Hi Everyone! Well, here we all are, over a year out - and isn't it fantastic?!?! I for one really have no complaints - I am so happy to be alive right now and to be able to enjoy the new me. However, one thing has really caused me a great deal of aggravation - - KIDNEY STONES! Gee whiz - is there anything in the world crappier than kidney stones? Not much. I can really respect women, now more than ever, if passing a large kidney stone is 1/100th the pain of childbirth - wowee! Well, I knew for a while that I formed a large number of stones in my left kidney as the months went on, but I was not prepared for what I am going through now. I PASSED 17 STONES LAST WEEK - that is NOT a typo! And I still have one stuck in between my kidney and bladder. THAT is the most painful part if you ask me. No stones have been larger than 3-4mm, so passing them thank God has been possible without any surgery - up to this point. I don't know about many of you, but early on it was noticed that my hypothyroid was "leaching calcium from my bones", so I was put on a high calcium citrate regimen (around 2000MG daily in one of my shakes), and I have been really good about following this. I have complete labs pulled almost every month, and things were monitored regularly. The doctor did notice high quantities of uric acid in my urine, which is a sign of excessive protein. "Good for me!", I thought, until the stones came! How on earth are we supposed to get-in all of our grams of protein, etc., if we have these kinds of repurcussions? I was told that a good amount of patients do indeed go through a "kidney stone phase", but I never thought it would be so horrible. I travel a great deal for work. Right now I am in Alabama, in a nice hotel, but with all of the kidney pain, it makes it difficult to get comfortable, difficult to eat and drink, and get good sleep - especially hard to concentrate on work. When the pain is bad enough, I take 2 tsp of liquid vicoden - which solves the problem for the short haul. Has anyone else had chronic problems with Kidney Stones following surgery? What are some natural supplements/foods that I can consume that will keep me "in line" with our new lifestyle, without having to sacrifice my calcium and my protein intake? Any ideas? I appreciate any and all comments and suggestions! Warmest regards, Michael Campellone NOW LOST 205 POUNDS - YAYYYY!! 375/170/170

Hi Leanne First, Congrats!!!!!!! Second, could you email me on your tt and hernia. I am also having to have that done and could use some insight!!!!!! Great job

Congrats! :-I know how you feel. This is my anniversary to. I would do it again. I have lost 143 lbs. I am one less medications. I go to the doctor tomorrow for a follow-up one year visit. I look forward for the next steps. Chat with you later. Vivian ;-

Hi all, yes it is my 1 year anniversary, and what can I say except WOW. I have lost 125 lbs. and 25 to go. I cant believe it. I never thought I would be one of those people saying " I need to loose 25 lbs." I used to respond to that statment with " I need to loose 25 lbs from my thighs" or IF I only had 25 lbs to loose I wouldn't even worry ablut it. Does anyone else remember thoose feelings. Its funny how things change, because I do want to loose those 25 lbs. I'm not obsessing, but I do want to loose them. I am so greatfull to be able to do s many things I wasnt able to do before, you know, Movies , Flying, tying my shoes without becoming breathless :jump;. Long Long walks. SO may things, to may to mention. It has been an amazing journey, and I thank all of you for your knowledge, and freedom in sharing I am trying to get approved for a TT. Hopefully I will know something this wee****il then.... Thanks again, ang goodby 125 lbs and over 100 inches.

I have been having this discomforting feeling (pain) on my left side, just over my waist, sometimes it feels like the pain is towards the back... as anyone had this feeling? any ideas what it could be? Alberto