wendytip

Hello everyone! I just finished reading all the posts, so I figured I'd comment. As ridiculous as it sounds to someone who isn't "one of us," the thought of being skinny can be scary. When I went for my banding I was so nervous/scared/anxious/emotional. Now, I'm normally not like that. As a matter of fact, I quite enjoy surgery. I get to go in, have people take care of me, get the most AWESOME drugs, have people take care of me some more, usually get even more fun drugs and lay around and do nothing but recover! What could be better? But on the way down to the hospital, I was in tears! I couldn't figure it out. It's a relatively low risk procedure, and I have a very high pain threshold, so why was I so...scared? Finally, it hit me. I think a tiny part of it, was not knowing what to expect as far as pain, but like I said, I have a high threshold for pain. Then I figured out that when you've been a certain way your whole life change is scary. All I had ever been was either fat, worried about getting fat, or "fatter." What if it didn't work? What if I messed it up? This was my last chance and I could not mess this one up. What if I don't lose but, like 20 pounds? What if I failed yet again? I think the failing wasn't as scary as knowing that for me, this was my last chance. And so I decided; no way in hell I was letting this chance at a new life slip through my fingers...and it hasn't! I go tomorrow for my 4 month weigh in, and I should be down just under 50 pounds! I do everything I'm supposed to do...almost; I've GOT to start working out! My life is so great, that I can't believe it's mine! So, you can do this; you just have to want it badly enough. Here's what's helped me out. I hope it helps you. Good Luck! After you're post op, you go through "Bandster's Hell." This happens because although you have the band in place, there's nothing in it. They give you the first month to heal, so basically you get to where you could eat whatever you wanted; DON’T! You can make it through this. I did. I was banded December 22, so I had to go through Christmas on liquids...of course I knew that if I made it through that I could make it through anything. Get LOTS of liquid protein. Special K makes a great protein mix for water. They're 5 grams each. New Whey makes this gross tasting, low cal, fat free high protein supplement; that's what saved me during that first month. If you take in enough protein, it's impossible for you to be physically hungry...psychologically hungry, yes, but physically hungry, no. You just have to fight off that "head hunger." Not only did I make it through that first month; I lost 16 pounds, and when I had to come off sugar for that month I never went back on. Find something to do that you like more than eating. Yes, there is. There is something that you like more than eating; you just have to find it. For me, it was painting. Knit, work crossword puzzles, bird watch, whittle, write, color, call or visit with friends, sculpt whatever, just find something, and when you want to eat, go do what that something is. GasX strips...lots of GasX strips. While you're getting used to being without food, let your family fend for themselves when it comes to meals. It won't kill them for a month. Don't torture yourself by having to fix fried chicken and mashed potatoes. If they want it that bad, let them fix it. If you have to, leave the house and go somewhere; they'll be fine. When you do get to eat, remember; Protein first...then if you have enough room, you can work in some carbs. Chew and chew and chew. Don't worry; this rule is actually pretty easy to get used to. You'll only forget to do this a few times; it's that painful...seriously! Drink lots of water. Not drinking water with my meals was the hardest thing for me to get used to. If you're not properly hydrated, it's hell. Don't listen to idiots if they say stupid stuff to you, when they find out you've been banded. As my dear, sweet mama said to me, one day when I was complaining about this very thing, "Tell them they can either kiss your fat ass now, or they can wait a few months and kiss your skinny ass." Remember that the band is only a "tool." It's not a magic, cure-all. There are ways to fail with the band, and that is to not do what you're supposed to as far as eating goes, or not letting your doctor know if you're not properly adjusted. Also, it normally takes a few "fills" before they find the "sweet spot" and get you to just the right amount of restriction. They can't just go in there and pump you full of saline; it has to be done gradually. You'll probably still "feel it," (I did) it just takes a few times until they hit it just right. My only regret with my band is that I didn't do it sooner! It is without a doubt the best decision I've ever made...well, no, that's not true; leaving my first husband was the best decision I've ever made, but after that it's definitely the band!

The hardest thing for me to deal with after being banded is that I’ve had to learn how to live my life without “using” food. Not that I’m trying to be dramatic, but I consider myself to be a recovering addict, and that’s pretty much something that no one goes over with you in pre-op orientation. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out why I would have periods ranging from slight sadness to extreme anger, and it would happen all of a sudden. Then, the other day, after an explosive confrontation with someone, it came to me so clearly: I’m having to deal with, cope with life without my “crutch.” It’s like being an alcoholic or a recovering drug addict. I mean, I could make any situation so much better for the time it took to wallow in some food. Bad day, argument with my husband, coworkers driving me crazy, overdrawn bank account…whatever…no worries…give me a cheeseburger from the Sonic, a large order of onion rings, a route 44 Slushy and a bag of Hershey’s kisses with almonds and my world could come crashing down around me, and I’d die smiling; but no more. Now, I have to deal with things…REALLY deal with them. I see things clearly…too clearly at times. But hey, I’ll gladly learn how to live this way, and I mean “gladly”; gratefully, happily and gladly.

Don't worry; if you take too big of a bite and/or don't chew enough, you're band will definately let you know, and you won't do that very often, trust me!

No I ain't had nothing to drink I knew that’s probably what you'd think If I dropped by this time of night Remember way back when I promised you I'd drop in At one of those meetings down at the Y Well, they started talkin bout steps you take Mistakes you make The hearts you break And the price you pay I almost walked away You could hear a pin drop When this old man Stood up and said I'm gonna' say it again Like I do every week For those who don't know me (Chorus) It's the simple things in life Like the kids at home and a loving wife That you miss the most, when you lose control And everything you love starts to disappear The devil takes your hand and says no fear Have another shot, just one more beer Yah, I've been there, that's why I'm here This ole boy stood up in the aisle Said he'd been living a life of denial And he cried as he talked about wasted years I couldn't believe what I heard It was my life word for word And all of the sudden it was clear (Repeat Chorus) That’s one of my favorite songs. It’s written and performed by Kenny Chesney, and for a long time I couldn’t hear it without crying; sometimes, I still can’t. I know it’s about alcoholism, but it’s also about me and my eating disorder. So many times, I thought, “I got this. I’m in control. I’m NOT an addict. I’m not ill.” Then there was the time when I lost 71 lbs. on Weight Watchers, and I was convinced that I was “fixed.” I was cured. I wasn’t “that” person anymore, and I was never going back; ever…but, I did. The devil definitely took my hand and I thought, “Just this once.” “Just this once” led to a downhill slide and a massive weight gain. I spent years beating myself up over that. I could not believe that after all that hard work that I blew it, like that. And then, my darkest days began. I felt as though my eating was so much bigger than me. It was something separate from me, that I couldn’t control. I hated life. Every day was a struggle of when do I eat/how much do I get to eat/when will I get to eat again/ what is there to eat? Worst of all, I knew that if I ever did get it together, that it wouldn’t stay together. And I hated everyone; but no one as much as myself...I really hated me. I think that everyone has to have their “moment of truth.” Mine came for me at 3:00 in the morning, watching a show on WLS. I remember thinking, “Life doesn’t have to be this hard.” I pretty much decided right then, that I was going to do this thing. You know, I would have NEVER thought that anything positive could have came from that 71 lb. weight gain, but I was wrong; several positive life lessons came from that. I learned that just when you think you’ve got your demon under control, and you get so high and mighty and complacent that it will rear its ugly head and kick your ass. I learned what to look out for, and what foods that I can’t handle; foods that are “triggers” for overeating. I learned that I am WAY stronger than I ever imagined. Lastly, I learned that the weight loss is secondary for me. The main thing is that I’m free. I’m free from the prison known as my eating disorder. And life is good. Life is very good.

Hey Band Groupie, You WON'T gain it back. Just remember where you came from and find out "who" you really are. When I was going through "Bandster's Hell" I had to give up sugar, of course. I decided then and there, that I'd give it up for good. Like I said, it's a trigger food for me. I NEVER thought I could do that...EVER. Go the rest of my life with no Dove chocolate? NO WAY! I mean life wouldn't even be worth living, right? Wrong. I just can't chance it. It's like an alcoholic taking that first drink after being sober...what's one drink? I can handle it. What's one bite? I can handle it. Hell, I could NEVER handle it, and you know what? No way, it's worth the risk. To think that everything I've worked for and have now could slip through my fingers...to know that my sanity could go away, just like that...with one little(?) bite. And on a lighter note; here's something you'll love. You know, met that cute little Kenny Chesney not once, but twice. Oh God, I was so excited! Me and two friends went back for a "meet and greet." I'm dressed to the nines. I just know that Kenny is going to take one look at my fine, sexy self and beg me to leave my husband. So, I get up there and have my picture made with him. I had to kind of lean in and down 'cause he's so short. I wanna make sure both of our faces are in the photo...that's how short he is...seriously! So, my friend takes the picture, and this was before everyone had a digital camera or a picture cell phone; you had to have the film developed; remember that? Well, I get the pictures back (24 hour developing); I take them out, and...What the HELL? See, what I didn't realize is that not only is Kenny short, he's little as well...real little...tiny...little bitty, teeny tiny, pocket sized. And there I am standing beside him and I look HUGE. No lie. I look like a man in DRAG. GIGANTIC! Everything I have is twice as big as what he has. I look like a red-necked Godzilla. I swear, it looked like I could pick him up in my big ole' hand and just pop him in my mouth...bite his head off, like in those old Godzilla horror flix. Everyone was like, "Let me see the pictures," and I was going, "Uh...they messed 'em up at Walgreens...dammit...yeah, they messed 'em up, that's it." Oh well, I like George Strait way better anyhow.

Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you find me inspirational, and if my writings bring a smile to your face, even better…and, if I cause you to “pee your pants” from laughing at something I’ve written, then even better! That positive attitude will be very important, in the future, but know that you CAN do it. When you get to “Bandsters Hell”…that month after surgery, when you have virtually nothing in your band and you’re on liquids for two weeks, yep, that hell. Make sure that you take in plenty of lean liquid protein. I lived off that Special K protein water mix; low cal and 5 grams of protein in each packet; it’s a godsend. That and liquid protein supplements got me through just fine. Oh, and one more thing I forgot to mention; find something you love more than eating, and when you feel like eating; do that. For me it was art. For others it can be knitting, sewing, online scrabble, painting…whatever. Find what it is and do it. You have to have a way to deal with life without using food, so find another outlet. I wish you much success. I know you’ll do great!

No I ain't had nothing to drink I knew that’s probably what you'd think If I dropped by this time of night Remember way back when I promised you I'd drop in At one of those meetings down at the Y Well, they started talkin bout steps you take Mistakes you make The hearts you break And the price you pay I almost walked away You could hear a pin drop When this old man Stood up and said I'm gonna' say it again Like I do every week For those who don't know me (Chorus) It's the simple things in life Like the kids at home and a loving wife That you miss the most, when you lose control And everything you love starts to disappear The devil takes your hand and says no fear Have another shot, just one more beer Yah, I've been there, that's why I'm here This ole boy stood up in the aisle Said he'd been living a life of denial And he cried as he talked about wasted years I couldn't believe what I heard It was my life word for word And all of the sudden it was clear (Repeat Chorus) That’s one of my favorite songs. It’s written and performed by Kenny Chesney, and for a long time I couldn’t hear it without crying; sometimes, I still can’t. I know it’s about alcoholism, but it’s also about me and my eating disorder. So many times, I thought, “I got this. I’m in control. I’m NOT an addict. I’m not ill.” Then there was the time when I lost 71 lbs. on Weight Watchers, and I was convinced that I was “fixed.” I was cured. I wasn’t “that” person anymore, and I was never going back; ever…but, I did. The devil definitely took my hand and I thought, “Just this once.” “Just this once” led to a downhill slide and a massive weight gain. I spent years beating myself up over that. I could not believe that after all that hard work that I blew it, like that. And then, my darkest days began. I felt as though my eating was so much bigger than me. It was something separate from me, that I couldn’t control. I hated life. Every day was a struggle of when do I eat/how much do I get to eat/when will I get to eat again/ what is there to eat? Worst of all, I knew that if I ever did get it together, that it wouldn’t stay together. And I hated everyone; but no one as much as myself...I really hated me. I think that everyone has to have their “moment of truth.” Mine came for me at 3:00 in the morning, watching a show on WLS. I remember thinking, “Life doesn’t have to be this hard.” I pretty much decided right then, that I was going to do this thing. You know, I would have NEVER thought that anything positive could have came from that 71 lb. weight gain, but I was wrong; several positive life lessons came from that. I learned that just when you think you’ve got your demon under control, and you get so high and mighty and complacent that it will rear its ugly head and kick your ass. I learned what to look out for, and what foods that I can’t handle; foods that are “triggers” for overeating. I learned that I am WAY stronger than I ever imagined. Lastly, I learned that the weight loss is secondary for me. The main thing is that I’m free. I’m free from the prison known as my eating disorder. And life is good. Life is very good.

And your story is the very reason that I am so open about my banding. I wish everyone could experience the joy and success that I have; it's such a blessing. I was like you. I wouldn't even consider WLS. I was going to do it the old fashioned way, BY GOD! I wasn't such a loser that I had to have my insides altered. I knew what I needed to do, and I just needed to buckle down an do it...Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. On night I was up at 3 in the morning and I got to watching a show on people that had WLS. Something inside me just clicked. I thought, "What the hell am I doing? I've struggled with this my whole life. My darkest days were when I was in the grip of my eating disorder, so if I could get a little help, then why not? And that's what banding is; a little help. It's only a tool, but it's an AMAZING tool. Life is too short to be unhappy. Free yourself and LIVE! Only you know if it's your time and what decision is right for you, but as for me; I say, go for it!

Hello Everyone, I wrote this piece about 8 years ago, and it still holds true for me. I thought you might enjoy. Skinny Women Skinny women how I hate them. How I love to berate them. It’s not that I’m not sympathetic, but size 9, FAT?- now that’s pathetic! They pat their tummies all nice and flat and say, “Do these pants make my butt look fat?” I sweetly reply, “Not to be rude, but those very pants ... make your ass look huge!” A skinny woman I’ll surely beat if one more says; “I forgot to eat.” “You forgot to eat...now how can that be? Isn’t that like forgetting to breathe?” When they do break down and decide to dine, listen closely and you can hear them whine: “Dry broiled fish.” “No dressing, please.” “No beer, just a water with lemon for me.” “You know I never eat red meat, so a bite of liver, for me is a treat.” “French fries? Onion rings?-Take them away.” “Chocolate mousse?...I’ll take fruit sorbet.” I see television shows like “Ally McBeal” I think to myself, “Can this chick be real?” How in the world does she stay so thin? Does food come out? Does food go in? And the beautiful Renee in “Bridget Jones”, is supposed to be fat or merely “big boned?” “Full figured” gals are back in style? Well, I haven’t seen one in quite a while. The problem here, should I venture a guess... A size 12 is average-not Reubenesque! You see, I’m honest and nothing more, and I find false modesty a tedious bore. Cause I tell you sugar, if I were svelte I’d tuck in my shirt and wear a belt. I’d have leather pants and a halter top. Everything I owned would be “mini” or “cropped.” I’d buy black garter belts and maybe a thong. I’d dress like a whore all the day long. I’d say, “Hey everybody, look at me! I’m looking good at 123!” My friends would say, “Can you believe that? I liked her better when she was fat!” “You liked me much better when I was what?” “Did you mention the “F” word? That’s just what I thought! When I was fat, I was so out of place with my great personality and pretty face. Now I’m much better. I’m better I say! Step back non-believers! Out of my way!” As I sashay by on stiletto heels, leaving them to guess what’s been “bought” and what’s “real”. But enough flights of fancy of this fantasy. I’m sure that I am, and will always be me. And “me’s” pretty good. Yep, “ME”- that’’ll do... but... I would like some thighs you can see daylight through. Just kidding. (Not really) Bear with me my friend, for soon I’ll be finished; this tirade will end. It’s just that I struggle and struggle some more, You’d think I would learn; (that’s what therapy’s for.) When it’s all been hashed out. When it’s all said and done; I like me a lot. I’m really quite fun. I know what’s important I do know what counts, and it’s not what I weigh measured out pound and ounce. I just need to vent every once in a while, and give all the fat girls a reason to smile.

I went to today for my 3rd weigh in/fill and was down another 10 pounds! Wooooo-hooooo! Every time I zip up a size 18, I still can’t believe it! It’s strange that I can pretty much predict down to the pound how much I’m going to loose every month…and yes, I only weight once a month. My mom asked me if I’d lost as much as I was hoping for, and I told her, “yes,” because even though I was hoping to loose 12-15 lbs, I knew that was unrealistic, and I knew going in that I was going to be down about 10 lbs. And really, when you think about it, what difference is two more pounds going to make? It’s not. It’s not like people won’t notice that you’ve lost 38 pounds, but they WILL notice 40? A steady loss of 2 lbs. a week is fine with me, hell, it’s more than fine; it’s GREAT! So, here’s what’s weird…and this is sooooo difficult to explain to people who haven’t been banded. At my last fill, I actually felt real restriction, so for the first time in my life, I don’t obsess over food. I don’t binge. I don’t eat and eat and eat and then eat some more. Food has become a non-issue. When anyone asks where I want to eat, I tell them I don’t care; because I really don’t. It’s just not a big deal. So, what’s the problem? Here’s the problem: For almost my entire life I’ve been an addict. My eating disorder had as much of a hold on me as heroin would have on a junkie, or booze would have on an alcoholic. Now, when I’m not hungry, or I’m satisfied…when I’m not “using” food, I associate that feeling with “binging”. Does that make sense? It’s just that it’s been that way for SO long, that my mind has trouble accepting that I’m satisfied and not hungry, and it’s NOT because I’ve eaten everything in sight…it’s because I’m banded. So, I’ve walked around these past 5 weeks thinking, “Shit! I can’t believe I did that! How could I have eaten all that food? How could I go back to “using?” Then, I have to actively remind myself that I haven’t gone back to my old ways; I haven’t binged. It’s just strange…a good strange, but very unsettling all the same. And, get this; I go in and tell my nurse that I don’t think I need a fill, but I’m not sure. She hooks me up and has me drink the “stuff,” and she says, “Oh yeah, you need a fill.” I ask her how she can tell, and she says that she can tell by how easily the liquid is going down. So, as I’m getting ready to leave, she reminds me that I won’t be back for three months, but if I need a fill I need to let them know. My thing is this; I won’t know if I need a fill. I didn’t know this time! I tell her this and she says, “Well if you find yourself getting hungry, then you know you need a fill.” O.K…I didn’t get hungry this time. And I won’t get hungry next time. I guess what I do, is just push it out of my head and ignore it. I joke around that I’m really good at being hungry, but I guess, it’s not a joke. It’s kind of pathetic in a way; I’m so used to being hungry that it’s normal now. Ah well, I guess that’s a concept only a former fat kid can grasp. At any rate, I will close saying this: My life is so GREAT that I can’t believe it’s MINE!

Pharmagirl, I never would have believed that my life would be this great. Really, the weight loss is secondary; it's the peace of mind that is so wonderful. I have NEVER known what it's like to be this "normal" mentally. I used to wish that I could just be free from the hell of my eating disorder, and now I am. A few things to keep in mind; The band is ONLY a tool. Read some of the blogs on this website. Lots of people complain that they don't experience much of a weight loss after being banded. Often, it's because they don't do what they're supposed to. There's ways to get around the band. You can "graze," eat a bunch of junk, overeat, drink with your meals... Being banded is not just a lifestyle change, it's a lifestyle "overhaul." Your weight loss should settle in to no more than 2 lbs. a week...max. Contrary to what soooo many misinformed people believe, the band is not an "easy way out." In some ways it's harder with the band. You have to not only change what you eat; you have to change "how" you eat. I wish for you all the happiness that I've had. I'm sure you'll do great! Celebrate every lost ounce!

MsMia, First of all; you look beautiful! Secondly, it's weird that your blog is about liquid protein, because I went for my 3rd weigh in and when my nurse asked me what I was doing for protein and I told her lean, low cal. liquid protein, I thought she was going to freak! She was all about how I need to do solid protien or I'll get hungry because the protien will go through the band. I've never had that happen. Plus, it doesn't make any sense. Protien is converted into muscle, and keeps you from getting hungry. If it didn't work, bodybuilders wouldn't use it and get the results they get. Plus, I use it as a little insurance policy. I know that when I start my breakfast out with those 42 grams of protien that it's going to be impossible for me to get physiologically hungry. I'm like you; I can go all day on that protein. So, what is the actual name of your protein? Any fat in it? What is the calorie count? How much does it cost? Mine is fairly expensive, but worth it.

I think...but I'm not certain, that if you have regular acid reflux it's a sign that your have too much fill in your band. Are you having any other symptoms that your band is too full? I could be wrong, but I don't experience acid reflux at all.

I went to today for my 3rd weigh in/fill and was down another 10 pounds! Wooooo-hooooo! Every time I zip up a size 18, I still can’t believe it! It’s strange that I can pretty much predict down to the pound how much I’m going to loose every month…and yes, I only weight once a month. My mom asked me if I’d lost as much as I was hoping for, and I told her, “yes,” because even though I was hoping to loose 12-15 lbs, I knew that was unrealistic, and I knew going in that I was going to be down about 10 lbs. And really, when you think about it, what difference is two more pounds going to make? It’s not. It’s not like people won’t notice that you’ve lost 38 pounds, but they WILL notice 40? A steady loss of 2 lbs. a week is fine with me, hell, it’s more than fine; it’s GREAT! So, here’s what’s weird…and this is sooooo difficult to explain to people who haven’t been banded. At my last fill, I actually felt real restriction, so for the first time in my life, I don’t obsess over food. I don’t binge. I don’t eat and eat and eat and then eat some more. Food has become a non-issue. When anyone asks where I want to eat, I tell them I don’t care; because I really don’t. It’s just not a big deal. So, what’s the problem? Here’s the problem: For almost my entire life I’ve been an addict. My eating disorder had as much of a hold on me as heroin would have on a junkie, or booze would have on an alcoholic. Now, when I’m not hungry, or I’m satisfied…when I’m not “using” food, I associate that feeling with “binging”. Does that make sense? It’s just that it’s been that way for SO long, that my mind has trouble accepting that I’m satisfied and not hungry, and it’s NOT because I’ve eaten everything in sight…it’s because I’m banded. So, I’ve walked around these past 5 weeks thinking, “Shit! I can’t believe I did that! How could I have eaten all that food? How could I go back to “using?” Then, I have to actively remind myself that I haven’t gone back to my old ways; I haven’t binged. It’s just strange…a good strange, but very unsettling all the same. And, get this; I go in and tell my nurse that I don’t think I need a fill, but I’m not sure. She hooks me up and has me drink the “stuff,” and she says, “Oh yeah, you need a fill.” I ask her how she can tell, and she says that she can tell by how easily the liquid is going down. So, as I’m getting ready to leave, she reminds me that I won’t be back for three months, but if I need a fill I need to let them know. My thing is this; I won’t know if I need a fill. I didn’t know this time! I tell her this and she says, “Well if you find yourself getting hungry, then you know you need a fill.” O.K…I didn’t get hungry this time. And I won’t get hungry next time. I guess what I do, is just push it out of my head and ignore it. I joke around that I’m really good at being hungry, but I guess, it’s not a joke. It’s kind of pathetic in a way; I’m so used to being hungry that it’s normal now. Ah well, I guess that’s a concept only a former fat kid can grasp. At any rate, I will close saying this: My life is so GREAT that I can’t believe it’s MINE!

A few weeks ago, my I was shopping around some funky, little shops with my daugther. I was ready to leave so, I called her and started out the door. She catches up to me on the sidewalk and say, "I couldn't find you. You've lost so much weight that I didn't recognize you from the back!" I gave a delirious shriek and did a little happy dance, right there in downtown Chatt. This morning, I'm getting ready to go to work and I have on this cute little bolero type jacket. When I bought this little number, about 3 weeks ago, it was snug, but it worked; this morning I had to MOVE THE BUTTONS, to make it TIGHTER! That's right! You heard me! So my totally hot husband says, "I've been able to tell that you're getting thinner when I put my arms around you, but since I see you every day, it's harder for me to tell just by looking at you...until this morning! I could really tell, just by looking at you this morning!" I was so ecstatic at hearing this, that had I not already been dressed and ready for work, I would have given him a little "something-something" right then and there! As I'm leaving work this afternoon, a co-worker walks up to me and tell me how good I'm looking. Then she says, "Last week, when you were on duty, I didn't know who you were. I looked down the hall, and thought, who is that?" I gave her the little happy dance too! Life is good, SO GOOD! Life is GOOD!

A few weeks ago, my I was shopping around some funky, little shops with my daugther. I was ready to leave so, I called her and started out the door. She catches up to me on the sidewalk and say, "I couldn't find you. You've lost so much weight that I didn't recognize you from the back!" I gave a delirious shriek and did a little happy dance, right there in downtown Chatt. This morning, I'm getting ready to go to work and I have on this cute little bolero type jacket. When I bought this little number, about 3 weeks ago, it was snug, but it worked; this morning I had to MOVE THE BUTTONS, to make it TIGHTER! That's right! You heard me! So my totally hot husband says, "I've been able to tell that you're getting thinner when I put my arms around you, but since I see you every day, it's harder for me to tell just by looking at you...until this morning! I could really tell, just by looking at you this morning!" I was so ecstatic at hearing this, that had I not already been dressed and ready for work, I would have given him a little "something-something" right then and there! As I'm leaving work this afternoon, a co-worker walks up to me and tell me how good I'm looking. Then she says, "Last week, when you were on duty, I didn't know who you were. I looked down the hall, and thought, who is that?" I gave her the little happy dance too! Life is good, SO GOOD! Life is GOOD!