Hi all, So I went to the PS on Monday. I was scheduled for 6, but they called and asked me if I wanted to come at 4:30 so I quickly re-arranged my schedule at work and left for the earlier appt. I got to the office and filled out the paperwork (because there is always paperwork). After waiting a little bit, I was called into the office. The dr was very personable and alternated speaking to me about procedures with showing me before and afters on a computer slideshow. He asked me if I weigh myself and I told him no and explained my phobia (if I don't see a number that I like, it frustrates and depresses me, so I avoid the scale. I can tell my weight loss by my clothes. I save the actual scale for my surgeon's appts.) Anyway, he understood my reasoning despite the funny look on his face. My husband was with me, but had to leave to go feed a parking meter. About this time, the dr said he wanted to do the physical exam and take some pictures. So I strip down to my white pasty self, wearing just my panties and the horrible robe that never quite covers well. He comes in with his assistant and tells me that if I want to get the insurance coverage, I will have to shuck the panties, too. So I took them off along with my dignity. Then I had to pose for the camera. I told them that this would be a lovely picture for next year's Christmas card. After a series of shots that made me feel like a very bad version of Kate Moss, that portion was over and I could (Thank God) put my clothes back on. I went back to his office and he went over my pictures with me. I basically could use a new body, but they don't transplant entire bodies, so I guess reconstruction is the way to go. I want to have my batwings done, my pancake boobage, my tummy done and then (since I could actually see the back end)my butt and thighs. And what the heck, throw in a neck and facelift. I told him the pictures depressed me so much I was never taking my clothes off again. So then he told me that I might be a bit early for the actual surgery and I was bummed, but he did tell me that I was not too early to start planning (which was basically how I see it too). Now is the time to document everything. He told me that I do have to start weighing myself because I have to go about 3 months without any substantial weight loss. It won't pay to have surgery, still lose more and end up with more excess skin. He thinks between now and 18 months from my surgery which would be around Oct. I can see the logic behind it. He also told me that he will have the person that handles the insurance call me when she is back in the office. My insurance changed as of March 1st, but our insurance also changes every June and if I need to change to a better insurance for a higher premium, i will do it for as long as I need to. (Good thing for me I am the HR person at work and the go to person for our medical insurance.) So that's my story. I was very happy with the doctor, he has been reviewed on this website and I know two people who had the surgery with him. But we have a PS doing a presentation at my hospital support group at the end of this month, so I am not committing to anything and keeping all options open. So the other part of this, when I put my stats down, I put down 182 which was what I weighed in Jan when I was at my surgeon's. But because I now have to weigh myself, I decided I would do it the next morning. So I got up early (which is normal for me) and weighed myself. I had to look at the scale twice because I read 165. I was so shocked, I woke up hubby (poor man!) and made him come look at it with me. So now I weigh less then my younger son, and 5 lbs more than hubby. When I lose 2.5 more pounds, I will have lost as much as I weigh. So I was quite happy about that. Anyway, I just wanted to share my little story. Have a great day! Sue

April is this a new pictures? I almost didnt recognize you. YOU look awesome, yeah. Kathleen

Yes, it is a wonderful feeling! I see you have also done excellant. Yahoo for us!!!!!

You'll get there. I am sure you've had many stalls, like me. Congrats to you too!!

I can never plan out exactly what I will have ahead of time but here is what my totals for the day have been. It is now about 8:30 pm EST. dannon lite n fit smoothie, 1 serving 60 10 0 5 fiber one bars, 1 serving 150 28 5 3 Hot Dog, beef, 1 frankfurter (5 in long X 3/4 in dia, 10 per lb) 149 2 13 5 French Fries (french fried potatoes), 5 strips 50 8 2 1 Broccoli, fresh, 0.25 cup, chopped 6 1 0 1 Beans, Bush's Baked Beans, 0.33 cup 99 19 1 5 Catsup, 0.2 tbsp 3 1 0 0 Margarine, 70% vegetable oil spread, 0.2 tbsp 17 0 2 0 banana bran muffin, 1 serving 129 0 0 1 Edy frozen fruit bars, 1 serving 60 0 0 0 Romaine Lettuce (salad), 2 cup, shredded 16 3 0 2 Red Ripe Tomatoes, 0.25 cup cherry tomatoes 8 2 0 0 Turkey breast meat, 2 slices 44 2 1 7 finlandia lite swiss cheese, 2 serving 114 0 0 14 Milk, 1%, 0.5 cup 51 6 1 4 CALORIES CARBS FAT PROTEIN 956 81 25 48 I hope everyone had a great day!