Oh, Paula........I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest symphathy, Wanda

Good morning family, My mom died during the night, in her sleep, at age 90. She had survived my dad by 14 years. They had been married 60 years and she had been lonely these passing years without him. I'm very happy she met her great grandson a couple of weeks ago. She didn't know him, or us, but she thought he was a pretty boy. It's hard to grasp that she is gone. She had eaten breakfast and lunch as usual at the rest home on Sunday. She walked back to her room, as she always did - to and from the dining room - at meals. It was her daily exercise she said. After lunch she asked to take a nap that she was suddenly very tired. Come dinner she was too tired to walk to the dining room. She died peacefully, in no acute pain, an unlabored last breath. Just as she always hoped she would. Goodby mom, I love you. Thank you all for reading this. Paula

Hi Debbie. It was good to hear from you and that you are doing so well. It's been quite a ride for a lot of us. Congrats on being so close to your goal. Denise

I'm now in Phase Two of my weight loss journey. I don't have any nutritional guidance so I am on my own. I'm so glad to have you all to bounce ideas off of. I'll be doing that often this year, I think! 1. At goal I weigh 125 pounds. I want to keep a tight grip on that. The range I feel is acceptable is 116-129. 2. I need to weigh and measure my meals. When I don't, I get sloppy. 3. I commit to conntinuing with the rules: protein first, 100+ gms; 3 protein shakes; for meals protein, then veggies/fruit; 64+ ounces fluid; supplements and vitamins 4. My biggest problem is grazing and snacking so I have to stick to 3 meals and no snacks. Another protein shake before bed and I never feel very hungry. It's hard to have those bad behaviors constantly calling my name. 5. I commit to continuing charting my intake with FitDay.com 6. .....more short term goals to add as I think of them. 7. " " " 8. " " " I no longer am terrified of maintenance (scared, but not terrified), it's the next step of this journey that has been a God send. He allowed me to have this surgery to give me this wonderful tool to beat this addiction and go on with my life. I am extremely grateful and feel priveleged to continue on. Next step - plastic surgery!!! Love you all, Paula

Hi Debbie, Happy Anniversary to you as well! I hope your energy level is building back up to normal. It's so hard to do anything when you are soo tired. I never thought about it, but it makes sense that your body would vigorously hang on to what it has (iron) and not let any weight go. It's great that you lost 5 pounds that quick. That's alot at this stage of the game. I hope you lose more after the next infusion!! You'll be at goal before you know it!! Thanks for the update. Paula 299/125 goal met 2/21/05