I feel like I'm in a sequel of "Thinner".

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Elode, I know there are plastic surgeons in Springfield where you live. Have you consulted with any of them? As I recall you went through Cox (I went through Mercy).

Here's one of the plastic surgeons who consults on Mercy WLS patients' needs: http://www.shahplasticsurgery.com/

Over a year ago I did a "hallway consult" with him (I recognized him in the Mercy Surgical Center hallway when my husband was getting a biopsy there and spent ten minutes talking with him about possible future plastics). FYI, he said he wouldn't operate on anyone who hadn't maintained for a year -- but maybe you could at least take a meeting with him before that.

Just sayin'.

[Elode 8,093]

@@VSGAnn2014 I've never heard of him. I guess since It won't be covered by insurance I can pick which ever hospital I want. I am going to do a couple consults. I know Dr Reynolds did a great job with my daughters lip when she had a granuloma cut off. I am going to speak with him too. I just hate getting naked in front of all these people. I'm sure they will any to see the goods. ;(

[Elode 8,093]

I'm also still waiting to see if I will need jaw surgery and that appointment will be in January. I'm concerned about that. I don't want to waste away with my mouth wired shut. I get my palate expander put in next Wednesday. I'm just hoping that will work and I won't need surgery.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

@@VSGAnn2014 I've never heard of him. I guess since It won't be covered by insurance I can pick which ever hospital I want. I am going to do a couple consults. I know Dr Reynolds did a great job with my daughters lip when she had a granuloma cut off. I am going to speak with him too. I just hate getting naked in front of all these people. I'm sure they will any to see the goods. ;(

Yeah, you're gonna have to get naked for this.

Dr. Shah was chosen 417 Magazine's "Best Cosmetic Surgeon" -- for the last few years (I didn't research any further back than that):

2015 - http://www.417mag.com/417-Magazine/February-2015/Best-of-417-2015/index.php?cparticle=4&siarticle=3#artanc

2014 - http://www.417mag.com/417-Magazine/February-2014/Best-of-417-2014/index.php?cparticle=4&siarticle=3#artanc

[Elode 8,093]

@@VSGAnn2014 Well that makes me feel better...not the naked part but the good surgeon part.

[Elode 8,093]

We (my daughter and I) are going to be baking Cookies today. Wish me luck!

[BestDayEver 418]

My son asked me yesterday if I was going to make Christmas Cookies this year. I told him I would make them on Christmas Eve because I don't want them around for too long. This is my first holiday watching what I eat and I'm kind of looking forward to January as far as the food part of the holidays is concerned - it's exhausting trying to avoid the temptations.

[jane13 2,256]

@@Elode i remember seeing a pic of your tummy a while back. I would love mine to look like that! glad to see you back on BP.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

@@Elode I can remember being like that. Once I got closer to goal, it seemed like there was less I could do to impact the scale. While I worked at losing, it was fairly easy. Now, at three years out, I've noticed another alarming trend. My weight is creeping up, and it seems I am unable to impact that, too. Staying around the same calories or less than I used to, and I can't seem to drop the 5-6 pounds that have crept on since last May. I swear it feels like a switch flipped or something and I am going to weigh 300 pounds again, and I will be powerless to stop it! I stayed at 1100 calories for two weeks and nothing came off. I guess I'm to have drop back to 900 to see if that works.

[Elode 8,093]

@@BestDayEver We made a few dozen and I ate one so I'm pretty happy about that. I don't have much of an appetite lately. The husband and I aren't doing so well so I don't feel like eating. Keep up the willpower. Nothing taste as good as a new pair of smaller jeans feels!

[Elode 8,093]

@@jane13 Thank you. It's not great but it's to be expected. I still need a Tummy Tuck.< /p>

[Elode 8,093]

@@MichiganChic I'm sure I will hit that too. Im trying not to, I'm emotional overwhelmed right now so I just want to eat junk but I'm trying not to.

[Elode 8,093]

This would be me with my daughter making Cookies. I'm not "skinny" I feel like I'm ok proportionately. I don't want to be a stick. I like curves. I would like to stay this way. My daughter is 128 lbs but she's a bit shorter.

[BestDayEver 418]

This would be me with my daughter making Cookies. I'm not "skinny" I feel like I'm ok proportionately. I don't want to be a stick. I like curves. I would like to stay this way. My daughter is 128 lbs but she's a bit shorter.

You look perfect!

[Babbs 14,681]

This would be me with my daughter making Cookies. I'm not "skinny" I feel like I'm ok proportionately. I don't want to be a stick. I like curves. I would like to stay this way. My daughter is 128 lbs but she's a bit shorter.

You look awesome. You're curvy like I am. I also need to say your sweater is amazing....