Hi to all my May Sisters (and brothers)... It's been a little while since I've posted... and Nat, I promise to add on to your postings and updates... I've lost 169 lbs. so far!! I do have a question to pose to you all though... About a month ago I got the most horrible pain in my lower abdomen (think the entire area below belly button) and it lasted ALL night... and in fact, went on for almost 15 hours... I did go to Kaiser (clinic only) the next morning and they ran some blood and urine tests, which all showed everything normal... and there wasn't really anything else that could be done as they didn't have any ultrasound equipment, etc... The pain had subsided a lot while I was at the clinic and of course, I was sent home to rest... Now, this is a funky pain, let's call it "the alien". It's a real sharp pain, it comes on VERY strong and almost doubles you over... then it subsides for a few minutes and then wham, it's back... and it lasts... It's funky! I can't really explain it...all I can tell you is it hurts! I didn't have any problems with it for about a month...then yesterday morning it hit again... while I was at work (how convenient is that?) and I was doubled over again... and it lasted for a couple of hours... it wipes you out!! I didn't go to the ER (call me stupid!) and I still don't want to go to the ER... This morning I was sitting in the office, and of course, "the alien" decided to make another appearance and I started to get the pains again... Yesterday, I took a Gas-X and it seemed to help (or so I think) and so, I popped another one this morning when it was happening... and I guess that helps... I mean, perhaps this is just gas... but I'm not sure... I was having some pains like this at around 6 months and beyond...but they would only last a few minutes... and then go away... then last month when the big ole alien decided to take up residence in my lower abdomen... I started to get a bit more concerned... and now, with it starting up again... I'm scared... BUT HATE TO GO TO THE DOCTOR... I mean HATE HATE HATE it... How do I really feel about it??? I HATE IT!! It's always like they think you are having some phantom pains or whatever... But, I can tolerate a lot of pain... didn't even use my happy juice after the surgery... (OK, I did for about 5 hours... then they took it out!!) I talked to a friend of mine, who had his surgery at Kaiser here in Hawaii... and he had some MAJOR stuff go on with him afterwards and ended up with ulcers and a lot of problems... I was afraid maybe something like that was happening with me... he suggested that I take stool softener every day and a gas x every day... which I did for a while, and now I'm getting kinda lax on it again... and perhaps that's all it is... Has anyone else had anything like this... does anyone have any wonderful words of advice??? Has anyone had anything similar to my little alien wreaking havoc on their lives????? I'd appreciate anything anyone has to say on this... THANKS!! EVERYONE... keep up the GREAT work!! YOU ALL LOOK MARVELOUS and should all be so dang proud of yourselves!! HUGS, Loree

Melissa, The main thing is to take care of yourself... I too, have been having some funky pains and I think reading your post is now confirming that I need to go see my doctor... BUT... the main thing for you now, is rest... do what you are told and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!! I'm sending you hugs and healing energy!! xoxo, Loree

Too funny, thanks for a well needed laugh. Maggie

I always want to eat a banana after 6. Don't ask why I just always want one. Than I feel bad after eatting it. So I know what all of you are going through.

You look great Nat!!! I know I dont post often, and probably wont for a while. At times I feel like I am failing this surgery. I have gained 11 lbs so far, which my OB says is great, yeah right! I am very tired all the time, I dont get exercise in, just keeping up with the house is enough to kill me. Anthony is back in school and getting 100% on his accelerated readin. I am so proud of him. He is getting anxious for the baby, asking everyday if it is coming. I cant walk too much, I get dizzy and short of breath and feel like I am going to faint, and the pool is closed, so needless to say my two exercises are no longer around. I am trying not to be so negative, and hope I will be able to lose this weight and the rest to get to my goal. I am just so far away from my goal of 130-135lbs now it is discouraging. I am now at 193lbs, and that 200lb mark on the scale is getting closer it is scary. I tried so hard to get under it, and now it is creeping up to me. My OB says we will do the c-section the last week of October, if Mattea will hold out that long, she seems to want to come out and see everyone, lol. I am having a hard time sticking to good foods also. I can eat anything, and seem to snack quite a bit. I am trying so hard to steer clear from that, knowing how hard it will be after the baby comes to get back on track. I just hope I have not failed this surgery. You are doing so great, and look fabulous!!! I am so proud of all of us May babies for taking this giant step to better ourselves. Well that is all for now, I have some spare bedroom cleaning to do for my mom who is coming to visit and help take care of me and the house and Anthony and the animals while Harry is out of town for a few weeks.- Melissa