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Just added you. I didn't have staples I have internal stitches and surgical glue at the site. Nothing at the drain site. I'm feeling good considering. I'm out of the house so I feel better. I'm also finally wearing a bra and undies lol TMI. One day at a time. How are you feeling??

Hope it’s not tmi, if so, I’m sorry. My surgeon only prescribed me the lovenox because I have a birth control implant so the hormones make me more prone to clotting I had a hysterectomy and have to take estrogen vaginally (sorry, TMI!). I wonder if I will have to do the same?

Hope it’s not tmi, if so, I’m sorry. My surgeon only prescribed me the lovenox because I have a birth control implant so the hormones make me more prone to clotting

I had a hysterectomy and have to take estrogen vaginally (sorry, TMI!). I wonder if I will have to do the same? You can always call your surgeon/surgeon’s office up and ask about it. Nothing wrong with finding out if it’s a possibility. Safety first right?

Tuesday morning weigh in and finely 1 more pound gone. And Charlene, You will be surprised at what size you are gonna end up. When I first got banded My secret goal was a size 10. I was so excited when I got there it made me really want to just get into a 9 just so I could say I was in single digits, and the other day when I went shopping my shorts and Capri's were a size 6. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be buying a size 6. Of coarse my shirts were med. large and ex large just depended on the type of shirts I bought. Anything that buttons has to be an ex lg because of these boobs(TMI). Anyway I'll bet you surprise yourself at what size you end up.

I'm down to 172.2! Really haven't seen that in a few years. In another 5 pounds, I will be seeing weights that I haven't seen in 5 years! I'm so excited! Ok, so this is TMI area: you've been warned! I have the grossest, foulest smelling gas coming from my body. Also, I'm 5 days post op and haven't had a bowel movement since last Monday. I just started playing with mushie foods last night but before that the last food I ate was Sunday night last week. Just wondering what kind of foulness to expect...

Hi all! I just hit my one year post-op at the end of May. I’ve made it to my goal weight and then some which feels great. However, over the past few weeks I have begun feeling extremely bloated in the afternoons and evenings. The bloating is causing some pain above my belly button and gas (sorry tmi). Has anyone else experienced this? I have a meeting with my dietitian tomorrow and am planning on asking about it too. I haven’t changed my diet in any way for several months now and am feeling full/satisfied after eating so I know it’s not hunger pangs. Thoughts? Thanks everyone and keep up the amazing work!

I know this is tmi but I wanted to know if anyone is experiencing the same thing. Okay so, I don’t wear deodorant only if I am going to work so somewhere important or that I will sweat. I mean like if I am in the house for a week I won’t wear deodorant that whole week just regular showers and I won’t have no body odor period. So after the surgery I notice I had a body odor which I never had before. And it continues even after I bathed and I literally scrub scrub my under arms. Now I am noticing the smell other places. Has anyone experienced this. I am trying not to panic. Please help

Hey you lot! Thanks for the suggestions re measuring... I measured a couple of weeks ago and there was no change! I'll have to do it again soon. As for adding veggies and healthy foods, I eat a lot of greens... mange tout are great as they don't take up too much room, same with green Beans and peppers... I eat a lot of peppers, red, orange and yellow are my favs! I have also tried some curly kale as Feedyour eye suggested and it was lovely, again in a stir fry. I usually put the greens with a portion of chicken/pork/beef/ fish and I feel it makes a really balanced meal that keeps me full for a long time! I rarely eat processed foods now too... i don't like the texture and prefer to see what goes into my food... however, I do like tinned Soups and baked beans now and again. I really believe in moderation, so the opening a tin now and again isn't gonna do any harm. I weighed this weekend and I am back to the top of my bounce range again... I know it is Water as my rings are tight ... I am also having another visit from 'aunt flo' second in 20 days and this one has lasted over a week... as did the other one. It isn't heavy now... but still there if that makes sense...TMI??? I shouldn't really be getting visits now I am HRT and this is leading me to believe that my hormones are affecting my weight? I am not looking for excuses here... ust trying to work out what the hell is going on...

I'm back! Happy July 4th!!! Hope you are all having a great Independence Day! Sorry I haven't updated whilst I was away - wifi was cr*p at the hotel! I've had a great time in Spain - 5 adults and 44 teenagers on a school trip is defo an experience! We spent 26 hours on the bus there and back and a whole lot more travelling around different locations! I can't believe how much time I have spent on that bloody thing! I didn't manage, as predicted, to do any fast days... and I am pretty sure by the bloated feeling I have that I have gained. I will weigh in the morning. I am prepared to see a higher number! I did manage to keep an 'ok' tab on my food choices, but I have to say that there were treats (the kids were loaded with jelly sweeties and it would be rude to say no!) - also some lunch times bread stuff was the only choice, so I ate it! However, when I did have the choice I stuck to Protein first, some veg and salad too. I would prob say the food I ate was 50% good and 50% not so good! I also had a few glasses of wine each evening - not too many - but more than normal ... as you all know, I don't drink in the house or on a regular basis... I do go out with the girls for a few cheeky ciders and that is once in a while. I did however, throughout the day, drink a lot of Water. I am also severally constipated - if I have no movement by tomorrow evening I will take some laxatives as a last measure... I hate it when I get like this! Sorry for TMI! We also did a lot of walking around - and I have to say that 3 years ago I would of been a bag of sweat - this time, no sweating! That is an awesome NSV, especially in the heat of Barcelona! I am not messing around here - damage limitation is in order so I am back to my fast day tomo even though it is Friday! I might even do Sunday this week too... I'll see how I feel. That is the beauty of this diet plan - I get to chose when I fast. I've got a big few weeks coming up - we have the school prom on Thurs - I won't drink cos I always drive but I know there will be an abundance of rubbish food on offer, so I will have to be super vigilant! I also have a works night out on the next day, that will be a big drinking session with plenty of dancing and giggling! The the following week I have another works night out which will also involve a lot of booze! I am gonna have to be ultra organised because I don't want to gain... but I do want a life! I think I will have to be happy with striking a medium over the next few weeks. Then I will have to be really focused as we go on a family holiday around the 9th August and I don't want to go away with extra weight on me. This time though, I might be able to squeeze in a fast day - or an attempt at fasting; perhaps missing a meal? Oh and as a foot note, it is my third year surg-aversary! How quickly has that gone? I need to find some time to post a little thread to recall my experience to date! Hope all of you are ok... great to see things are going well for you all ...

I think the reason I haven't gone totally batty was the fact that I am so freaking busy! Between my schoolwork and the work at school I don't have much time. Plus, I just slept. When I was sleeping I wasn't starving. Tomorrow is going to be the hardest. I'm going to be bored out of my mind (Food trigger!) and I can only be on clear liquids which means that I can only drink isopure. Then it is the bowel prep and all the laxatives (TMI!). But I am actually VERY proud of how well I have handled this week. I have not cheated one time! And are you kidding about public transportation in Texas??? This is the land of big oil! There is public transit within the downtown areas of Dallas and Fort Worth but the moment you get out of that zone there is nothing! It's okay...I'll have my head phones and classwork to do! Well my group for my class was supposed to have everything done tonight so that I didn't have to worry about class stuff tomorrow but one of them doesn't work on Sunday and didn't get it finished last night so now I have to wait to finalize the paper until tomorrow....GRRRR! Well I REALLY REALLY need to get my individual paper written! Karri

Okay let's try this again....last night the internet was down, and this morning my computer decided to complete and update & shut down in the middle of my post. Phyl, you won't regret the ice pump. Everyone says they are a real life saver and keeps the swelling down, which speeds recovery. Janet, congrats on the flirt. There is nothing that makes a lady feel better than a well aimed flirt. But I agree, "Was there a ring & did you get his #? Candice, Have fun outfitting the RV! Hey if DH is too busy, you just go on your own. Head south, turn right and "Meet me in Montana". Okay love that song. Okay, now I'm tearing up. Long story...short version....wonderful guy I knew in NV, I moved to Montana, we were engaged, calls 2 weeks before the wedding....from jail, was busted for drugs, I was clueless, couldn't have him around my girls, so goodbye. Maybe he is the real reason I haven't dated in 15 years. Okay, TMI, sorry. Don't know where the hell THAT came from. whewww.... Linda & Janet, there are times that jobs stink, most of the time. Janet, if you are like me, I really like routine, a move throws everything off. Does the new boss even HAVE a reason for moving you out of your office, other than a power play? Linda, I know we went into teaching because we loved it and thought we could make a difference, but when did it change. I know for me, a lot of the time, teaching has become 'what I do' instead of 'who I am'. I don't seem to make a difference anymore. I use to, I still have cards from students/parents that I helped. Now it seems that we only get complaints. I have been avoiding thinking about school. I know that many times my heart isn't in it anymore. Well, stepped on the scale, no movement for a week. I KNOW it will change, but right now it doesn't feel like it. I'm going back to staying away from the carbs, they don't seem to fill me up, just make me hungry. Cal's are right around 1000, so just ignore me, I'm just whining. This must be where the statistics come from. I've lost 65% of my weight, feel better, so what the heck, let's get lazy. But I have all of you to remind me that this doesn't have to be it. I can make it through this....okay have I convinced all of you? Question is...have I convinced myself? Rainy day, have to go to school to sit in on more interviews. fun.

Phyl Hugs Hugs Hugs !!! Pain is a terrible thing and the meds do usually just put you to sleep (at least they do for me) me and vicidon don't get along - so I feel for you - it makes me sick to my stomach !!! How did the pt go !!! Darling there is nothing wrong with 54 !!! I'm 54 !!! headed for 55 !!! Now that's going to be a werid # - thinking about it is depressing and look you have a whole nother yr til you get there !!! Love the Pictures - you look the same !! Karla - The car is a replacement you have coverage (well most policies I would have to read yours) but it would be covered.. We won't talk about food yesterday had soapa (sp) pasta mex style... He woke up sick - didn't go - I went target at 8 then just laid around the house until we went to the MJ concert which SUCKED SUCKED SUCKED... We left early and so did a whole bunch of others Darling don't worry about the weight right now - you aren't eating and moving and are retaining all that water - ducolax is the best for the tmi subject.. Denise Hugs why are you pbing??? Liquids Steph - You are very stressed right now - I know it makes my band tight !!! Hugs and yes I get you on someone else being the bad guy.. Linda Belated Happy Bday to Cora - Sorry about your mom - I am reading Pat Conroy new book - your mom sound like one of the characters in the book - and xnun who got married.. A real piece of work... Ok gang just a pop in - As I said my concert sucked big time - didn't do anything thing put watched tv - Andrew and I did watch this movie - Wes Craven's House on the left - something like that - it was violent but ok.. I gotta jump in the shower - talk to you all later

ooooh Haydee... I like your new avatar! You are so gorgeous!!! Well, the vet is here... she took Mo out to the van... then she came back to get permission to sedate him, as he is impacted "up past the bend in his colon". Lovely. Poor guy. I can tell that she REALLY thinks we should stick w/Mo... & we are for now... she says there's 1 more drug we can give him... + we (& when I say "we", you know I mean "me", right?) will give him weekly enemas, see how he's doing, then move to every other week, then every 3 weeks... w/the hope that it'll taper off... so we'll see... all I know is that if he gets to this point again, the outcome very well may be a "final" one for him... :confused: Sorry to go on about this... you all are great to humor me w/using this forum to vent about this... I know this is WAY tmi for some of you... you all are vooderbah!

Good morning everyone!! Tired, wanted to go back to bed, but didn't. I need to poop, I know I know tmi, but wow and ouch!!! It is sunny today, yesterday we had all kinds of warnings, but none came to fruition with the storms. Terry you are always thinking, you are so smart!!! Well I need to get some things done here, so I will check in again before I leave!!!

Warning . . . maybe TMI. I think I am leaking today which is quite a shock. It is definitely not urine, clear and odorless, looks like water, and it is not continuous either. It only seems to come if I change position (like standing up) but then stops. It seems to be somewhere around a tablespoon when it happens but has happened 4 or 5 times this morning. Could this be it? My water never broke before and this is nothing like what I expected. There is no pain or anything to go along with it. I actually noticed it first when I woke up this morning and was laying in bed after hitting snooze . . . I just kinda felt a little wet all of a sudden and my first thought was that maybe I peed a little although it has not happened before . . . but I checked and I am sure it was not pee. I got a call into my OB, I just havent heard back yet. I am not sure if I should get excited or not. I feel exceedingly normal this morning otherwise.

Hey everyone! I haven't been on in a while and I was reading back a couple pages. I saw that someone people were discussing the loud noises their stomachs make and possibly gas issues ... I just so happened to talk to my doctor about that today! Turns our the loud rumblings are just the digestion and they seem louder mostly because it's at the forefront of our minds. Also as far as the gas thing goes he told me I am having all the trouble because I am swallowing air. He said I need to concentrate on taking smaller sips. Just FYI and maybe TMI

Yes I am going to go to the gym, but I have to go home first. It is going to be lonely there because my BF started his new schedule today. I didn't get enough water in to go to the gym right now. If I am even slightly dehydrated I get really nauseous when running. So I figured I would go in about an hour after I eat dinner. Since I eat early I should be there around 6ish. Trying on clothes should count as exercise because it can be very tiresome. Plus all the walking around the stores looking at the racks and racks and racks of clothing. That should count too. Shopping is not my favorite thing to do. Now it is because there are so many choices and I can't decide what I like. I think I posted this is the post that dissappeared this morning, but my closet needs some help. Everything is a solid color. I don't have a single shirt that has any pattern to it. I was always so self concious to wear patterns because I figured I looked like an overstuffed 1970s couch when I was in plus sizes. But now I have a hard time with the patterns cause I don't know what looks good and what is hideous. As for the TMI situation everything seems to have calmed down. Thank goodness because it was really painful. Oh on another note, I was talking to my BF that I don't seem to have any of the medical NSVs that a lot of people talk about because I was fairly healthy before the surgery, but I did find one this weekend. I used to have TERRIBLE heal pain. So bad in fact that we thought I was going to have to have surgery to remove the heal spurs but I just realized a couple days ago that I haven't had heal pain this entire school year. And I can wear heals all day long without being in agonizing pain. Yahoooooo! Another NSV for me. Well my student that I said I would stay after school for never showed so I am going to head on home and drink some water. Hopefully that is what Jackie is doing to recover from her hangover. I have never been drunk in my life so I have no idea what that would feel like. Believe it or not I made it through 6 years of college without drinking and only had my first drink 3 weeks into teaching! Yep my job truly did drive me to drink. I don't drink at all now (did VERY little before) so it wasn't hard for me just to give up. I get a terrible headache about 3 sips in and I don't like the taste. Don't drink coffee either, but honestly I wish I did so that I could have something to drink besides water that wasn't sweet. Okay really am going this time. Check in with you all later.

Linda Congrats on the size 12 - way to go Is the shower you are giving personal or house hold stuff - I would let her gf's give her the personal shower and you the household kind - Well that's unless you want to see all the emotion lotions and sexy stuff her gf are going to give her - as a mom - I don't think that my kids are having sex (got 3 grandkids - but my son will always be my baby tmi for me:lol:) Game - you can get books at the party store for that stuff (ideas for games)- it's been ages since I have been to a bridal shower maybe Jackie - Steph - Karri might have been to some lately... Well just got back from the gym - my sessions are now at 5:30 and I have another girl who I am working with so cuts my cost in half - good thing cuz my stupid pool heater came on all by itself and my gas bill was $229 - it's usually 35 - I just about died. The pool guy shut the gas off all together so it won't happen again - this happened once before... Plus summer coming and electric is going to be going up and the price of gas $4.11 on Saturday - $50 buck for 1/2 tank... I have a hemi it eats gas... Well it's 7 gotta feed the dogs and start my dinner - cbl :drool:

Janet I feel you on being bored. This is killing me! All I do is sit here and watch TV. It sucks. I tried to read but my eyes get to tired...just not tired enough to sleep. I haven't been able to get more than about 20 minutes of sleep. The pain is a little worse today, but not by much. I feel like I have done about 300 too many situps. We took the binder off to see what I look like but I am totally covered by a bandage so I won't be able to see anything until the doctor changes the bandages on Monday. We will take pictures at that time. I have been drinking a lot but I am just not hungry. I did get over 1000 calories today and I am hoping to eat a few more in a little while. I just don't have an appetite. I am making sure that all of the foods that I am eating are all high in protein to aid in the healing. The worst part of all the drinking is all the peeing! I swear I am going to the bathroom every half hour! Speaking of which I need to go there now. I know TMI!!!! Steph I am glad to hear that you were not dissapointed with your time. I know that I always get the post run runs!!! I haven't had the issue during the run but I usually have to go right away when I am done running. Alright...enough bathroom talk. I will try to check in later

Hi all. So sorry I haven't been posting lately. I get on here every night and read everyone's posts but haven't posted myself lately. I was afraid of jinxing myself. I had been on a platea for 2 weeks and it FINALLY broke this week. Since Monday I have lost the 6 pounds that I had gained and an additional 3 so I am now on the losing side again. Hope like hell I didn't jinx it now by getting so excited and sharing with everyone. LOL I have really been having a hard time getting my Proteins and calories in in a day. This past week I have just not been hungry but I am sure that is due to 'aunt flo'. My 'aunt flo' is a little wacko compared to others from what I have heard. She calls and annoys the hell out of me for 1 1/2-2 weeks before she actually gets to my place. I am soooooo hungry during that time and seem to always be on the 'hunt' for something to eat but about 3-4 days before she actually gets here and during her whole visit I don't hear from her and the hunger just goes away and I am not hungry AT ALL. See why I say she is wacko. She goes from one extreme to the other. LOL OK sorry if that was TMI Lynette- congrats on Hunters 2 eval. Don't fret over what they said at the first. Gosh how long had they known him before saying what he 'couldn't' do?! She sounds like a little social butterfly!!!! LOL Dini- hope you have fun in Italy. We will miss you. Miss reading your posts. auntie phyl- stop being auntie phil? You can't do that. You have become auntie Phil to all of us. LOL Sunny- I am SOOOOOOOO sorry for your loss. I had a yourky about 7 years ago that was stollen. I had had her for 4 years. I just couldn't sleep or eat. We put fliers all over town and drove around constantly looking for her. I cried so many tears for her and still miss her. I bought a Shitzu about 3 months after she was taken thinking that would help but honestly he just didn't fill that void. He was a wonderful dog but just not my Trixie. My kids dad had become so close to the dog so I let him have him and I waited 3 years before by the 2 yorkies I have now. I just love 'my girls' Couldn't imagine losing either of them so I totally sympathize with you. The picture I have in the corner is one of my girls (Mitzi) I have the M & M's. Mitzi and Mia. LOL Can you see why I am fat. I named both of my girls with the letter M being the first letter of their names because I love M & M's. LOL Chim- congrats on the loss. Your doing great!! Indiogirl- I know what you mean about obsessing about the calories when you eat out. I have found myself doing the same. At least we are keeping ourselves honest. Everyone else that I didn't mention, congrats on getting your fills and the weight loss. Everyone is doing fantastic!!!! We are a rockin group!!

My connect was so slow for a while there - then had to go eat - Idol is a little boring - well I gotta see what David Cook does - He is my Fav.. OK Karri - I was just worried since you hadn't ck'd in all day... You Band Mommy is going to give you a little talking to. I agree with Phyl - I totally get the being afraid - I really really do - but with all your exercise and training for the marathon you are going to have to do one of the 2 - #1 Eat HIGH CALORIE FOODS IN SMALL QUANTITIES - OR #2 LOWER CALORIE FOODS IN LARGER QUANTITIES - My vote would be for #1 so that you can still control your portion issues. If you are hungry have a piece of fruit - or string cheese - you need the carbs for your training you need the fat for your skin and the tmi subject.. You are going to have to have energy to run 13 miles and you aren't going to get it from eating 1/2 cup of food.. And this statement - i am eating more that I was before the fill was taken out - Darling you were so tight that you couldn't eat - in something I can relate to how many cups of food do you eat per meal. I agree with Phyl you gotta relax just a tad - were you this obsessive over eating prior to the band or is it the fear that is getting to you - Since I still have restriction and If I didn't KNOW that I would have problems - look at me now I am still trying to stuff my face even when I am full - that's one reason I got on the computer cuz I haven't finished my dinner - ate all my fish - 1/2 my pasta (whole wheat 180 c for 1 serving) and haven't touched my veggies.. it's funny my band is tight at night - I wonder if it's the exercise - cus at lunch it isn't.. You are 100% more dislepend than me so chill a tad - eat some more fat you are going to do great - we are right here holding you up... Just don't go back to the foods that you ate prior to banding - those are your trigger foods.. Linda - I could totally relate to standing naked infront of the doctor - but this is their job - you aren't the 1st ex-fatty they have seen - I know that doesn't help but it's only a moment in time - next year at this time you will be so happy - And I REALLY WANT YOU AND JACKIE TO COME TO M of A... I am going to guilt you guys into it :lol: Phyl - Yes I am a bad girl :thumbup:- you guys just don't know about my bad side - I could be a crook - but I am afraid of Jail :lol: I will tell you all in person how bad I was - but I am not posting it on the internet for the world to see - there was a thread once that said - What would people be surprised to know about you .... I almost posted but - really don't want that kind of info on the web :tt2: Ruby - As stated above - I can come up with great ideas - heck you pay for the insurance and IMHO our surgeries (ps) should be covered by insurance as we have lost all this weight due to trying to get healthy and the residual fat and skin left behind is a mental problem for us which could cause us to gain the weight back.. Hugs to DH us who have lost our parents totally get his pain - for those who still have yours - call them right now and tell them you love them.. (omw I am an old jewish mother aren't I - no offense I think I was jewish in my prior life:tongue:) Oh Karri - my investment broker is in Bend OR right now (he travels to offices who needs his help) - Edward Jones - he said you are like right next door - he told me about the snow - Oh ya Phyl I was hot - I will send the heat your way - I hate being hot when I exercise and they had cleaned the ceiling fans last night and forgot to turn the one above MY treadmill on - I asked the manager about it but they didn't have anything to reach up there and the ladder was too big to bring out with the gym being full... My x made fun of me about exercising with the fan on me - he said that was the whole purpose of exercise is to sweat - but the stupid man didn't know that that's only water weight and not fat and as soon as you drink a glass of water the weight is right back- I think pple who wear those plastic suits (and they still do I have seen it in the gym) are so STUPID.... ok my obsession with eating one more bite is gone - LUCKY #7 thank you and it's 9:19 and so I gotta go make coffee and get ready for bed. Karri - You will be ok -Hugs - We have faith in you and that in it self should hellp carry you thru - It does me - your guys faith in me helps keep me on the straight and narrow.. Oh ya Ruby - I have gotten my water for the last 2 day :tt2: Sweet dreams - See ya all tomorrow....

Oh gosh. So much to say and after the last post I'm feeling like I'm a big mouth. I'll try to keep it to half a page this time. I have a very iffy relationship with God. I spent much of my younger years thinking it was all a big lie, then my early 20's trying to figure it out, my late twenties trying to fit Him into being a single mom of an ADHD child, and a few years ago almost a FULL YEAR so angry with Him for taking my father from me. Now I'm beginning to learn to trust again but it is still very hard. I'm still learning to give it up to Him. Now...off that subject. Onto my TMI....Thank you so much Indio for the wonderful posts. I have been ruminating over all that you said. I've got a lot to think about. You said a lot and were dead on in many ways. A few points...bulimic?? I don't know. I don't know enough about the disease/disorder but from my understanding and what I was doing before....I don't think so, think cow and cud not up and chuck. There is a difference and I hope you can, and can't, understand that. Now, maybe because I am eliminating it from my system...but not because I'm worried about calories but because it hurts to sit where it is. So I don't know but I will ask my dr. about it Monday. And yes, I promise to talk to my dr. on Monday. I actually talked DH out of going with me so that he wouldn't be concerned when I'm in the office for 30 minutes or more instead of 5. I will have 3 hours to think while driving there and 3 hours to think driving back. Tonight I came home and made beef stew for family.The only horrible thing I put in was 1/4 cup of flour in the whole pot. Everything else was extremely healthy. I did not walk tonight but so far have spent a very productive and thoughtful night. I am thinking about tomorrow and have a good plan in place. I will wake up with yogurt for a change and maybe not need the junk when we have coffee in the morning. I have good stuff planned for lunch. 13 year old is going to make chx and pasta for dinner and I'm going to make a nice big salad for that. So far tonight my only "snack" food had been my v8 fusion. I guess I didn't do too good with keeping this short, but thank you all for your kind words. I did manage not to cry in front of anyone....but had they walked in at the right time I was a blubbering idiot. Love to you all! I appreciate it all.

I just adjusted my ticker today. I'm 2/3 of the way to my goal. :w00t: I'm feeling better but still a long way from even thinking about getting food in. But at least the liquids are going down okay, even if sometimes I have to force myself to finish the whole cup. At times the slower I go, the harder it is. So definitely know I need some taken out. I'm actually going shopping this weekend. I was going to go last, but got sick. But my jeans especially look silly on me now. I'm pretty excited and I don't really like shopping. I know, since I tried on 14s and 12s 2 weeks ago, that I'll be able to shop in the normal section and not feel out of place. And I'll actually be able to look at myself in the mirror when I try them on. That's a big NSV for me. Typically I'd try things on and if I could bend over comfortably in them, they fit. I hardly ever looked in the mirror to see what I looked like in them. So I'm looking forward to that. There's a question I wanted to ask you all. Especially those who have lost a lot of weight. I have this "apron" of fat now that is my stomach. It's droopy and hangs over my privates. I'm struggling off and on with a rash in the crease area. Probably because it hangs down and gathers moisture from daily sweating and stuff. I was just wondering if anyone else out there has this problem? I've heard that sometimes you can get insurance to pay, or partially pay, for a tummy tuck if you have continuous problems like how Nichole did for her breast reduction. Anybody know anything? At the moment I'm trying different creams and my doctor suggested an anti-fungal powder, but so far I haven't found anything that will clear it up. Sometimes the powder will dry things out, but I still have a red rash there. The rash isn't itchy when it's dry. It's just a little uncomfy because I know it's there. When it gets a little moist, there's also a not so pleasant odor there (sorry if it's TMI). Kind of like when you don't clean and wipe your belly button out.

Sorry guys/....just a quick check in....gotta run again.... The shame on me was for drinking v8fusion before the race because half way through I had such a stomach ache and TMI!!!! diarhea and had to make an emergency stop in the bushes..... I'm super proud of the race and the time....just not of the stupidity of what I did before and the aftermath. Going for a bike ride. I'll check in this evening with more details. I am super excited, really. Sorry you are all worried about me. I'm great!!!