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I am a jolly old soul. Love to eat, cook, and did I mention eat? I long for that full feeling. It comforts me. I have lost weight off and on over 12 years. Most successfully by starving myself. Once lost 70lbs eating one meal a day. Weight Watchers and Adkins worked for 20-40lbs. I gained it all back a few months later. I always thought bariatric surgery was too extreme and that no matter how bad things were, there was always the possibility that some day I could lose the weight and be healthy by exercising and eating well on my own. Years later and heavier than ever, I realize that I am going to die on this path of gluttony. I cannot pretend to be a better person than those who take the surgical road, because in truth, it is an illness of willpower. I am sick. Those who have pursued surgery have done something. I have done nothing. Too often I speak with people I respect in my life and they view bariatric surgery a failure, because one could not diet effectively. It's a stigma that is just wrong. Why attack a person for doing what they can to survive? At the end of the day, no one can save you but yourself. These same people who will look down upon you are not going to work out with you at the gym, take time to ask how you are doing losing weight, or try to motivate you. They will say nothing until you fail, and then they happily take the opportunity to point out your lack of result. I think LAP-BAND® is a gift from God. The concept, and staff in the medical field using this option are saving lives. I only hope the insurance games are eventually prohibited. I am pursuing this surgery and will have a few more months before my insurance will consider paying for 50%. My wife is not supportive. She loves me, but with a Christian Science background in her family, she is quick to judge the medical field as a monster to be avoided. I recently explained to her I was doing this without her. I will take the money from my 401k if necessary, because I deserve to live and must do anything possible to defeat my obesity and lack of willpower. She thinks I am selfish. I think dying would be selfish, and with two kids I have to do this for them also. I am walking a lot right now. I have a 5K on Thanksgiving morning to kick off my endeavor. Small goals...one day at a time. Hoping to lose some weight on my own while I wait. I would like to think in a year it becomes easier. I would like to think the naysayers will look how happy I am, healthier and thinner, and admit they were wrong about my decision. I would envy a day in which my spouse would thank me for not giving up on this when we fought so hard over it early on. However, at the end of the day, I have to do this for me. No one else will. I am not a victim. No one else is to blame. I am just a guy with life choices, and I cannot pretend that what I have been doing will prevent more weight gain. I cannot assume a day will come where I will magically have the willpower and strength to change on my own and never abuse food again. I cannot pretend I am exempt from diabetes and heart disease. Already my health is starting to slide, and I am only 33 years old. I cannot pretend that when I do succomb to an early death on this path of denial, the people who did not believe in bariatric surgery will obstain from making aloud comments at my funeral...that I made the choices that led to my demise. So...this is a choice I make for me. A choice to live. A goal of survival and no one will bring me down or stop me. I will be happy. I will lose this weight...I will live...and this is the choice I make. I pray God will help me and make LAP-BAND® available to my life. Without this, I don't think I can change or prevent what is coming. With it I have a good shot to lose the weight and keep it off. Wish me luck! -Christopher

I am a jolly old soul. Love to eat, cook, and did I mention eat? I long for that full feeling. It comforts me. I have lost weight off and on over 12 years. Most successfully by starving myself. Once lost 70lbs eating one meal a day. Weight Watchers and Adkins worked for 20-40lbs. I gained it all back a few months later. I always thought bariatric surgery was too extreme and that no matter how bad things were, there was always the possibility that some day I could lose the weight and be healthy by exercising and eating well on my own. Years later and heavier than ever, I realize that I am going to die on this path of gluttony. I cannot pretend to be a better person than those who take the surgical road, because in truth, it is an illness of willpower. I am sick. Those who have pursued surgery have done something. I have done nothing. Too often I speak with people I respect in my life and they view bariatric surgery a failure, because one could not diet effectively. It's a stigma that is just wrong. Why attack a person for doing what they can to survive? At the end of the day, no one can save you but yourself. These same people who will look down upon you are not going to work out with you at the gym, take time to ask how you are doing losing weight, or try to motivate you. They will say nothing until you fail, and then they happily take the opportunity to point out your lack of result. I think LAP-BAND® is a gift from God. The concept, and staff in the medical field using this option are saving lives. I only hope the insurance games are eventually prohibited. I am pursuing this surgery and will have a few more months before my insurance will consider paying for 50%. My wife is not supportive. She loves me, but with a Christian Science background in her family, she is quick to judge the medical field as a monster to be avoided. I recently explained to her I was doing this without her. I will take the money from my 401k if necessary, because I deserve to live and must do anything possible to defeat my obesity and lack of willpower. She thinks I am selfish. I think dying would be selfish, and with two kids I have to do this for them also. I am walking a lot right now. I have a 5K on Thanksgiving morning to kick off my endeavor. Small goals...one day at a time. Hoping to lose some weight on my own while I wait. I would like to think in a year it becomes easier. I would like to think the naysayers will look how happy I am, healthier and thinner, and admit they were wrong about my decision. I would envy a day in which my spouse would thank me for not giving up on this when we fought so hard over it early on. However, at the end of the day, I have to do this for me. No one else will. I am not a victim. No one else is to blame. I am just a guy with life choices, and I cannot pretend that what I have been doing will prevent more weight gain. I cannot assume a day will come where I will magically have the willpower and strength to change on my own and never abuse food again. I cannot pretend I am exempt from diabetes and heart disease. Already my health is starting to slide, and I am only 33 years old. I cannot pretend that when I do succomb to an early death on this path of denial, the people who did not believe in bariatric surgery will obstain from making aloud comments at my funeral...that I made the choices that led to my demise. So...this is a choice I make for me. A choice to live. A goal of survival and no one will bring me down or stop me. I will be happy. I will lose this weight...I will live...and this is the choice I make. I pray God will help me and make LAP-BAND® available to my life. Without this, I don't think I can change or prevent what is coming. With it I have a good shot to lose the weight and keep it off. Wish me luck! -Christopher

I don't know what I want to do!? I really thought I made the decision to do this, (made seminar date...Jan 19, 2010). Am unsure and scared about the surgery and complications...I know they are about as much as say my knee surgery...which was laproscopic too...but when you sit and read all the complications its so intimidating. Has anyone else has 2nd thoughts? Or completely changed their minds? I want to change, and have done pills, diets, exercise etc and all have ended in weight gain or loss and gain back. :ohmy: I want help in making a decision, hubby is concerned about restrictions and basically leading a normal life, because I said you have no avoid this n that and he is concerned about the restricted living, ideas, thoughts, comments??! Help! I don't want to lose hope, am thinking about trying to do the preop liquid diet and then go on a 1000 cal diet alone before all this and see what happens???

I can't begin to describe how blessed I have been this year. Before I was banded, I was lost. I would wake up most mornings and just say to myself "where do I even begin to dig myself out of this hole". Yes I was referring to the massive weight gain that I had in the past 2.5/3 years. I was falling into a depression but no one knew about it because I was putting up this front that I was the most confidence "fat chick", because I had to...it was my defense mechanism. May of 2009 rolls around and I am desperately searching on the internet for a surgeon to finance my surgery because I am a part time employee and full time student with no health insurance. That's a different story though! The angels sent to me Dr. Webber at Harper Hospital in Detroit MI. This was the start of a new life for me, it was the end of my sorrows, the beginning of a lifetime of happiness. I wasn't going to be overweight for all of my 20's, I will enjoy the last 5 years of my 20's shopping in the same stores as my girlfriends...going to a party and not cry because I have nothing to wear, attract guys with my real confidence and not just a pretty face. More importantly I was going to live to get married and have children w/o any complications. So this Thanksgiving I want to give the greatest Thanks to my Dr. Webber, who without him, I would still be lost and in the deepest hole that I wouldn't be able to get out of. I want to give thanks to him for convincing me to have the surgery and reassuring me that it was going to be OK when I was scared and crying the morning of surgery and about to change my mind. I want to give thanks to him for keeping me safe when my life was in his hands for the 2 hours of surgery. I want to give thanks to him for being the person that saved my mind, body and soul! So thank you Dr. Webber I love you! I was banded May 22nd 2009 and 6 months later I am down almost 70 lbs!! I am happier than ever, and I wish that everyone reading this is as happy as I am and has the greatest success as I have had so far. Goodluck to everyone....and God Bless!

I made positive changes before being banded - but I didnt lose any weight. Not that I had a requirement to. I recommitted to exercising regularly and got myself fit, which I believe was of major benefit to me in terms of recovery. And it was a mindset thing - I changed my life from the time I made the decision to have surgery. I ate healthy but I saw no point in trying to lose weight, nor did I ever feel tempted to have one last major pig out. I didnt eat everything that wasnt nailed down. So I get the point that several people have made above about weight gain prior to surgery. I dont think someone who goes out and stuffs themselves stupid for months is necessarily ready for what this surgery really entails, its more a desperate grab for a magic fix in a lot of cases. But I still think its heartless, judgemental and more than a little stupid to expect people who have such major weight problems and issues to do with food that they are willing to consider surgery to "prove" that they can do it before they have the surgery and i wouldnt use a surgeon who expected it.

My doctor is known for postponing surgery due to weight gain or lack of loss-- There was a girl in my group sessions who was sched for surgery on a Tues and had an appointment the day before - came to group that night and said he postponed her because of weight gain :thumbup:

I just had my surgery October 28. Since my surgery date I had lost 19 pounds. Over the weekend, I increased my calorie intake (from under 600 cal./day) to between 700-900. I haven't had a fill yet but since yesterday I've gained 1 pound. I'm devastated. I don't understand how this could have happened! Anyone with an comments or thoughts please?

I have a "secret band" too. Only my husband, parents and siblings know. I have had many oops moments where I excuse myself or just stop eating and its ok. Really I think more of what "people may think" is more in my head that in reality. I lost 40 lbs, I am expected to watch my intake since I need to stil loose more. For now, I just have to be preggo and keep eye on the weight gain of my big ol' butt, but more importantly, the baby's weight gain as per the ultrasounds has been totally on target! I must admit, I give in to ice cream MUCH more since finding out about the pregnancy :thumbup: More work for me after the baby is born to loose the extra pounds

I hear ya sister!!!!!! I just got banded 11-9-09 and am hoping that this gets better real soon. This is the one thing that my husband and I fight about constantly, he wants it more and doesnt under stand that it has nothing to do with him and that it is me, he love me for who I am not what I look like, but that still doesn't change how often he gets it, which is about 1-2 a month. I am hoping that I get my sex drive back like I had pre babies/weight gain as life was good then.

Hi Ladies. I'm all moved in. It was hard and exhausting, but I'm liking the new house. Okay, all moved in makes it sound like all the boxes are put away and that's certainly not the case, but we're doing pretty well. My heartburn has been better with the Nexium I'm taking. I am still going to see my doctor on December 2 and I think I'll go ahead and get my fluid out at that point. I hurt most times when I'm eating and I'm frankly tired of it. I am still getting food in, but it takes me forever and is sometimes painful. I just hope I can still keep my pregnancy weight gain to a reasonable amount. I haven't weighed myself in more than a week. I'm afraid to. I know I'm going to be over 200 again and that's just rough. I haven't been exercising much, but I did go the other day to the gym and run on the treadmill. I was glad I could still do it!

Thank you for your feedback and congrats on the weight loss already!!! I met with my surgeon for the first time yesterday, and he explained both procedures to me and seemed to side with the band, due to the long term results as opposed to the fast and furious weightloss with gastric with a great change of weight gain over 5 years. Just another confirmation :bored: Thanks and good luck!!

I don't pb on any meats as long as I take very small bites and chew very slowly and swallow very small amounts. I take a longer time to eat my food now. I've lost a few lbs since my fill so am not nearly as tight. Also seems like if I don't want to pb all I have to do is lose some more weight, the band loosens, especially at night, and eventually I need another fill. I have to stick to mostly dense, relatively dry protein to make the band work. Too much moisture or grease in the meat and it turns into just another slider that I can eat and eat and eat. Man, I hate falls. I'm petrified of falling with all my osteoarthritis. Falls have ended up with me needing surgeries and injections and weight gain out of sheer misery. I never wear heals, I'm extemely careful under icy conditions and wear the most grippy shoes I can during the winter. Everyone be very careful. 13 more lbs to goal as of this morning. Food's really good right now. I'm working the band and it works if you work it. Cheri

Well hello there!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just posted on facebook that I'm getting a fill next Wednesday, I'm fed up with the weight gain, my round face. So lets seeeeeeeeeeeeee Life......... Life is good. Robby is still Robby...... however his ped.. said his ODD is FAR outweighing his ADHD so I'm on a waiting list for KU to call.. to get him into their program...... You all know that Charles and I are done........ been done for a while.......... so ok.. who out there saw it coming? LOL My V'sssssssssss been there for me since before..... Robby needs counseling....... he has lost the only dad and brothers he's ever known, although he is happy.... he misses them....... misses the chaous......not me. All I feel is relief and peace when it comes to that part. I recently put myself on the online thang........ mainly for grins...... and some funny stories have happened..... OH and you might remember that I no longer work for nuns..... and I have to tell you...... IT IS WONDERFUL! To be free of Charles and the judgemental NUN(s) I am now the Business Office Manager at a small skilled nursing facility, and it is sooooooooooo nice to have the red carpet rolled out for me and to have everyone say how fast I'm learning it all........... FREE...... Robby and I have also moved out of the old depressing house with tons of bills............. ( I filed bankrupsty, and was able to start fresh) in yet another way............. We now live in a very nice apartment (4plex) in a small town and the best thing is I have no trouble making ends meet... so I guess now its time for me to get back on track with this gained weight............ time to take on the next step again. My violets have never left my heart........ SO HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY:w00t:

hi, well i had my 6 mos post op (and final) appointment with my PS today. everything went well. he was happy with the scars since they are really very faint now. i was surprised by this since my scars after the lapband was put in..... stayed dark for a long time....weird right? my boobs are really starting to look natural since the swelling went away. i'm glad i didnt get implants. i was afraid they would be too small after the lift but for me...they are perfect. i gained 10 lbs since surgery. long story short...i had my band completely unfilled about 8 weeks after my PS because i was having trouble eating (not related to PS at all). plastic surgeon wants to see me in 6 mos to see if i need a little more lipo on my thighs. he isnt sure if the bulge is from the weight gain or that i need a little more. so i'm hoping i use this to get my act together to get the weight off. i'll be "dipped" if i went through all this (lapband and plastic surgery) to slip back into my old pattern. anyway i am soooo happy i did the plastic surgery since it really finished off the job the lapband started. good luck to all having surgery or are thinking about it. josie

Well I've always been insecure. lol I went through really awkward years in my early teens(about 20lbs overweight, horrible acne:pizza face, braces, horrible dressing/hair) lol But when I started growing out of that I met alot of different guys and I was between 170-190, I'm sorry but I'm personally turned off by guys that find really skinny girls attractive. However then my thyroid went off and I was a shut-in for 3 years and gained 90lbs. I think it was the sleeping 15 hours a day that made me feel the most unattractive. It really has to do about personality and confidence sometimes though, I can say that I've had a LOT more attention recently now that I'm back to 167lbs. As I've gone down in weight you start to realize how sensitive an issue being fat is. It's sad that people look down on you for it, but I am so thankful that my family and awesome b/f stood by me through weight gain and weight loss and loved me the whole time. And unfortunately a lot of people don't have that. That's why this forum is amazing, because we all know what it's like. Sorry if that was really long-and somehow turned into a I-Love-Lapband-Talk! lol

All carbohydrates are not equal!!! Processed and refined carbs are the bad ones, Sugar, Flour etc. Un-processed or complex carbs are low GI and are digested slowly without triggering the glucose spike and excess un-usable glucose in the blood that is responsible for the weight gain associated with PCOS as well as the low energy levels. Carbohydrate is a very important part of any diet and should not be omitted. Reducing carbs too far will slow your metabolic rate futher. Good quality carbs are what you should be eating. Low GI is the way to go. Pick low GI carbs, good quality Protein and good fats. These are all important for gaining and maintaining good health. Stay away from the empty calories provided by junk food and drink. Keep taking Metformin, if you are on it, and slowly build up the exercise, one step at a time, and all should go well. ....that's my opinion and everyone is welcome to it...no charge.

Good morning! I envy you girls...going shopping in warm weather. We won't see a day like that until at least April. Hope you just have a really good time together. Was another 4am morning here. Had a quick cup of coffee and homemade blueberry muffins (made with no fat...just applesauce and ground almonds) and he was out the door to cut in some more fertilizer. Have a big day. Bookwork this morning and then meeting my friend for lunch (which is also my ins agent) to go over our farm renewal. The scheduled items are the bugger. Gotta grab DH long enough to have him go over it with me to make sure we have nothing to add or delete. After lunch we are going to hit my friend's "overstock" store (all new items he buys in bulk....no two things alike but high end brand names) and also hit the consignment shop in town. I was doing some "scouting" for her yesterday. This overstock store has some really nice things and everything is under $20. A lot of Loft and Ann Taylor, Pendleton (the BEST wool creations), Jones NY, etc. My friend has had a huge gain in the last 3-4 yrs. She was always about a size 6. Type A diabetes and mega weight gain without eating much. Anyway, found her some cute stuff and maybe it will make her feel better. She is an absolute beauty. Looks similar to Melanie Griffith (b/4 the botched face lift) and she is still under 200 but such a slam for her to go from a perfect figure to gaining 75lbs. I feel for her and you know with diabetes you don't just crash diet (it would cause her to crash). So...... that's part of my day. Need to do some things outside this morning and do some Christmas wrapping. Pretty close to done with shopping for everyone. I bought personalized glass domes for everyone (even little great grandkids) in "mom's" family. They we a little spendy but something to treasure forever. She was an angel collector. There's beautiful angels inside the dome and instead of snow it is teal colored glitter. She turns and plays "The Lord is My Shepard" . "Mom's" favorite. On the little plaque is just put "Our Mom, Our Angel" and then had her name written below. For the little kids (4 of them under the age of 7) I ordered "Protection Angels" in the globe and put their name and "Remembering Granny" and then Granny's name under it. Not sure what I will get DH yet. Gold toed socks are always a staple but usually come up with something else too. Just a box of Russell Stover makes him smile and then he tries to see if he can eat it all in one sitting. Yes, Janet, was sick about the bracelet. Didn't even want to tell DH cuz he gave it to me. He just said not to worry "It's just a thing". All I know is that it made me nervous to wear it and I don't know why I was wearing it that day. I usually save it for special occassions but, no, I had to wear it for trying on coats? I just can't figure me out!

Tina, sounds like things are going wonderfully! I'm so thrilled. Good for you for getting an attorney! "Serves" him right! LOL! Okay it wasn't THAT funny! :thumbup: Good job nipping the weight gain in the bud and getting back on track! WTG! Take good care and enjoy! Hugs!!!

I wouldn't be comfortable going home after major surgery. The risk for leaks is highest within the first week, and I had 3 leak tests. I know some surgeons do this procedure on an outpatient basis, but I personally would not go home without at least 2 leak tests, and an overnight stay in the hospital. My husband was extremely supportive on my decision to have this surgery. I'm a band to sleeve revision and he was supportive of both surgeries. Neither one of us are drinkers per se, and I haven't attempted to drink anything since my sleeve surgery. I was able to drink alcoholic beverages with my band. I don't think you're crazy for wanting to live a longer, more healthy life for yourself. Tell your husband about all the joyful activities that you 2 can do after you lose the weight. Just from my personal experience, my marriage is more exciting, fun, and full of surprises due to me losing weight. We are more active in and out of the bedroom as well. There are going to be plenty of joyful things that you can share. Just get creative, and make him a list of all the great adventures you 2 can participate when you lose weight, gain more confidence, and more energy. Best wishes, and keep us posted on your progress.

So I am on the "unweightloss" program right now. When I finally was able to see my insurance company's policy regarding weightloss surgery I read in exact terms this: Failure of medical management including evidence of active participation within the last two years in a weight-management program that is supervised either by a physician or a registered dietician for a minimum of six months without significant gaps. This is frustrating to say the least. I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT. I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT NOW. AND I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR GOOD. I am seriously struggling with this. In fact, with just changing my diet and not even my exercise levels, I seem to have misplaced TEN pounds over the past four days! I knew it was coming. My weight issues have always revolved around my hormone inbalances created by being a wonderful glorious woman (said dripping with sarcasm). Once a month - lasting for about a week - no matter what I do, I can't lose a single ounce. Once a month - lasting for about three days - no matter what I do, I gain five to seven pounds. And for the rest of the month, the weight melts off of me when I am behaving. Before I really discovered the trends and understood my body, this would get frustrating beyond all get out. But it's not so frustrating anymore. Now I can muscle down and just keep doing what I'm doing and know that when my hormones balance back out, I will be down. I have said before that my weight gains have always come when I get off of birth control. It's that hormone fluctuation that makes my body go crazy. So I'm off birth control, I'm regular, and I'm "normal", too. HA! I knew, because of where I am in my cycle, that I'd see a drop this week. I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT DROP TO BE TEN FRIGGIN POUNDS! That TEN pounds puts my BMI below 40 - therefore making me ineligible. So...I have to gain it back. Yes, you heard me. I have to gain it back. I really have no choice. Unless I forego this and say "I can do this by myself". I have no doubt that "I can do this by myself". I do doubt that I can keep it off by myself. Which is why I'm here. :thumbup: I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT. I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT NOW. AND I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR GOOD. Sigh. I don't want to gain it back. I DON WANNA! THIS IS SO STUPID! :biggrin:

So I am on the "unweightloss" program right now. When I finally was able to see my insurance company's policy regarding weightloss surgery I read in exact terms this: Failure of medical management including evidence of active participation within the last two years in a weight-management program that is supervised either by a physician or a registered dietician for a minimum of six months without significant gaps. This is frustrating to say the least. I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT. I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT NOW. AND I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR GOOD. I am seriously struggling with this. In fact, with just changing my diet and not even my exercise levels, I seem to have misplaced TEN pounds over the past four days! I knew it was coming. My weight issues have always revolved around my hormone inbalances created by being a wonderful glorious woman (said dripping with sarcasm). Once a month - lasting for about a week - no matter what I do, I can't lose a single ounce. Once a month - lasting for about three days - no matter what I do, I gain five to seven pounds. And for the rest of the month, the weight melts off of me when I am behaving. Before I really discovered the trends and understood my body, this would get frustrating beyond all get out. But it's not so frustrating anymore. Now I can muscle down and just keep doing what I'm doing and know that when my hormones balance back out, I will be down. I have said before that my weight gains have always come when I get off of birth control. It's that hormone fluctuation that makes my body go crazy. So I'm off birth control, I'm regular, and I'm "normal", too. HA! I knew, because of where I am in my cycle, that I'd see a drop this week. I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT DROP TO BE TEN FRIGGIN POUNDS! That TEN pounds puts my BMI below 40 - therefore making me ineligible. So...I have to gain it back. Yes, you heard me. I have to gain it back. I really have no choice. Unless I forego this and say "I can do this by myself". I have no doubt that "I can do this by myself". I do doubt that I can keep it off by myself. Which is why I'm here. I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT. I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT NOW. AND I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR GOOD. Sigh. I don't want to gain it back. I DON WANNA! THIS IS SO STUPID! :thumbup:

Morning everyone, hope you all had a good night... I did!!! Can't hardly believe it and I'm a bit afraid of jinxing it, but I slept in my bed, all night, with no pain at all............... I can't remember the last time that happened...(except the night they knocked me out with morphine and dilaudid!!) Saturday night was a sleepless one with lots of pain.. I have no idea what the difference was, but I'm very happy for the break in the torture.. I just got out of the hot-tub... Thought I would let those muscles relax a bit more before I start my day................I've got my fingers crossed that this is a new chapter in my recovery......... Our trip was good.. We took my mother and my 12 year old niece along..Mother was very happy to get to go as she can't go by herself anymore... The niece was in heaven... The center of attention with a grandma and 2 sets of uncles and aunts... He dad had given her some money and a gift certificate from Cabella's that he got as a saftey award from work. (We don't have Cabella's anywhere close.) She shopped and bought her dad a birthday present, her little niece a Christmas present, and herself a stuffed dolphin pillow... She was very proud of herself.............. Grandma bought her a new cute jacket, and her other aunt bought her a Corn Palace shirt and a stuffed dog and a game..... So, then we played games with her all three days.......... she loved it... We went to church yesterday and out to breakfast... It was so good to see her so happy.. She is from a broken home and gets shuffled a lot.. She is the youngest and is home alone alot... As for me, I enjoyed the break from being home... There was no mention of family stresses and that was great!!!! I didn't do so well with food choices, but didn't overeat either..... Just ate wrong things.. Not much protein.. No weight gain this morning, so I'm fine with what I did... Just did as I pleased... It was a nice break.. Apples, I expect we were in country that is about like yours... Wet and not really ready for harvest.. Lots of corn still standing.......waiting......... Gosh, I hope that can change now.. There were a few combines going on our way home yesterday... You must be almost to the end of your packing and such... It's been a big job... And speaking of jobs, what about the one you were considering... have you made any decisions? Life threw you a couple curves............... Meredith, take it from one who knows, you just have to put those candy bars in the past and go on!!!! You'll be fine... Stress gets us all and it can be a bugger... Just take a deep breath and move on........... Janet and Phyll, looks like you had a great time... You both look wonderful... And what a difference a couple years makes... Laura, I've got my fingers crossed that the report on your dad is a positive one.... I agree with Apples, your face looks slimmer... The pics are great.. Your Nels is going to be a heartbreaker when he hits the teen years... 1 Day, you and I must be in the same funk..... We'll get through this somehow... You take care............. Well, DD just called and needs me to take Mimi early, so I'd better get a move on............ Lots to do this morning to get back to normal.... You all take care and have a good day.. Hope to be back this evening.. Julie