But who cares. I can shovel the snow now without killing my back or worrying about having a heart attack! LET IT SNOW...LET IT SNOW....LET IT SNOWWWWWWW

Thanks Mo! I'm in the midst of the post chemo/ radio phase and I'm feeling somewhat better so the healing is beginning. Still, I'm redefining the term "expectorate" as drainage is a major part of the therapy at this stage: gross, but necessary. I've also lost my taste buds except for those in front which are responsible for one's salty taste and the chemo accentuated the salt. EVERYTHING taste overwhelmingly SALTY. Water taste like the Atlantic. I really miss food, but within the next 2 weeks the taste buds should begin to return, and I'll start eating small amounts of soft foods. The Drs. are all very pleased, but the proof will come with scans in mid-Dec. Surgery will probably occur in Jan. based on the Dec. findings, but it won't be nearly as invasive as first thought. Also, I'll see my bariatric Dr in 2 weeks to assess the havac that my ulcer has done to my stoma. I've lost 24 pound so I'm glad that I was able to gain 11 before starting this. As I get better, I will begin to walk some distances, to regain some tone and stamina. Peace to you and yours, Dave

Tammy - See my post on Minnesota Tammy's link below-- I started gaining weight after my weddign, and my husband is also a WLS from this board! I also started a new job at the same time. I think it is a combination of stress eating (new job) and happy eating (love of my life). In my case I have lost 6 pounds (14 to go). Peter and I started planning out all our lunches and dinners and I started to take healthy snacks and lunch to work (celery, carrots, cherry tomatoes). I also, finally, just started going to the gym. Will your husband go for walks with you? Sometimes having someone with you helps! Andrea

Tammy- I started at 260-- And got down to 152 for a millisecond last August (after my weeklong bike trip). I hovered around 157-161 until this July-- At one point I was 175 and I have been working my way down (169) over the past two months. I went to follow up ready to get yelled at, and was told that a bump was expected and I shouls use 170 as my 'don't go over mark.' I still have a hard time with that, especially because my clothes are tight, but it put it into perspective. I would like to get down to 161 again, but it's not easy any longer is it? I think we were all told about the 'bump' but no one thought it would happen to them. I am heading back to the gym and trying to jump start my metabolism. For as long as I can remember, I thought of 160 as the promised land-- In college after a summer of Weigh****chers I lost 30 lbs and made it to 160 and felt great. So I always compare that weight as the goal. I may have to readjust, but we'll see. andrea

Thank you I will ask the docs about it. We have discussed a fetenayl patch. It is difficult because everything upsets my tummy. My prayers are sent to you. Hopefully the last of radio will be good news. Your on the top of my prayer list, God bless Pattiann