Wow, you are amazing! I can't believe you went hiking with your wound still draining. Super! I am going to go check out your pictures now. Keep up the great job.

I still have a very small wound that is draining, but that's nothing to the fact that wen hiking yesterday!!! Check out the pics in my profile.

I've lost a small 104 lbs. since July 24. Now I need to get these old ladies picked up! I seriously need a breast reduction but was told to wait a year before having anymore surgery. Wish I didn't have too. Protein is a pain but I'm doing better. I walk four times a week and do my hard house work the other days. Have to get new clothes but I'm gonna wait a little longer so I can find nice looking clothes for school in the spring. I finally lost enough weight to go to school in the spring and fit in the seats! I was going to do pre med but have changed to Criminal Justice and Social Work. Can you belive it? School AND a double major! I never cease to amaze myself. lol Annie

Hi everyone! I had lap rny on 7/2/03 and I am down 57 pounds. I am so happy with the progress! I have had very few complications other than feeling tired, but that is going away too. Some may say I am a slow loser but I feel the slow loss is in my favor. My skin may take less of a beating and I may avoid the need for a tt or lift! I am no skinny but I have confidence and energy that I have not had for YEARS! My weight loss and this life changing decision has motivated me to look at my life differently. Because of my surgery I have written a children's book that will be published here in Madison, WI. It is from the perspective of a 5 year old watching his mom be obese and change to this new person. Bottom line, love. Bodies may change but love just grows. This surgery has allowed me to embrace all of the love that was surrounding me. I think I was so insulated by fat that I did not see or hear it! I hope all of you are fortunate enough to have friends, family and others who love you. I am celebrating that love with my little book. I am celebrating my new life with this little book. Thank you everyone for all of your stories and struggles. It has allowed us to learn from one another and make adjustments as necessary. If you are struggling....reach out many of us are hear and will help if we can. Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] if anyone is interested in the book. Love you all! ---- Lori 317-260open rny 7/2/03.

I am very excited and patting myself on the back. What might not seem like a big thing to some of you is to me. LOL Yesterday I got ALL my water in!!! First time since surgery I managed to get 64 ounces in!! YEAH!!! I ate great the only thing I did that was "sorta" a no no was had watermelon. But that was the only carbs I had all day. I do not think that was bad at all. Yesterday I weighed myself at 198, today I am 195!!! Talk about inspiration. LOL I am not going to Curves today though I wish I could. I must have slept wrong because I woke with a terrible neck and shoulder ache. During the night my leg that has had not so good circulation since I was pregnaunt with the twins hurt pretty bad also. I must have laid different to help with the leg and ended up making other parts sore. Hopefully later today I will get on my stationary bike and then do some sit-ups. I hate to stop when I have momentum going. My Mom said I should to the house work for excersise. LOL I might just get around to it. hehe