Bubbleboo . . . what kind of hernia did you have repaired? Incisional or otherwise? Two years ago I had an umbilical hernia and needed emergency surgery. It took me every bit of 3 months to recuperate, phew. Yes, it seems like a lot of us are on this same boat . . . it is hard not to get discouraged sometimes. -BJ 300/205 this a.m./150??? that dang scale finally moved -2 pounds

I had my surgery June 2,2004. I lost 100lbs. and gain back 10lbs. and now I'm trying to get that off , and some days I want to eat , it course I have had sweets earler that day. And/or I need to drink more water. but that one time a day I eat or drink something sweet, I eat the rest of the day. Kim

A couple of really cool things have happened here recently . . . since the weather turned cold here I am having a lot of problems getting out and walking. I have two small kids here so I try and work around their schedules, but they've both been home sick from school lately and I'm getting no time for myself. About two weeks ago on our local "freecycle" list, someone was giving away a home gym made by Weider and we were the winners! It's one of those 4-station setups where you can basically do any of activities you would find at Curves. There is a stair-stepper attachment, leg lift, arms, etc. The whole system operates with weights, cables and pulleys. We got it over here and set up only to find there is one cable that needs to be replaced, so I'm working on finding someplace to buy it from . . . then I hope to create a regular regimen on this equipment ASAP. It is taking up half of our basement LOL! The other cool thing -- a member of our local support group is selling a very very very nice commercial-style treadmill for just $250 -- she can't use it anymore due to a knee injury. It's still under warranty for another year and only has 75 miles on it. I'm using money I set aside to join a gym to buy it, picking this baby up next week. I am SO excited. Then I'll have absolutely NO EXCUSES, will I? Oh, btw, I always see exercise equipment being given away on my freecycle lists. You ladies might want to check out freecycle.org to see if there is a group near you (just add www.) -BJ 300/still 207 and getting tired of THAT/150???

Jamie, CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy! Do you have any other children? I *think* there is a pregnancy-related board somewhere here on OH . . . maybe some others who have been in the same spot can give you pointers until you get in to see your OB (that really stinks that you can't be seen sooner, IMO). Keep us posted on your progress! -BJ

Nicole.... Good for you....Dosen't that 100lb. mark make you feel great? Keep up the good work. Karen RNY6-30/288/166/155 soon