Hi Ginger! Thanks for your response. Shopping!! Yeah, I'm ready right now. I could shop day and night! I'm going full force with my plastics journey I have two names and will call to schedule a consult. Thanks for the added question on touch-ups. Defintely something to ask them! I've got exercise equipment in my house because I like to exercise very early in the morning. Now I got the go ahead to exercise again - so I'll be getting up earlier like around 4 am. Yikes! I say go for it, if you got a membership to a gym try it, you may like it Congrats on keeping us posted on your daily accountability Hugs, Lucy

WOOHOO! I am back from seeing my surgeon!! I lost a bit more weight!! Yippee, now I weigh 166.5 pounds. My BMI is down to 26.9. My percentage of fat is 21.9%. We discussed my plans for plastic surgery in November/December this year. I will go to see two plastic surgeons for consult. Plans are for a total waist to leg skin removal, like a circumferal lower body lift. At the same time I will have my hernia - secured with a mesh. Couldn't do that last month. I can't believe that I'm so close to goal!! Only 6.5 pounds left.... OMG, is this really me? I am crying as I am writing this post. When he examined me, my bones were all hanging out.... even my pubic bones!!! No wonder I can't sit or lay in one position for too long! I had a bone density screening too at the office. I'm within the normal range so I don't have to have the Dexascan. I asked him for an OB/Gyne referral too because I haven't been to one in (I'm ashamed to say it because I'm a nurse) 22 years! That's because of being SMO, I didn't want to go! I will be going in the next few months. I can exercise again with no restrictions. I have to admit that I started to exercise this year on the Tony Little Gazelle Rider... but slowly. Now I can start my elliptical again. WOW, life is grand! I'm going to hang in there with my job for now since I will be having surgery soon. As Kerri said, the love and support on this board is the best! When I need help, and I did and will, you were here for me, getting me back on track. That's what it's all about. Love you all!! Hugs and kisses Lucy 484.8/383.4/166.5/160 pre-surg/surg day/current/goal I will get on my plastic consults soon because of the scheduling for the end of the year. Many people cram in their surgeries because of the insurance deductibles!

Do a Google search on Gycemic Index. You can also check out http://www.glycemicindex.com/. A couple things to consider for people who have had an RNY: - High GI carbs (like those that contain sugar) are now passing through a pouch directly into the small intestine and being absorbed more quickly. This results in spikes in your blood sugar level which causes spikes in your insulin levels. Resulting blood flow to the small intestine to deal with this also results in cramping and/or dumping in some. The net absoption level will be close to if not 100% (same as before WLS). - Low GI carbs (like high fiber foods) are digested more slowly will have a tendency to pass through to the large intestine undigested (as you have less small intestine). In excess, this will cause gas, bloating, and/or diarrhea, which is the same for any undigested foods (i.e. fats, lactose, sugar alcohols, etc.). The resulting net absoption level for low GI carbs will tend to be less for people who have had WLS (bypass). Anyway, I check for carbs and sugar (as well as fiber and sugar alcohols). There is really no significant differences between the moderate to high GI foods as far as your body's ability to absorb, use, or store it. Although, there are some advantages to avoiding the high GI carbs (see the above link on the affects of insulin). Jim

Go, Wendy Go!!! Run to the border! You can do it! It's sooo within your grasp! I know that I was absolutely obsessed with getting to Onederland, so I know exactly how important this is to you! I'm rooting for you and am going to do a huge happy for you. I'm saving you a seat... you can do it! I'm with ya, my stubborness is what has gotten me this far! It's great to put that, ummmm, characteristic to good use! Your surgeon is going to eat his words! Hugs, Kerri

Thank-you Sharyn for the compliment,,I guess going to the gym 3 to 4 nights weeks helps me to maintain my body weight..I was 268 lbs a yr and half ago. Now I weigh 140lbs and I'm only 2 lbs away from my weight goal.. But you look great too.