Well it is according to the British Health Service anyway. I went to see my pcp to request blood test and plastic (reconstructive) surgery this afternoon. I gave him a (long) list of recommended blood tests that had been posted on the grads board - he is willing to do a few of them - not sure which ones yet - probably just the basics. Then spoke with him about plasic surgery for all my saggy skin. He told me that I won't get it on the NHS (National Health Service) as it is considered cosmetic - even though I get pain on my shoulders from my bra trying to hold up the weight of my still large breasts but that sag down to my waist, and pain in my back from the weight of the saggy skin on my belly. I'm still in debt from paying for wls myself, there's no way we can afford to pay for this. I feel devastated. He is going to refer me to a psychiatrist for evaluation - maybe I can get the surgery if I have enough emotional problems from it. Believe you me, I will make sure I have enough (I'm not going to need to make anything up either!). How crazy is it that it MAY be possible for my mental health but not for my physical health... By paying for wls myself as I couldn't get that on NHS I've already saved them thousands in medical bills and prescriptions that I would have needed over the years of my life had I stayed obese. And now I can't get this. It's soooooo frustrating.

Haven't planned anything yet. Would REALLY like to be at my personal goal by then. I have a small bottle of champagne waiting for that moment (I don't really like champagne, but dh does & he's been saving it!). When we got married I was too heavy for DH to carry me over the threshold, so I may get him to do that for me and get all romantic again

No, not a literal shock - I was shocked at the details of my food intake - eg protein, calories etc. hehe. What day does the Bar Mitzvah kick off? Hugs to you and yours - you re gona have a fantastic time. Can't wait to see the pics. And you girl are going to be a stunner. Can you imagine what you would have looked like and felt like if you'd be going through this at your pre wls weight... I need to look me up some garbanzo beans - are they known as another name, as I haven't heard of them?

Hey Ruth, I am doing just great! My weight goes up and down the same 4 lbs so I guess I am done with the losing just maintaining. Yes, work and my other things I do keep me very busy. My reign as President of the American Legion Auxiliary will be coming to an end soon so hopefully things will calm down a little bit as far as that goes. The summer will still be busy doing my end of year stuff for that though. Plus with the part time job I do for the DJ company will be in full swing with wedding season fast approaching. I enjoy it very much and love assisting the brides. I am the Customer Relations and Booking Manager for the company. Plus I am working full time for Sirius Satellite Radio and I love it. I do have a man in my life, however, he lives out of town so we try to squeeze alittle time in here and there. He is actually the owner of the DJ company, I met him thru him working as a DJ at a wedding reception last summer we did at the Legion for a couple. We have been dating now for about 7 months and things are moving along slowly with us but I really kind of like the relationship we have because I am so busy with other things at the moment. I hope everything is going great for you. I read everyone posts but rarely have time to post myself with all the running I do lately. I will try to post more often as time permits. Don't forget to stop every once in a while to enjoy the journey. Kel

Thanks for all the great advice...lip balm...totally makes sense but would not of thought of it. The first run is the Peace Officer's Memorial run...May 17th (my b-day)...2.5 miles with a moderated pace to keep all the runners together...kinda freaks me out. I have visions of EVERYONE ELSE having to slow down for me. The 5k is May 31st and it is a charity run for Chrohns Disease. Trish