MY LONG AWAITED PROFILE UPDATE

Hi - OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I'm so tired and I have really sore boobies. I feel like my energy is gone and I never get enough sleep. I wake after a good 9 hours of sleep and think I could use 3 more. Other than that I feel pretty good. My estimated due date is 2/26/06. i've been to my first pre-natal appointment and had an ultrasound. I got to see the little bean and the heartbeat and the little dance she/he did for daddy and I. still trying? charting your ovulation? Denise

I'm glad it's going well. February will be here before you know it. My newest grandson was due 2/26/05, but showed up on 2/1/05 and we're having so much fun with him. I envy you being pregnant. I think its one of the most precious times in your life...when you feel wholly complete and purposeful. Savor each moment and share them with us so can celebrate along with you. Hugs, Julie

I'm so glad you're back...we've missed you. Don't be so hard on yourself; we all go through times of making less than perfect choices. That's why we're here. The days I'm feeling down, someone else is feeling up and they pull me along with them and generally I leave here with a smile. Don't stay away so long... Julie

Joanne, I'm glad to hear from you. I'm sure you've realized by now that you're only human. We all need to be conscious of our choices and you most definitely are not alone. Many of us will have some bounce-back weight gain, and that is normal. As yours is about 13#, now is a good time to get back in the swing of things. It's not awful, and my guess is that your BMI is still in the normal range since you're so tall. Take care and don't be too hard on yourself. That can be very destructive. Concentrate on the positives and just move forward. Every day is a new day, and my philosophy is that we do the best we can every day. Linn

Oh Joanne.....I am so, so very happy that you posted. I have truly missed hearing about your weight loss journey and sharing your personal life with us. I want to thank you for helping me in a panic situation. It was Jan or Feb of this year that I began to become terrified of maintenance since it was so close, and had gained around 15 pounds. That's when you shared your getting back on track plan. It was as if you shared the info b/c I was in such a slump and needed help. Your wedding gown is so beautiful b/c it fits you so well. You look radiant, slim, and happy. I am glad that married life sits well with you. I am sorry about your financial situation. I know what it is like living paycheck to paycheck and taking from Peter to pay Paul. My daughter and I live together and since I became disabled it's been hard. But with God's help we muddle through. Your graphic design job sounds exciting. Could this part time position be the first step toward a career in the field? Most importantly, does it help to take your mind off of food?? I know what you mean about having to stay in touch with your family here. The support I get truly lifts my spirits. And, I feel I am doing a little pay back answering preops' and newly postops' questions. You made a very good point that the early obsession we had on our journeys fades and often we slip. But, Joanne, you've had a slip nothing more than that. I know I would be overwhelmed with all you do and then trying to get back on track wouldput me over the edge. Maybe you could work on one thing at a time. Like upping the water until you are comfortable with fitting it in your daily schedule. Then protein, supplements...you know all this. Remember that 3 days without carbs breaks the craving...I learned that from you! I am very happy you are home. Your family, Dan and the children seem to be a very loving and positive support system for you there. Your family, here, is the same. Paula

Well my 13lb weight gain is now 20lbs. I must have miscalculated before although I did gain some since I last posted. Your post has made me feel better. But what was it that I said to help you back on track? I need you to throw these words back in MY face. My part time job is taking on a full time roll. I do about 20 hours a week doing graphic design for my boss and 10-15 hours a week doing clerical stuff for him (at a different rate ) Life does seem so overwhelming. It never ends. Just this year alone I had my son graduate, go to europe(stress!!!), he's moving out, starting college (I'm fighting to get him in with a grant), getting his license (I am teaching him to drive), renovating a trailer on our property, going back to work, worrying more and more about money. That was not a problem before. Food has become my comfort through all of this. I went on ritalin for adult ADD and upped my wellbutrin. This is causing anxiety, irritability, anger, frustration. I may have to go off of it and then I am back to the old way of not concentrating or accomplishing things. I lose either way. Dan and I are doing great. That is the one constant through all of this. Joanne

Dear Joanne, I too had fallen off the posting wagon, then I got sick. I couldn't get to my computer quick enough to post. I haven't gained any and am still losing (much to my doctor, and the neurologist consternation). One of the reasons I had this surgery was to get pregnant to have a baby. Can't do that right now. Hun, don't worry about a 13lb weight gain. In the BIG scope of things, well, darn it you have come a LONG way. This is just a tiny speedbump to the rest of your life. You look beautiful Noelle