Hi Rachael, Just checking to see how you are doing. hang in there, the tool is still working, it just takes time and lots of patience. ES

You look great. I am trying to follow your plataeu busters diet.

Im jealous! You have snow!!! AND get to see the Aur ??? borealis thing...LOL... Id LOVE to see that just once in my lifetime! Im sure it is a spectacular sight! I guess some just are too busy enjoy their new life and are probably at the gym, while we are here procrastinating about it :-0). I dont have a life besides work and my grandchildren and my internet friends. If I could stay off this computer when I am off, I *might* could get to a gym or at least start walking. I hate exercise, I will admit it but Im working on being positive and Im going to start back with my Richard Simmons tapes and at least get started. I know if i could just start. I would be motivated to keep it up and just might enjoy it one day. Good for you and the walk!!! I have thought about doing something of that nature, like a walk for obesity but we do not have anything like that here. I wish someone would organize one, I would be motivated to participate. I am a nurse, and a co worker just returned from a knee replacement surgery. She said it was painful to start but what surgery isnt, that is what the GOOD drugs are for! she is doing well, and she says it helped her knee tremendously, she has to have therapy everyday ( she had her surgery at the end of january) and she said she has to keep moving to keep it from getting stiff so there is your motivation right there, for walking more everyday. The more she walks, the better the knee gets. She said the actual surgery itself was not bad at all, as long as you have a good surgeon who believes in keeping you pain free you will be fine. I would ask what type of pain management program he has in place, for you, post op tho. Best of luck and let us know when you have surgery scheduled, will send up lots of prayers! ES

Thank you Tom and so do you unfortunately, I do need plastics and I am looking into it - getting qualified for the surgery was easy in comparison. I know that everybody has a different experience with this surgery - I always advice people to be sure that understand exactly what having this surgery will mean for their life - I think those who do not fully commit and think of it as a quick fix are the ones that have regret - I went into this with my eyes wide open and 2 years of research - I was fully committed and prepared for the lifestyle change. Carolyn

Wow! Carolyn, you look great! So are you planning on plastic surgery now? You look wonderful!! I am with you on doing it again and again... I tell everyone I meet at my local support meeting that are looking at doing it I would do it again!! Take care, Tom