The vertical incision goes from pubis to sternum. It takes care of the entire abdomen rather than just the lower stomach. I've been at this weight for almost 3 months. My goal for surgery isn't until December. It will be a long fight. I'll keep you posted. ~Lara

I'm feeling kinda low. Eating poorly. Needing motivation to get my ass back in gear. I feel like I need to just take a long long walk and forgive my sins, lol. I'm having fights with carbohydrates and just eating badly. The hard part about this kind of emotional/trigger eating is that I know immediately that I am doing something wrong - my body has reactions to bad foods, and my belly is so small. But, I can have "tastes, bites" until I've eaten way too much of something... over the course of a day, week, month... it adds up. It's been a couple of days that I've been really just trigger-eating every time I feel the slightest stress. It's like - the kids do something naughty, go get a handful of Cheerios. Why? Who knows - it's not something I ever thought I'd be capable of anymore... but it is. And, it's so obviously related to stress, mood, etc... nothing to do with hunger. I feel like I need to step back and start fresh with liquid proteins for a while and remember what hungry feels like - and stop this cycle - it's so damaging - and I will regain if I continue. (Perhaps not immediately, but over time it will cause regain...) I know it has a lot to do with my recent events - finding out we can't add on to the house, the college denial, followed by the plastic surgery denial... (approved to have it done, but must pay cash), it's enough to make your head spin, I know. It's like, a lot of talk and no action, I can't stand it. But, not for a lack to trying to get something accomplished!! Getting the house ready - and possibly selling it feels "right" somehow, I don't know why - because I'm sure noone else sees it that way - but in a way it's helpful to know we can and really "move on"... it may not happen, I still have that feeling it won't happen at all, but at least we can try, right? Anyways - I feel slightly rebellious... and so help me _____, if this house doesn't sell, or a I can't find a job to do, I'mma shave my head, pierce my nose, get a tattoo, and join Cirque Du Soleil! ARGH! GROWL! HISS! Man, I feel slightly better. B e t h _______________________________________ when it rains it pours and opens doors and floods the floors we thought would always keep us safe and dry -train ________________________________________ HW- 313 SW- 298 CW- 140 (but not weighing) GWR- 114/151 Journal- http://meltingmama.blogspot.com/ Pix- http://community.webshots.com/user/msooyl Email- [email protected] IM- bethlbutterfly

Just wanted to say that I feel it is the person and not the weight. Sounds like he has never been what you needed and now you have the confidence to say the hell with you!! Good for you girl.....power can do strange things to people... You look awesome and should always strive to the top.....Funny how when we are heavy we don't think we deserve the top, when we deserved it just like anyone else...... My personal story is a marriage of ups and downs....married to a Marine!!!Although we have survived it ALL over the last 10 years, my weight went along with the highs and lows....we are the strongest now then we have ever been, but it is because we both work at it and want it...... Good luck to you on your journey!! You look awesome....I want some PS, but have to wait until we get back to the states for that..... Take Care Lori 231/121 past goal

Good luck, I'll be anxious to hear about it. Dianne

Hi Lara - don't know what a full vertical incision is. Please explain. I would ask lots about mortality rates, etc. Pain and duration of it. My friend had a lower body lift and was in a lot of pain for what seemed like a very long time. I would also have him or her draw the scars on my body with a red marker so I could imagine how that would be. I'm not going to even think about PS until I've been at this weight at least 6 months. You've been at goal for a while, haven't you? I'd ask lots about insurance coverage. Good luck with your consult. We'll be waiting to hear. Ruth