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JustWatchMe!! 95 pounds in six months is incredible & exactly what I'm driving towards. Congratulations! If you have any "real food" advice, please share. I transition back to "solid food" on October 4 & am having anxiety about weight gain after sticking to liquid & puréed all of this time. Thank you!

In the early stages of pregnancy there is not a lot of weight gain. Most women can stay in normal clothes until after the first trimester. If the pregnancy tests are coming out negative, you are probably not pregnant . Worrying about being pregnant can make your period not come. I would advise just relaxing and waiting to see if you get your period in the next week or two. During that time don't drink alcohol or smoke. If you are pregnant, the waiting doesn't hurt anything. You may be stalled in weight loss because you are in a happy relationship. When I met my husband (preband) I gained 20 pounds in a very short time. And absolutely use some form of birth control. Babies need to be planned.

Anyone have vsg after lap band removal? I had my band removed 9 months ago and am slowly gaining. BMI 27. Considering Dr. Pompa in Mexico. Any advice welcome!

I am down another lb. 237 and am so excited. That is 12 since Jan. 15, 2011. I have decided that I will go get 1 cc (I had 4 taken out last April). I will go next Friday. I feel like the one will help me. I know I do not ever want to be sick like I was last year. I was desperate going into my 3 rd year anniv. I paid for that. No more speedy go fast marathon. I am choosing to go steady. I have also learned to stay away from high sodium stuff. Weight gain galore. Bought the biggest loser juliann protein choc. powder, had it last night. Very good. I did 1 cup ice, 1 scoop protein powder, 1 tbsp p.nut butter, 1/2 cup 1% milk and 1/2 cup water. I am proud of my self.

Bulawookie, I know we have both dealt with depression, and while I support you, I have to respectfuly disagree with your statement " depression is anger turned inward. " Depression has nothing to do about anger, it has to do with a body that became sick and couldnt get well by itself. Thats why sometimes you can't "snap out of it ! " You need medical help , meds or a therapist, etc. Or, in my case , something a little different, but boy did it work !!! And yes, exercise and a healthy diet can help some, but it does' nt cure everthing, and its hard because when you're depressed all you want is comfort food , mostly carbs because they have the most seratonin in them . ( seratonin = happy ) Depressed people are lacking in seratonin, so they crave carbs = weight gain = frustation = vicious cycle.

I had my surgery 3 years ago and it took a good year to lose 100 lbs. Recently seeing weight gain and am getting depressed and scared. Need to excercise and watch my fat, calorie intake. Have trouble swallowing now and do not want to get filled so much that I am constantly vomiting. Any low fat foods that you are having luck with? Am not a big fan of yogurt. Am basically asking for ideas on what to eat that is low in fat, has vitamins, minerals, fiber and will stay down. Any input appreciated. Thanks.

I am hoping the band helps and so far so good. I physically cannot over eat like I did in the past. I have been diagnosed bi-polar but haven't touched my medication in a long time. I have too many health related prescriptions that are hard enough to keep track of. Depression makes it that much worse. It's like I have an excuse to say screw it. I refuse to let even the smallest weight gain get me depressed because that may trigger reverting back to emotional eating.

Have you looked into getting a revision of your bypass? My Dr said 1 of 3 things causes weight gain 1-something wrong with the original surgery like an enlarged stoma 2-lack of proper eating habits or 3-lack of proper exercise. I hope you find the help you are looking for!

Thank you! Okay now I feel a little better. I try not to worry about the weight gain (just want my baby to be healthy) but it is hard! Gonna quit being negative, focus on keeping me and baby healthy and look forward to the future!

Ok My pre surgery weight was 245.. Pre-Pre pregnancy weight 160lbs 10 weeks pregnant 148 down 12 lbs due to being way to tight and morning sickness 14 weeks pregnant 152 lbs up 4lbs 18 weeks pregnant 160lbs up 8 lbs (back to pre pregnancy weight) 22 weeks pregnant 170lbs up 10lbs:blink: (got an unfil at 19 weeks) Current weight at 25 weeks pregnant 178lbs :thumbup: im still watching what i eat but keep gaining i dont know what to do!??! please help me! what have you ladies gained?

In regards to that, if you were large on top before you gained all the weight, will you still have them after the weight loss? As a teenager I was a 36 C and weighed 115 to 118 pounds but for over a decade now I have been overweight. Ok, not overweight but morbidly obese. I suspect a major part of the reason for the weight gain is hypothyroidism that went undiagnosed for several years because before that I was a healthy active teenager who loved being around people and doing things. Then one day I couldn't get out of bed and stopped having an appetite yet I was gaining weight fairly quickly. I had no idea what hypothyroidism was back then either. Anyways, I am now a 52 DDD but if I went down to a 36 C I would be more than happy with that.

Hello all, I have a lot to say/ ask so I hope someone out there is reading. For some background knowledge, pre surgery I weighed 225 pounds. In the last year and a half I maintained a weight of 152-157 I never reached above 160. I recently had a big move, new job, leaving my boyfriend, and a medical issue. I. H.a.v.e gained around 22 pounds in 2 months. I. H.a.v.e all of this self hate. I can’t look at myself because I pick myself apart, I notice a line in my neck and get nervous it’s a fat roll forming, I notice a double chin. I notice it all and it’s the most miserable I have ever been. I can’t fit in my clothes, I cry daily and try to avoid planning outings because I can’t stand my self appearance anymore, where as 3 months prior I loved myself and how I looked. I weigh about 172 as of today. I think one of the biggest things I. H.a.v.e noticed is that I had very little maintenance diet guidance. so I am coming to all of you for answers. In the beginning stages of our diet they say we should not be able to eat more than 8 ounces at a time. now that I’m 2 years out I guess my question is: how do you no how much to eat, how many ounces should you be eating each meal and how many ounces of each food group per meal? They say to eat your protein first then veggies, then starch.... if you were to make a dinner meal for yourself: how many ounces of each would you make. I cant let myself become the person I used to be, I need to get back on track.

First off CONGRATS! How exciting...second of all from what I understand after you have the baby 6wks later you can start getting fills again. If your worried about your pouch being streched you can do the 5 day pouch test to re-shrink it. I know your freaked about the weight gain but your pregnant! Cherish this and after your baby is born you can get back on track. Hugs!

and more............ http://mcgs.bcbsfl.com/ THIS MEDICAL COVERAGE GUIDELINE IS NOT AN AUTHORIZATION, CERTIFICATION, EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS, OR A GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT, NOR DOES IT SUBSTITUTE FOR OR CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. ALL MEDICAL DECISIONS ARE SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN. BENEFITS ARE DETERMINED BY THE GROUP CONTRACT, MEMBER BENEFIT BOOKLET, AND/OR INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIBER CERTIFICATE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME SERVICES WERE RENDERED. THIS MEDICAL COVERAGE GUIDELINE APPLIES TO ALL LINES OF BUSINESS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED IN THE PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS SECTION. Non-Covered Billing/Coding Reimbursement Program Exceptions Definitions Related Guidelines Other References Updates DESCRIPTION: In cases where a severe, potentially life threatening condition develops which is documented in the medical record, gastric bypass revision is considered medically necessary and may be eligible for coverage. WHEN SERVICES ARE COVERED: The following lists examples of conditions AND/OR diagnoses for which gastric bypass revisions may be covered: <LI class=bulletedList-1>Weight loss of 20% or more below the ideal body weight (based on the 1996 Metropolitan Life Height & Weight tables Men and Women) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Esophagitis (e.g., esophageal reflux) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Hemorrhage or hematoma complicating a procedure <LI class=bulletedList-1>Vomiting (bilious) following gastrointestinal surgery <LI class=bulletedList-1>Gastrointestinal complications, (i.e., complications of intestinal (internal) anastomosis and bypass) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Stomal dilatation, documented by endoscopy (not UGI) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Pouch dilation documented by upper gastrointestinal examination or endoscopy, producing weight gain of 20% or more <LI class=bulletedList-1>Stomal stenosis after vertical banding, documented by endoscopy, producing vomiting or weight loss of 20% or more <LI class=bulletedList-1>Other and unspecified post surgical nonabsorption (i.e., hypoglycemia and malnutrition following gastrointestinal surgery) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Other post-operative functional disorders (i.e., diarrhea following gastrointestinal surgery), <LI class=bulletedList-1>Severe dumping syndrome <LI class=bulletedList-1>Post-gastric surgery syndromes (i.e., post-gastrectomy syndrome, post-vagotomy syndrome) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Disruption of operation wound <LI class=bulletedList-1>Staple line failure, documented by upper gastrointestinal examination Disrupted staple line provided there has been prior weight loss. WHEN SERVICES ARE NOT COVERED: Gastric bypass revision services are not covered when coverage criteria are not met as described in the WHEN SERVICES ARE COVERED section or when the member's contract does not provide benefits for these services. BILLING/CODING INFORMATION: CPT Coding: 43848 Revision , open, of gastric restrictive procedure for morbid obesity, other than adjustable gastric band (separate procedure) 43850 Revision of gastroduodenal anastomosis (gastroduodenostomy) with reconstruction; without vagotomy 43855 Revision of gastroduodenal anastomosis (gastroduodenostomy) with reconstruction; with vagotomy 43860 Revision of gastrojejunal anastomosis (gastrojejunostomy) with reconstruction, with or without partial gastrectomy or intestine resection; without vagotomy 43865 Revision of gastrojejunal anastomosis (gastrojejunostomy) with reconstruction, with or without partial gastrectomy or intestine resection; with vagotomy 43886 Gastric restrictive procedure, open; revision of subcutaneous port component only 43887 Gastric restrictive procedure, open; removal of subcutaneous port component only 43888 Gastric restrictive procedure, open; removal and replacement of subcutaneous port component only ICD-9 Diagnoses Codes That Support Medical Necessity: 530.1 Esophagitis (esophageal reflux) 536.1 Acute dilatation of stomach (documented by endoscopy, not UGI) 536.1 Pouch dilation (documented by UGI or endoscopy; producing weight gain of 20% or more) 537.6 Stenosis of stomach (after vertical banding documented by endoscopy; producing vomiting or weight loss of 20% or more) 564.2 Postgastric surgery syndrome (i.e., post-gastrectomy syndrome, post-vagotomy syndrome, severe dumping syndrome) 564.3 Vomiting following gastrointestinal surgery 564.4 Other post-operative functional disorders (i.e., diarrhea following gastrointestinal surgery) 579.3 Other and unspecified postsurgical nonabsorption (i.e., hypoglycemia, malnutrition following gastrointestinal surgery) 783.2 Abnormal loss of weight (20% or more below the ideal body weight according to the 1996 Metropolitan Life Height & Weight tables for men and women) 997.4 Digestive system complications (i.e., complications of intestinal (internal) anastomosis and bypass) 998.11-998.13 Hemorrhage or hematoma complicating a procedure 998.3 Disruption of operation wound (i.e., dehiscence; rupture; staple line failure documented by upper gastrointestinal examination; disrupted staple line, provided there has been prior weight loss) REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION: Refer to section entitled WHEN SERVICES ARE COVERED. PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS: Federal Employee Program (FEP): Follow FEP guidelines. State Account Organization (SAO): Follow SAO guidelines. DEFINITIONS: No guideline specific definitions apply. RELATED GUIDELINES: Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity (Bariatric Surgery; Gastric Bypass Surgery), 02-40000-10 OTHER: To view the Metropolitan Life Height & Weight tables Men and Women, see Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity (Gastric Bypass), 02-4000-10. REFERENCES: <LI value=1>American Medical Association CPT (current edition) <LI value=2>Florida Medicare Part B Local Medical Review Policy # 11920: Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery (01/01/02, retired 02/01/04) <LI value=3>Florida Medicare Part B Local Medical Review Policy # 40000: Digestive System (01/01/02) <LI value=4>Medical Practice and Coverage Committee (BCBSF) St. Anthony’s ICD-9-CM Code Book (current edition) COMMITTEE APPROVAL: This Medical Coverage Guideline (MCG) was approved by the BCBSF Medical Policy & Coverage Committee on 09/23/04. GUIDELINE UPDATE INFORMATION: 10/15/99 New Medical Coverage Guideline. 01/01/02 Coding changes. 12/15/02 Reviewed; typographical corrections. 10/15/04 Scheduled review; no change in coverage statement; added 43848. 01/01/06 Annual HCPCS coding update (revise 43848; add 43886, 43887, and 43888. Private Property of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. This medical coverage guideline is Copyright 2006, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF). All Rights Reserved. You may not copy or use this document or disclose its contents without the express written permission of BCBSF. The medical codes referenced in this document may be proprietary and owned by others. BCBSF makes no claim of ownership of such codes. Our use of such codes in this document is for explanation and guidance and should not be construed as a license for their use by you. Before utilizing the codes, please be sure that to the extent required, you have secured any appropriate licenses for such use. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is copyright 2006 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. No fee schedules, basic units, relative values, or related listings are included in CPT. The AMA assumes no liability for the data contained herein. Applicable FARS/DFARS restrictions apply to government use. CPT® is a trademark of the American Medical Association. Internet Privacy Statement | Terms of Use © 2006 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. Date Printed: January 5, 2007: 10:48 PM

All of the paperwork provided to me from my provider says no coffee or caffeine. Not just at one stage, but all stages. I understand that during the initial weeks of healing (maybe) coffee might cause a problem. But it is expected that I an never have coffee again? I drink my coffee Black - no cream, no sugar. Granted, I used to drink a lot of it - but I've been sleeved on 8/23 and am craving for just a few sips of my delicious beverage. I'm curious as to the roles coffee and caffeine can play on the success of this surgery. So few questions: 1. Why no coffee? 2. Why no caffeine? 3. If allowed, when can I start having it again? *Again, all on the basis of black coffee - no cream, no sugar (additives that would result in weight gain)

Hi meimei. I'm in the same boat as you with the RA. There was research done that shows Bariatric surgery has a positive effect on people with RA. I was diagnosed 9 years ago- right after I turned 40. Went through every drug they had. Finally got some relief from Actemra. Get infused with that in addition to my methotrexate shots weekly along with plaquenil. My weight gain was mostly due to being on 60-80 mg daily of prednisone for 6 years. The worst best drug out there. It was the only thing that allowed me any mobility while trying to find something that helped me. I even ended up allergic to Orencia! That was lovely lol. So between lack of movement and the pred- boom! Obese. Funny thing- I was completely flaring prior to surgery and assumed it would be more of the same after. Not! I've been hitting anywhere from 3-5 miles walking a day. Who knew? I'm not allowed to resume methotrexate or Actemra until 30 days out. Kind of wondering if I will? I suppose the best bet is to have some blood work done to check disease activity level. I don't want to go two steps back, but heck- the thought of no RA meds is certainly appealing!!!!

I had to get more taken out of my band than was put in on my last fill because it was too tight. For the last two weeks I have been able to eat like I did before my second fill. I could have sworn I was going to gain, but instead I actually lost 6lbs. I did start the month off with a lot of exercise daily, but as the tempature got into the triple digits I didn't even bother. I just wanted to post this too let some of your who has had a month were fluid was removed not to freak out, instead exercise and try not to get obsessed about lossing. The more we stress the less we loss. Stress can also cause weight gain.

Wow! You are me ... or I am you ... or something ... At 15 months post I had a micro-discectomy on L4/5 as I had numbness in my right foot which was emanating up into my right leg. Due to the disc leakage and now removal of said disc leakage stuff, the space between the vertebrae had lessened to the point where now bone was pressing against the nerve and now I had numbness in my left foot. A laminectomy 3 months later was the solution. Prior to surgery, I had been an exercising machine. I would run ~30 miles a week and participated in many races even winning my age/division a few times. Then the numbness ... So, as you are experiencing, my activity basically went to nil. I mean nothing. Everything was painful as pretty much any and all motion goes through your core and well ... yeah ... not going to happen. Walking, sitting or standing was painful after a few minutes. 2 months post second surgery, I began physical therapy which was a slow process. I was somewhat compliant with my at home exercises, but it was difficult as it was painful, but I knew it was the only way I could get moving again. I was finally cleared for exercise 4 months after starting PT, but wasn't able to do what I wanted as it was too painful, so I stuck with the basics from PT hoping I would strengthen. About a month ago I was finally able to run more than one block without having to stop due to pain. I attribute this to doing elliptical as it is very low impact. I am now able to run a mile and a half at about an 8 minute per mile pace. I also do an hour of weight training about 5 times a week at the gym focusing on lower back and core strength. So ... what about eating? I had been at goal and maintaining for about 10 months when I stopped exercising. I quickly added 10 pounds as I did not change my eating habits, so I knew that I would have to change that. What I did was to get back to basics stringently. I ate Protein first, didn't drink with meals and chewed very well. I stopped eating before I was full and limited my "cheats". This halted my weight gain and I lost 5 of the 10 I had gained. Since getting back into exercise I have lost the other 5 pounds and have eased how stringent I follow the guidelines as I do understand that I need calories to maintain my current level of activity. So, that is what worked for me. Follow the guidelines closer until you can get back to being active. If you need to, track everything in MyFitnessPal. Just to let you know, my numbness has been reduced drastically, but I do still have a little, which I will probably have the rest of my life. It is by far tolerable compared to where I was, which was occasionally falling as I didn't get the feedback from my feet when walking. It takes time and did get worse before it got better. Good luck!

You know, I always feel like the odd one out when it comes to eating & these kinds of threads here. My problem never was overeating/being addicted to food or anything like that. Growing up, I was around a mom who barely ate, an older sister & younger brother who depended on fast food (they are sticks and can eat a houses worth of food daily) and a dad who was always gone at work. I ended up picking up my moms eating habits, because fast food always has completely grossed me out in every way possible, and I was too young to really make my own food when it started. It took my doctors a good 5 years of constantly running blood tests and me pretty much living in my hospitals lab work area to figure out what was wrong with me. But as soon as they realized that my weight came on from massively under eating, they were constantly trying to push me into nutritionists and getting me to eat what I should be. My biggest issues with nutritionists is that the amount of food they want me to eat, is way too much for me. I could not keep up with her meal plans without physically getting sick, by the amount of it. My weight gain came from the fact that I never ate enough. It didn't matter how active I was growing up, because anything I did eat, my body grabbed on to. It wasn't until I was 18 that I fully understood that myself, when my doctors started telling me how worried they were because it was seemingly impossible for me to lose weight until I started eating more. I have always eaten healthy, always. I can't stand sugar, candy, cake, ice cream, most Desserts, or anything like that. I don't do chips, or excessive amounts of cheese. I was the healthiest person in my family in terms of eating, and yet I was the only one with the weight issue. Early 2012 I continued with my healthy eating, but added more vegetables/etc to my meals, and then by the time my lap band surgery came around, I was eating enough for the weight to start coming off with my exercising schedules. I've been slower than most here with the weight loss (two years - 112 pounds), but my doctors are constantly reminding me that it's harder for me to lose weight because mine didn't come from overeating. TL;DR: I've been programmed to eat healthy, so I've had no will power issues at all. My main thing is just making sure I do get my three meals a day in, just to continue with the weight loss.

Something is taking over me and it is called change. This is my second attempt to weight loss. I had weight loss surgery in 2009 and it did not work. I had Lap Band surgery at the time and now I am waiting for 8.23.12 when the defective Band will be removed and I will be Sleeved. So, what is the changing and believing in me stuff all about? Well, the LapBand started off ok...that is if you call vomitting all the time and feeling dehydrated because I could barely sip water. I lost weight that way until one day it stopped. Each time thereafter when I went for a fill, nothing happened. Not enough fluid, let me go back.....still nothing. Hmmmm, let me change providers because "they" don't know what their doing. Hmmmm, same problem, different place so it must be..................me. Not only no weight loss, I experienced weight gain. Needless to say it took me too long to figure it out I wasn't the problem.....the LapBand was. I internalized the failure as my own. In June 2012 I became empowered about my health. I went back to my original provider and the LapBand has a leak. Geez, it did not take a rocket science to figure that out but I was mentally in it and I made it my failure....it had to be "my fault." If only I would have been empowered and proactive before.....I could have save myself the mental knockout and the beating my body is taking for added weight gain. June 2012 I decided "no more." When I was told the band was the problem I also realized I was the problem for not believing in me. For not even thinking the Band was defective.....it was easier for me to think I was defective. Enough. Since that time, I have been proactive with getting my insurance to approve having the Band removed and getting Sleeved. I did not take a back seat and wait for things to happen, I played what I believed to be a significant part in making it happen. I called the provider and insurance company constantly to make sure my name was in their "head." I wrote a letter to the insurance company, had it notarized and all so they heard my story regarding my failed LapBand. I told myself if I got denied for Sleeve it would not be without me doing all I felt I could do. It may not played a part in their decision making but it played a huge part in believing in me piloting my aircraft. Enough insecurity. I wasted so much time and what I realize is that I don't have that kind of time to lose anymore. I'm calling myself out. This website has become a part of my voice. I did not use support systems. I tried to figure it all out myself. I mean, I am successful taking care of my family. I am successful being a good friend. I am successful following through on the clients I serve at my social services job. Yet I fail me. It seems like I should have seen this but when you are immersed into yourself, you cannot see yourself or maybe I refused to look. Whatever the case, I am moving forward. I believe. I am empowered. I am motivated. I will be intentional about my acts. I will achieve weightloss. I see it now because as excited as I am about my surgery in August, I am taking necessary steps now. I am watchful of what I eat. I am reaching out to people on this site instead of be a voyeur of this site. I need this site. I am thankful for it. I read the stories of where I am, where I was and where I am trying to go.......it all energizes me. Anyone reading this who is doubtful.......believe. If you never believed in anything....if no one believes in you.....take all of that and believe this time. Believe you have a right to happiness. You have a right to be heard, to be seen to be acknowledged by all those who made you invisible including if you did it to yourself. I will say this always. I've seen beautiful, fashionable and confident heavyweight women. Women who are comfortable in their own skin. I don't believe the world needs to be skinny. I do believe we should love ourselves and if we don't, we should do what we need to do to bring about change. This is my change and my newfound belief in me.

I have Aetna, who requires a weigh-in once a month for 3 consecutive months with no weight gain. Does anyone know if this means each weigh-in must be less than the last one or if you just have to stay under your start weight? Thanks!!

I just had a mini tummy tuck on Oct 9th. After years of being overweight, losing weight, gaining weight etc my stomach was not my favorite part of my body. Luckily my band doc is also a plastic surgeon so I wasn't worried about my band being affected. Due to my port sticking out of my skin, my doc actually moved my port and right now I am not sure where it is exactly I can't feel it at all. As for your scars and stretch marks, it depends on what kind of tummy tuck you have (full or mini) to whether it will take away a lot of your scars and stretch marks. The tuck would stretch your skin down and take away some of your skin meaning some of the stretch marks might be cut away. I have seen some people before photos of a tummy tuck who had stretch marks and they look so good after the tuck and a lot of their stretch marks are gone. Do some research about tummy tucks and stretch marks to see what some other peoples results have been.

Hi everyone, had my sleeve surgery July 14th. Home now and almost through the first week of liquid diet. So far so good. Word of warning that I haven't heard people talk about. Be prepared for a post op weight gain only because they pump you full of fluids in the hospital and your body is swollen. I'm still trying to get rid of all the fluids my body is holding, 10lbs of it. I'm not worried I know my weight will drop back down I was just a bit alarmed and wanted to share so others knew that this is normal and temporary. Best of luck to everyone!

You are so right! So many great perspectives come out of these boards - I try to think of all the reasons why to do it (and yes, there are many!), but your point was a new one but one I know very, very well! Every single time I have launched a new weight loss program I kept telling myself "stick with this - in a year you can be where you want to be, or you can stay the same as you are now, your choice". And of course, I'm not here now because I was able to stick it out and lose the weight. There is NO fighting the new set-point we arrive at every time we lose weight, gain it back plus more. That's the new set-point and we cannot fight it - no way. I now know that it isn't lack of willpower, lack of desire to be better, lack of time, whatever I might come up. We just can't physiologically fight our body's purpose to get to a new top weight, as it does this for survival. Can't do it. And I am so tired of 'hiding', in more ways than with clothing! Thanks for the boost - I'm a lot closer to feeling good about this decision now :-)