Hello July Babies: I've missed Spyder's weekly weigh in post and thought I'd revive it. Whether you are: - At goal and maintaining comfortably - Struggling to maintain; - Happily gaining; or - Losing more... A weekly weigh may be beneficial to all! So... let's celebrate our successes and offer encouragement to the JULY BABIES wherever they may be on this LIFELONG journey. The journey never ends, we must be vigilant and this might be a way to make it easier. So where am I? As if you didn't know: Today's Weight: 220 Starting Weight: 326 Goal Weight: 170 Category: "Losing more" CELEBRATION (OR OPPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE) FOR THE WEEK: Still maintaining... (ultimate goal to lose, thrilled at maintaining as opposed to gaining this week!) [NOTE: Your celebration/opportunity does not have to be weight related!] Thanks for your support and encouragement. Your turn.... Denise

Hi Nancy, Hope it's nothing too serious...please keep us posted. Feel better soon! All the love, Jeff

Thanks for your post, Irene. I really DO want ps...but I've really just started the process. I went to the plastic surgeon just to see what my options are. She said insurance will probably pay for the abdominoplasty, along with the hernia repair, (plus I have rashes under the skin on my lower tummy) but she feels I have a lot of hanging skin on my rear-end that should/could be lifted. I could self-pay for the "back-half" if necessary. I guess I'm not convinced I need the all-around body lift...not that I don't have skin to be removed...but is it really necessary? I'm 52 years old...do I need a perfect body? I kind of like my droopy butt! I think I'd be satisfied with a flat tummy (something I have NEVER had!) I've got an appointment scheduled with my PCP to talk about the hernia...I want to know what KIND of hernia it is, and what will be involved in the hernia surgery, BEFORE I decide on the ps. The hernia repair is, of course, the most important as it could affect my health. I also need to request a LOMN from my PCP, and my WLS surgeon. I have great confidence in the plastic surgeon I've chosen...it's just that I need to decide what I want...and that's going to take a little more time to decide. As soon as I figure it all out, I'll be sure to post on the July board. I need all the advice I can get! Wow! We sure have come a long way since July of 2004! Thanks again for your concern, Gail D.

Hang in there Denise. It's ok to feel sorry for yourself for a day, but no more than that - and believe me, I say that from experience!! Tell that Bratty Girl to get packin' and get back on the train! We've all had our struggles, and we'll continue to have them, but how great is it that we have each other for support? Priceless!!! Hugs, Nancy

Monna - don't worry about weight right now. As you say, it's water, and will eventually come off when you're able to get back to your normal routine. I'm continuing to send positive, healing thoughts your way. Hugs, Nancy