As most of you may (or may not) know, I didn't really have a specific goal weight in mind, I wanted to be able to wear a size 12 jeans. Well, last night I was at Wal-Mart (one of only 3 stores in our town, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and the Navy Exchange) and I tried on and BOUGHT a size 12L jeans. I couldn't believe it. They fit me just the snugness that I like them. Enough to show curves but not cut off circulation. I can grab a bit of fabric in the back but not like all of the size 16s that I still have that I can grab a handful on either side. The reason I'm saying "Dare I say it..." is because I have lost so much in the last month that I'm now pretty much attributing to a stomach virus - but the endoscopy on the 11th will tell me for sure. Now I can eat normally again and I'm wondering if going from 6-700 calories/day to now back to my 12-1500 or so/day will put some of the weight back on. I'm still not able to do much physically. Walking in Wal-Mart yesterday for an hour ON Vicodin had me laid out on the sofa and taking my strong meds last night (Morphine). It's so frustrating. I felt so good all day yesterday. I cleaned out my fridge, baked a sf apple crumb pie, then went to Wal-Mart and 'bout killed myself. I need to remember that even though I feel good, I still need to take it easy. I have grocery shopping to do today and a few other stops to make, but I think when I do the grocery shopping I'm going to take one of those little motor carts around the store. I also am going to a thrift store to get some size 12 jeans!! Michelle

Excellent news, Angie! That's so great. Kathy

Candy, I can so relate to your post. I have been unable to stop eating the last week or so. I really got back on the right program starting this Monday, but it's a demon I fight with every day again. Hang in there... it will get better! Wanda

B. coffee, ff yogurt, chz stk S. ff yogurt L. ff beef hotdogs 2 , 1/3 hi fib lt. roll w/relish and mustard, fruit salad S. 2 pt. ww oatmeal bar, 2 hard candies D. ff yogurt, T. pnt. btr. S. 3 - 2 1/4 " squares of Domino's thin crust pizza, dt. pepsi vits water 50 oz. max - low today

Good point Kathy, That's why it helps to throw out subjects to bat around. Getting input and different perspectives. Disappointment is painful. I was wondering about if this { could } ever be arranged - if it could happen let's say every 3 months. So there would always be an opportunity to enter and try to win. I fought with my insurance company for 3 long hard yrs. appealing their denial and even going to all local and state officials as well as the Md. Ins. commissioner to no avail. I would have jumped at the chance - to not have to spend over $20,000. Hope is a wonderful thing. Just the hope and dream that MAYBE you could be the ONE chosen could lift the heart and stimulate dreams of possibility. Which is a respite from the futility of being MO and having no hope of changing things. Why not keep chewing on this idea and maybe we can find a way to help some of them ...who are now - walking in our old 'moccasins'. Mary .