Hi ML - Happy 4 year anniversay to you too!! I'm glad some of the July babies are checking in to say hello!! How are you doing??? Hugs, Nancy

Hey Mona! Congratulations... what a wonderful testimony for your entire family. Guess what? You may be X in chronological age, but I bet now you are about 30 in age physiologically speaking! So go out and paint the town red... you deserve it... All the best! Denise

July babies - Happy Anniversary everyone!! I hope you are all well- healthy and happy in your new lives!!

Wow! What a change that has taken place in four years. I was 266 prior to surgery, 276 was my highest known weight. I was 145 on my wedding day in October of 2005. I got down to 141 (for a day or two) around November/December of 2005 but quickly bounced up to 147-152. I got pregnant in May and was actually told to eat more as I wasn't gaining much weight. 2 weeks before delivery I had gained about 24 pounds. I had some complications and due to them put on 17 more pounds in 5 day (while not being able to eat or drink anything.) At my 6 week check up I was down to 163. Unfortunately I've put on 7 pounds in the past 18 months. I was on steroids for awhile due to some severe reactions to my iron infusions and let some bad habits back in. I'm working getting rid of those now. I had a few medical issues that developed during pregnancy #1. My ferritin was a 2 after I had my son so I had to have iron infusions. My last infusion was in March and I'm happy to say that my ferritin actually went up this past month on it's own from my oral supplements. It was 212 last week! I also developed an internal hernia and have been told that it could be fatal if I don't have it repaired prior to getting pregnant again. I had severe problems with this and it went undiagnosed during my first pregnancy. Well, after fighting with the insurance company they have finally approved my original surgeon to do the surgery. No one here in West Virginia would touch me to repair it. That is schedule for July 25th. We will begin trying for baby #2 as soon as we get the go ahead from Dr. Abkin. In the meantime, I've just started working on a master's program in educational leadership that should be done by next spring. My WLS has changed my life in so many ways. Despite my few complications, I'd not change a thing. Dr. Abkin will always be one of my favorite heroes for giving me so much. Jennifier

You're on a roll Nancy! Keep up with good work. You inspire me!! Hugs! Denise