I'm sorry you have had to have all the pain, but happy you are having such good outcomes from it all. I understand totally lately. I have suffered horrible with this stomach flu, but have dropped 6 lbs this week! Blessing in disguise. It is also helping me get back to basics with the eating. Hope you continue to recover well and keep us updated. Wendy

Awwww that is actually so sweet! Thanks a lot!

Wow! You are such an inspiration! I need to get back on track and stay there. I am glad you are going to take a little vacation. With all you've been through, you deserve it! I hope you continue to heal well. Congratulations! Diane

Good morning to my fellow Junebugs! Yesterday afternoon I had my surgeon's appointment following my recent bowel resection and hernia repair. He took the drain out. Yippee, I'm finally free of the plastic bottle and drain!! But that's not the surprise... I weighed in and OMG, I was ready to cry... I lost more weight since I came home from the hospital the second time... Get this... I'm down to 170 pounds!! When I was discharged from the hospital a week ago I weighed 183.4. I only have 10 pounds to reach my goal. I can't believe it... I haven't weighed 170 since I was in the 7th grade. No wonder my clothes are hanging on me. My surgeon is ready to start the process for plastic surgery. He told me before that when I hit 170 we could start the process. I have to see him in 3 weeks for my post-op follow-up and at that time, I will get my referral for plastic surgery. Now, he told me that I'm losing too fast and I need to eat more. I do have an appetite. When I see food, I want to eat it. But, I get full easy and certain foods bother me now that didn't before. Plus, now that I have lost so much I don't want to gain any back. Since I can't exercise, I know that I don't need that much food. I can only walk for the next 4 weeks. I'm just so thrilled and still in shock that I've lost so much... I'm going to Las Vegas on Friday for a mini vacation before I go back to work, which is next Thursday, August 10th. This was a last minute decision. I felt that I need to get away from everything and to get out of town. I've been through a lot in the past few months after having rectal surgery in March, very painful and now the strangulated hernia. I'm getting stronger day by day but still need to take it easy. I don't want my hernia repair to pop out again before November-December. That is when I am planning to have my lower body lift and mesh insertion for my hernia. My total weight loss is now at 314.8 pounds. Since I had my lap RNY, I lost 213.4 pounds. I can't believe that I weighed so much and was able to carry all that extra weight. Wishing everyone a wonderful day! Hugs, Lucy 484.8/383.4/170/160 highest weight/surg day weight/current weight/goal weight

Diane, I, like you have been a lurker. I have posted or replied a few times but was always there in spirit with every victory or setback I read about. I have experienced all those things and more and each day am thankful for what it has done to make my life and my family life better. Each thing that I now can enjoy that had been gone for me for so many years is a gift I cherish. With a grandchild on the way I look forward to every minute I will have to do things I missed out on with my younger 3 kids and making up for what I missed for them while I am at it. Congrats on your success so far and your 5 years as well!! Keep up the great spirit as you continue to spread your wings and glide through this wonderful journey we embarked on! Gayle