But, I have had meals that I place in the fridge or freezer at work taken by others too. That really peeves me when I go to make my lunch, and someone else has helped themselves to it even though I always put my name on my lunch.

Hi and welcome. Glad that everything went well with your pre-op. Like VA said, it is important that you like and have confidence in your surgeon. Keep us posted on how things are going.

I am still walking around smiling. I guess, because all of my clothes were so baggy on me, that it also covered up how much weight I have lost. Because now that I am wearing clothes that actually fit, I am getting all kinds of comments from people on my weight loss. I tell you, this is one of the best feelings ever!