Search the Community

food has been sucky for me lately. I have really good restriction but I have way too much of a sweet tooth (and that is rare for me). I am being really strict about my diet right now but I am hungry almost all the time. I think it is my anti-anxiety/depression meds. This is what happened the last time I was on it before I was banded. I was hungry all the time and made really poor food choices. I am going to hold off going to the doctor until I can start running again and see if it goes away. If not we are going to have to change the medication. This is true hunger feelings. My stomach growls and I get nauseated if I don't eat. However when I feel it I wait for at least an hour to see if it will go away. I drink during that time to make sure that I am not thirsty. I didn't have these feelings before I was on the meds so I am begining to think that perhaps this is the problem. I haven't been under too much stress (except yesterday and this morning with the class numbers!) so I am not sure what is going on. My weight is fluctuating like crazy depending on what I eat. If I eat very many carbs I retain Water and the scale jumps up 5-7 pounds. If I don't eat any carbs then I lose the water weight and it drops back down. My clothes still fit just like they did when I bought them so frankly I don't khow what the heck is going on. I finally told DH to take the scale out of the bathroom and I am back to just weighing 1 time per week. The PS wanted me weighing everyday after surgery so that we could monitor swelling. But I think the swelling is pretty good now so I can safely go back to 1 time per week. Hopefully that way I wont see the wide swings. Serious on Saturday I was at 148 and then Sunday morning I was at 141. Go figure!! I try not to read the side effects of medications until I start feeling something being off and then I will go check them out after I have tried to eliminate everything else. Lots of people claim to have serious hunger issues and weight gain on Effexor as well as water retention. So it could be a possibility that it is the meds. But like I said I am going to hold off and see if the running helps. I don't want to go back to the obssessive/anxious feelings that I had before, but I certainly don't want to start gaining weight. I am going to be working 2 jobs for the first part of the school year so I am not going to have the time to frantically count calories and be as obsessive as I was at the end of last school year so I need to find a happy medium. Well best get back to test writing. I have 1 and 1/2 tests to write and then I am done with the crappy part. The fun part is putting together the lessons and activities. Test writing...not so much fun!

Brandy – Congrats on NORMAL weight… That’s so Great:biggrin: Karri – Congrats on RUNNING – that a BIG accomplishment… I have my love/hate relationship with the gym – I hate being hot and right now they don’t always have the fans going. I am a BIG head sweater – On Tuesday they had the fans going and I was only going to do 2 miles as I was feeling a little tired – well ended up doing 3.5 – cuz with the fans on I stay cooler and can workout longer – yesterday felt strong – but the fan’s weren’t on – after the 1st mile I was hot – 2nd mile dieing and really wanted to quit - and when I ck’d mileage is was 2.5 so I figured I could do ½ more mile – that’s only 2 songs. By the time I finished my head looked like I just got out of the shower. Blue Eyedbaby – The Secret – Well watched that show (oprah) and said to omg – That’s how I have been living my life – so for me it wasn’t a secret – I thought it was my original idea. I truly have always thought that there is a lesson to be learned from our life experiences and all the other stuff she wrote about – I guess I could have written this book in 92 and made a mint… #1 – I weighed 3.12 lbs at birth – I was a preemie – I was a chubby kid during grade school – 8th grade weighed 165 and was considered the fat girl – looking back at pic’s I wasn’t that fat – but had 40 lbs on all my friends. High School 130 then in my mid 20’s started with the weight gain – 140 -160 – 180 by 29 206 – did various diets /drugs 200 – 180 – by 92 after parents died went to 230 – lost 30 – then for the last few years – got to 190 – 200 – 220 – 230 – 240 then 250 – alas lapband As a child my family looked like Ozzie & Harriett – but it really wasn’t – My Mom always made the comment – such a pretty face – infact I was like in 4th grade and they had me on a diet (liquid diet meds) – all that did was make me a closet eater. My rebellious side comes out – tell me not to eat – I will eat ten times more.. #2 – Yes today I see my self thinner – as I have my size 12 jeans on – but 188 isn’t thin – ya it’s thinner than 250 – but not thin enough – so yes some days I do - some days I don’t – but heck look at the skinny chicks who are always saying “I’m so Fat” and they weigh 120 lbs and are 5’7.. Peaches – we aren’t in a contest here and really – it’s not about how fast it comes off but how long we keep it off – That will be the proof that this thing works – or should I say helps me keep it off – then I will know I am a success.. Linda – You may not need any more in your band – since it was a slight unfill – maybe you will be at your sweet spot.. Ok gang - I wrote this all this morning - but it didnt post for whatever that reason is - just like the dryer always eats that one sock :rose: Hope everyone is having a good Friday .... Will Ck back later...

Chimboree--you're beautiful. I used to think I was pretty, just fat, but I got a "pregnancy mask" with my last pregnancy that never went away, and now my face is all blotchy and sun damaged. Yuck! (I'm thinking about getting something done w/that while I'm in TJ to get the band!) Dini--What you were saying about pampering yourself reminds me of my sister--she's always been a big girl, but she has also always changed her hairsyle, bought cute clothes, and never thought she was too fat to dance at a night club. Ironically, I've always weighed less that she does, and I don't do any of those things. Although I do wish she would get the weight loss surgery with me, I also admire that she accepts herself the way that she is. Weight Gain: I don't have nearly as good an excuse as some of what I've been reading. I have never been small, but I did not get really fat until the summer between jr. high and high school, which I spent eating with my best friend. I was fat all through high school, lost a little, got pregnant (at 18), got HUGE again! Lost 130 and slowly gained some of it back until I had my second baby when I got HUGE again. I kept gaining after the second baby until I got pregnant a third time and continued my HUGE streak!!! I have gained about 70 pounds with each baby and did not take it off w/either of the last two.

Karri - It must be something in the air about the sweet tooth issues - I have had them too.. When I was away this weekend bought oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies - I was tired and hungry after my 6.5 hr drive with 3 kids (17 13 10) 2 dogs - well ate a few Thurs - Frid - Saturday - I don't know why I buy stuff like that when I am away from home - I won't do it at home - but did ok otherwise and scale was up only a pound when I got home - so I feel ok - I have quit keeping a food diary - but still think about how much calories are in whatever I am eating - I am eating healthy (well for the most part except when I am away from home ) At home only sf stuff is allowed:tongue: OMW 8 lbs fluctuation in one day - that's crazy - I know that when I was 1st on zoloft i didn't think about food but that did change.. I think the running will help and we don't want you to have the anxiety or the weight gain - so just be patient and see what works for you once you can start running again.. Phyl the sweet tooth fairy must be hanging around your house too.. Mindless eating - popcorn is my food of choice for those times. Your trip sounds fun - how long of a drive?? I was suprised that my GS went on this last little trip - It was good to have all the family together. --------------------------------------------------------- Well it's 7:17 - turkey meatloaf in the oven (will have meatloaf sandwiches for lunch the rest of this week on light bread)- think I will have some carrot to.. Well off to watch my Olymipics from last night (went to bed like at 9 p.m I was pooped) Karri you are going to have to run in the next Olympic Marathon... You can do it we will be there to cheer you on... CBL :tongue2: P.S. Phyl good for you to be pampering yourself - and did you get another set of holes in your ears ??? While you were in NY

JDKbsgirl, I don't worry about the weight gain in that phase. Right now I'm only consuming around 650 calories a day. This is from 6- 4 oz meals. Even if we have these other foods, I can't see going up in calories enough to make a weight gain.

good afternoon, everyone! internet access slightly improved but have to use DH laptop. Sitting outside on the patio w/very good reception here. Saw the article about Fergie in this morning's paper. Have fun, Janet! Hope I take it easy on the liquid calories today, too, as the neighbors invited us over for "Happy Hour" and I think they're fixing margaritas! Maybe I'll bring a bottle of wine... fewer calories, I think. Figured out today that I'd shorted myself on one exercise session, so I updated my signature. slight weight gain this week, though.... we won't talk about that. I'm doing my usual... 3 1/2 lb loss X2, then a little gain. next week I'll be back down again. It was very nice to get a new military ID this week with a little better picture and the weight changed!

Has anyone heard that biotin causes weight gain?

Can you get too much protein? I read it causes weight gain or weight maintenance, not loss. Gen :-) 12/15/12

I didn't manage the insomnia very well. I honestly think the insomnia contributed to my continuing weight gain through my 50s and 60s. There's all kinds of research that links insomnia and weight gain. Here's what I'm doing these days that's helping a lot: * Post-WLS I'm drinking less coffee than I did before -- no more than a cup a day. That is helping. * I'm exercising a lot more than I did 100 pounds ago -- and that physically "wears me out" and lets me rest better at night. * About 50% of the nights I take either a Melatonin or half an Ambien. It helps. Sometimes. * Since WLS I go to bed when my husband goes to bed, in other words -- at the same time every night. Following that sleep schedule rule really does help. * I manage my reflux a lot better since WLS -- meaning that I actually take my H2 blocker antacid (Ranitadine) every day and on time. * Since losing 100 pounds, I don't have stress incontinence and don't have to get up during the night to pee anymore. Not a single time. * Finally, I'm just a lot less stressed at 100 pounds less than I used to weigh than I used to be. I fall asleep easier and generally sleep better throughout the night. However, one thing I have NOT conquered that still messes with my sleep is to deal with the damned cat who always wants out when I'm sleeping soundly; I then have trouble getting back to sleep. I think the cat and I are going to have a serious discussion. I think he's going to have to spend the whole night outside from now on. Thanks for making me focus on this a little better. The cat won't appreciate it, but I do.

Worth reading. Portion significant to this conversation are in bold. "Why Carbonated beverages are "TABOO" after Bariatric Surgery" By: Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D Did you drink carbonated soft drinks prior to your Bariatric surgery? Do you still consume carbonated soft drinks? Were you advised by your surgeon or his/her nutritional staff NOT to drink carbonated drinks after surgery? Do you understand why drinking carbonated beverages, even if sugar-free, could jeopardize your weight loss success and, perhaps even your health? A carbonated beverage is an effervescent drink that releases carbon dioxide under conditions of normal atmospheric pressure. Carbonated drinks include most soft drinks, champagne, beer, and seltzer Water. If you consume a soft drink or other carbonated beverage while eating, the carbonation forces food through he stomach pouch, reducing the time food remains in the pouch. The less time food remains in your stomach pouch, the less satiety (feelings of fullness) you experience, enabling you to eat more with increased risk for weight gain. The gas released from a carbonated beverage might "stretch" your stomach pouch. Food forced through the pouch by the carbonation could also significantly enlarge the size of your stoma (the opening between the stomach pouch and intestines of patients who have had a gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion). An enlarged pouch or stoma would allow you to eat larger amounts of food at any one setting. In this way, consuming carbonated beverages, even if the drinks are diet or calorie free, may cause weight gain or interfere with maximal weight loss success. Soft drinks may also cause weight gain by reducing the absorption of dietary Calcium. Dietary calcium helps to stimulate fat breakdown and reduce its uptake into adipose tissue. Epidemiological and clinical studies have found a close association between obesity and low dietary calcium intake. Recent studies have found that maintaining sufficient amounts of dietary calcium helps to induce weight loss or prevent weight gain following diet. The high caffeine in carbonated sodas is one way that drinking carbonated soft drinks may reduce the absorption of calcium into the body. Studies have found that caffeine increases urinary calcium content, meaning that high caffeine may interfere with the uptake of dietary calcium into the body. Keep in mind that one 12 oz. can of Mountain Dew has 50 mg of caffeine, and Pepsi and Coke (diet or those with sugar) contain 37 mg of caffeine each. Colas, such as Pepsi and Coke (diet or with sugar), may also cause calcium deficiencies from the high amounts of phosphoric acid that they contain. Phosphate binds to calcium and the bound calcium cannot be absorbed into the body. Both animal and human studies have found that phosphoric acid is associated with altered calcium homeostasis and low calcium. Drinking carbonated beverages may also reduce dietary calcium because these beverages replace milk and other nutrient-containing drinks or foods in the diet. Several studies report inverse (negative) relationships between carbonated beverage usage and the amount of milk (particularly children) consume. Carbonated beverages, then, may reduce dietary calcium because of their high caffeine or phosphoric acid content or because drinking such beverages tends to reduce the consumption of calcium-containing foods and beverages. Such deficiencies in dietary calcium intake may be even more pronounced in Bariatric surgical patients. Calcium deficiencies with Bariatric surgery have been reported following gastric restrictive and/or malabsorptive procedures. The reduced amounts of calcium with bariatric surgery may occur as a result of low nutrient intake, low levels of Vitamin D, or, for patients who have had gastric bypass pr the biliopancreatic diversion (with or without the duodenal switch), from bypass of the portion of the gut where active absorption of calcium normally occurs. Drinking carbonated beverages may further increase the risk for dietary calcium deficiencies and, in this way, hinder maximal weight loss success. For all the reasons described above, including calcium deficits, reduced satiety, enlargement of pouch or stoma, drinking carbonated beverages, even those that are sugar-free, could lead to weight gain. Carbonated beverages that contain sugar, however, pose a substantially greater threat to the Bariatric patient in terms of weight loss and weight loss maintenance with surgery. Sugar-containing soft drinks have a relatively high glycemic index, meaning that blood sugar levels readily increase with their consumption. The rapid rise in blood sugar, in turn, increases the production of the hormone, insulin. , that acts to drive sugar into tissues where it is metabolized or processed for storage. High insulin levels, however, also contribute to fat accumulation, driving fat into the fat storage depots and inhibiting the breakdown of fat. Soft drinks with sugar are also high in calories. An average 12 oz. soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of refined sugar (40g). The typical 12-oz. can of soda contains 150 calories (Coke = 140 calories; Pepsi = 150; Dr. Pepper = 160; orange soda = 180; 7-up = 140; etc.). Soft drinks are the fifth largest source of calories for adults, accounting for 5.6% of all calories that Americans consume. Among adolescents, soft drinks provide 8%- to 9% of calories. An extra 150 calories per day from a soft drink over the course of a year, is equivalent to nearly 16 pounds and that weight gain multiplied by a few years could equate to “morbid obesity”. In addition to the adverse effects that carbonated drinks have on weight loss or weight loss maintenance, carbonated beverages may also have adverse effects on health. Soda beverages and other carbonated drinks are acidic with a pH of 3.0 or less. Drinking these acidic beverages on an empty stomach in the absence of food, as Bariatric patients are required to do, can upset the fragile acid-alkaline balance of the gastric pouch and intestines and increase the risk for ulcers or even the risk for gastrointestinal adenomas (cancer). Soft drink usage has also been found to be associated with various other health problems. These include an increased risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, bone fractures and reduced bone density, allergies, cancer, acid-peptic disease, dental carries, gingivitis, and more. Soft drinks may, in addition, increase the risk for oxidative stress. This condition is believed to contribute significantly to aging and to diseases associated with aging and obesity, i.e. diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, reduced immune function, hypertension, and more. From the above discussion, do you now have a little better understanding of why your Bariatric surgeon or Bariatric nutritionist advised you NOT to consume carbonated sodas after surgery? Your Bariatric surgeon and his/her staff want to see you achieve the best results possible from your surgery – both in terms of weight loss and health status – and so do YOU. Consider the consequences of drinking such beverages now that you understand more clearly why such drinks are “Bariatric taboo”.

First off, I'm so glad your hubby is completely on board- he's the person that's in the house with you and will be the person you really need on your side. As far as the other people in your life, they can have a seat. Your adult choices-especially ones you're making to benefit your health- are none of their business, especially your boss! How does she know what's right for you? Has she been a friend your whole life and is she there through all your weight struggles? On top of that- this sleeve is NOT easy. It's easier to do weight watchers and have a day where you "cheat" then get back on the wagon. But what would happen-your weight would continue to fluctuate up and down and you would be in the same position or worse this time next year. Right now if I didn't have my sleeve and I was doing some other program, I GUARANTEE I would've cheated and had something I wasn't supposed to. Having the sleeve and knowing something may possibly make me sick is deterrent enough for me- that was part of my personal reasons for getting the sleeve in addition to weight loss and having something in place to help me keep off/ control weight gain long term. The people who are saying these things to you should do some research on the sleeve before they chime in on what you should/shouldn't be doing. I would be willing to bet if you countered their opinion by asking them what they know about the surgery they couldn't even tell you what it is. And for sure the weight doesn't just fall off- you still have to work out to see good progress. Your supposed to exercise 60-90 minutes daily with this in addition to trying to drink all your water, all your protein, and take all the vitamins. Some people get the surgery and lose a small amount of weight and then nothing else (now that we're all together, I came upon a sleeve to bypass revision thread). Easy- I definitely don't think so.

Thanks for that information. I'm hoping I miss the insomnia because one thing I couldn't live without is constant coffee throughout the day and night. Menopause is something I Guess I will bring up at my 3 year appointment with my surgeon. What I can expect and what I can do to minimise any weight gain. Better to be prepared I think. That's one think I can add to my list of things I am great full to the sleeve for I am now so Organised and always planning ahead. So different from my previous lifestyle. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Stalls. It just sucks when I wake up and number on the scale is the same as yesterday. Social eating and drinking. I never realized how much socializing is around food and i just feel so uneasy in these situations at the moment. Fear of not losing the weight/gaining all of it back/not being successful. It's always at the back of my mind.

I'm in Portland, surgery tomorrow! Revision from sleeve to bypass due to acid reflux and weight gain. Dr Patterson is the surgeon, what about you guys?

My wife was in a similar situation, though no diabetes.. she has PCOS and weight gain isn't stopping. She was denied into the weight management program because her situation isn't dire enough. I don't know much about PCOS though so I can't comment on that. But I do know Notley and co have begun cutting funding to weight management so they're only accepting those in extreme cases for now. It's very unfortunate, but also might explain why things tend to do fairly quick here.

Ouroborous, I love that! I agree, so many people have an unreal expectation of what it is going to be like. Yes, some people drop the weight like no body's business, but I don't think a lot of those people never learn to eat properly and have an increase risk of weight gain later on. And ReallyRosy, it sounds like you are doing everything right! Just keep your head up and try to relax. It will come off! I have a friend that at 6 months out she had a 2 month stall. Partly because of poor eating, but partly because of her body resisting the loss. But it did come off! And you will be able to eat again, but just realize a lot of those foods still need to be eating consciously. I do eat rice, but I will only have a couple of tablespoons because I will eat my protein and veggies first. I have other treats too, like ice cream and popcorn, just not all the time. Some people eat a lot of carb rich foods, I try to avoid those. Things like chips are my weakness, so I never keep them in my house. Keep strong and you will do great!!

Im happy for all of you, but remember this thread is: Weight Gained Since Having Gastric Sleeve Surgery. Thanks gals!

I tried to post yesterday but don't see my comments. Oh well. My story is that I'm now 6 years out as of Jan 9. I don't struggle with weight at all. I started at around 240 and am now 136/137 at 5'7. I wear a size 4 with no changes. I have even been through menopause during this last few years with no weight gain. I don't kill myself with exercise but I do lift weights and have for 20 years and do light cardio. It's just not necessary to do more to maintain. Also, I eat a plant based diet so the majority of my intake is carbs. I've also had 2 rounds of plastics. The first one was 4 1/2 years ago and the second a year later. I just think this is where my body wants to be. I do suffer from autoimmune arthritis and osteoarthritis and need knee replacements but I'm not ready for that yet. I'm actually afraid I'll lose more weight with a big surgery. Laura

Had my surgery on Sept 11, 2012 so about a year and 1/2 ago. Made my goal at about 10 months and then adjusted it down. Starting weight was 239 and I have fluctuated between 123 - 127 for the past 6 months. I am super happy about that. I have always weighed myself every day, it worked for me and didn't make me crazy because I was pretty prepared for the stalls etc, so when I notice a little changed, I either eat a little more or a little less, it has been working real well for me. Escaped Christmas with no weight gain although I never felt like I was cheated from not having what I wanted to eat. Merry Christmas and Happy new me!

After putting it off for 2 years because I didn't want to be lectured about gaining weight back, I went to see my surgeon last July. She cheerfully informed me her practice had stopped doing bands in 2010 because the success rate is so low! Based on my severe GERD she unfilled my band right then, rather than adding fill like I'd expected. It was an immediate relief. From 2 Prilosec/day to 1 every 2 days or even longer. Since then I've done all the steps and paperwork (tedious!) to get approved for a revision to the vertical sleeve. My plan said 'okay', and my surgery is set for April 30! While I'm not looking forward to the surgery, I am really hopeful I'll be far more successful with the VSG. In the meantime I've been working out with a trainer since September and am as strong as I can be, even if my weight has stayed the same. With no fill in the band, I'm grateful for no weight gain at this point. I'll let you all know how it goes, please all of you do the same!

Robin, FANTASTIC on the weight loss! You've done a really great job - time to update your signature stats! And I'm sorry that stuff with your man isn't as easy as you might have hoped. Relationship stuff is hard - there are so many different factors that go into making something feel good or bad at any given moment. Are you SURE that he's not being as loving as he was? Could it just be that you're disappointed that he hasn't become MORE loving as you've lost weight? Could it be that he's feeling competitive with you, and feeling like he's losing because you've done well while he has struggled? I think the whole weight loss thing is a tricky business. We got overweight for a reason - obvs because we ate too much, but we ate too much for a reason, and we ignored our weight gain for a reason, and we probably found some benefits from being at our high weights. The thing is, when the weight goes, the reasons we got that way in the first piece don't really disappear along with the weight, and we're left a bit dazed and confused at some level. This isn't to say losing weight isn't a great and exhilarating hting, just that it's... complicated. So you lose weight, and perhaps your drives come back more vigorous than they were before, and your husband, struggling with his weight still, hasn't caught up to you at that level. Perhaps your husband is worried you'll lose weight and leave him for someone cuter. Perhaps he feels judged by you, judged as a failure because you've lost and he hasn't. Perhaps he's frustrated by his lack of loss right now, and blames you for putting him through an ordeal which hasn't yet yielded any results for him. And then there are all the reasons why all couples sometimes have difficulties - money worries, work stress, exhaustion etc etc. There are so many things it could be - assuming it's even a real change, rather than something you're imagining - but I think the first step in dealing with all of them is to open up a dialogue. Which will probably be hard to do, at least at first. Most guys don't like to talk about their feelings, and if you make him feel pressured, imply that he's not performing, he'll likely clam up. You know him best, know how to talk to him, know how to get him to relax before you introduce your concerns, know how to keep him comfortable and get him to talk. I think that has to be your first step - if he's not giving you the love you need, he'll likely become defensive, so just encourage him to talk, remind him how you care etc etc. It's always a tricky conversation to have - such a sensitive topic! But you know him and love him, and I'm sure you can find a way to make it OK for him... Good luck!

Prednisone is quite possibly one of the worst things you could put into your system. When I was a pharmacy tech; we would go out of our way to talk to doctors to find alternatives for it. Perhaps your PCP can give you something else? Besides weight gain, it has some terrible side effects, especially after a procedure like this. What you're experience is quite normal for this medication.

OK my peeps I have to move my weight gained from 1-5 to now 5-10 but it's ALLLLLL GOOD ...Lowest weight is 144 and currently 148-152, which varies 2 lbs under goal or 2 lbs over goal, just depends on Water weight, etc. I'm sure if I ate 100% what I'm supposed to eat, and drink the right amount of water, etc. I would drop, as a matter of fact I know I would, not to mention all this loose skin BLAH...when I think about when I weighed 234 for nearly a decade I CAN'T COMPLAIN!!!!!! I AM SOOOO HAPPY! I have been at goal since May 2011 and I WOULD HAVE NEVER EVER EVER EVER been able to do this EVER in my life before my sleevie! And at 44 years old (going on 45 next month) to boot!!! Can I get an AMEN???? LOL! I'm 26 months out now and work out AT LEAST 3 times a week now (1 hour sessions). And I DON'T DIET AT ALL! AT ALL! That IN ITSELF is a MIRACLE! I still eat pretty healthy for the most part, and still take my multi Vitamin every day. I'm no longer addicted to the scale. And I'm still wearing a size 6 My problem is STILL trying to get in the right amount of daily water ugh...I really need to up that. But other than that LIFE is GREAT! I am SO thankful for my sleevie! Anyhoo, will update again in December Best wishes until then!!!

Hi all. Im just stopping in. thanks for the thoughts and well wishes. It has not been a good trip. One hour my mom askes me to help her die. the next she is talking about what she wants for dinner next week. we are trying to keep her home but it is taking a toll on my dad who has his own health problems. none of us kids live anywhere near them. I have not been paying to much attention to what Im eating. Unfortunatly it is my families eating habits that have alot to do with my weight gain. food is love. I did get to a gym today. I got a day pass. did cardio, took a class and swam laps. I really needed to work my body and detach my mind. it was good. maybe i will sleep tonight. Again thanks for asking about me. christine I am so sorry you are again having that stomach pain. I hope the tests friday give you some answers. fenton a little bright spot, I gave my dad your book to read a while ago. he made a point of telling me to "tell your friend that was one good book" So there you go.

198.8 today. Doing a 5 mile walk/run on Thanksgiving day really helped stave off the weight gain! Didn't over-eat, but I did indulge a bit.