My dearest Debbie, What a time you have been thru. Including you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. You definitely aren't a failure, please don't feel that way. You have come so far. I have only lost 5 more lbs than you since surgery so we are right in track with each other. The only reason I am ahead of you in numbers is because I was forced to lose 50 lbs before surgery or be cancelled. I'm glad you got into the GYN doctor and he found what the problem is. Take care and please keep posting here so we know how you are doing. Mary

Hello to my fellow feburarians! I have not posted in awhile, because I felt like a failure. I have not lost nearly as much as most of you. I know I shouldn't compare myself to anyone. We all loose at different rates... yada yada yada... easy to say, but hard to take to heart. I am proud that I have lost 70lbs. I did gain a few at Christmas, but they have come off. I just pushed the carbs way too much. I have felt like crap for the past few months. My PCP keeps checking my iron, because I have been anemic for the past 2 years or so. I have had really heavy periods and such. I decided to use my pcp for my pap smears and I guess that was my first mistake. She is a wonderful Dr., but just not specialized in the gyn area. My hemoglobin dropped from 13 in Nov to 7 last week. She said I need a transfusion, but I talked her into doubling my iron and taking it from there. Well, she wants me to see my dr. that did my surgery and have a colonoscopy and edg, and then see a blood specialist (I freaked out when I called them for my appt. There name is Cancer something or another) I need to have iron injections. Then she wanted me to see my gyn. That is where I went today and found out I have a fibroid and my uterus is the size it would be if I were 16 weeks pregnant. (size of a football) How did Ihave that inside of me and not know it. I thought I was feeling my intestines. LOL Long story short I have to have a hysterectomy, but he is willing to wait till May. I will be taking monthly Lupron shots to shrink the fibroid down, and my iron should be built up really good by then. He did say that I wouldn't need the colonoscopy, because the fibroid is the culprit. There is and upside. I might be able to combine the hysterectomy with a TT. I will have to pay the difference, but my anesthesia will be covered and that is one of the biggest expenses. I'm calling in the morning to schedule a consultation. My PCP doesn't want me to exercise or exert myself at all right now. She said I need to go to the ER immediately if I have any dizziness, chest pains, or breathing problems. She said I could have a heart attack, due to the low oxygen in my blood cells. I never knew anemia could be so serious. Anyway, I hope that I will feel like a new person, and have more energy to exercise and get this last 15-20 lbs. off. Hugs, Debbie

Well Mary, I no longer wear jeans and baggy t-shirts to work. I've become much more fashionable these days. If it's not cute, I'm not wearing it! I wear low rise jeans and fitted shirts. I always wore make-up and took pains with my hair, but I didn't like how I looked in my clothes. It's nice to be able to feel as though I look good now (most of the time). Linn

Hey Katherine! I can't imagine walking 15 miles. That is such an awesome distance to walk. You will have to let us know how long it takes you. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow morning. Good luck! Wanda 256/182/145

WOW ... 500 square feet of tile!!!!!! What an achievement!!!!!!! Congratulations. Mary