Congratulations Kathy!!! See, sometimes whining works!!! Especially when we want our way! Now it's my turn, but I still have 40 pounds to go, so it's going to take some time. Jane

I've given up on protein shakes for now because they "thicken" up when and cause nausea. I'm using Q-Smart, Momentum, and Carbwell protein bars, whatever is on sale. I try to keep the cost between .85 and 1.25 for the top end of cost. It bothered me for a while until I realized I never hesitated to buy a candy bar or bag of chips everyday. The cost of that old junk food was always more than I pay for a daily protein bar or two.

What a year! I've lost 183lbs since Oct 13, 2003 and am 42lbs BELOW my pre-surgery weight goal! I'm in the LOWER third of the normal weight range for my height. The complete scoop and a picture of the prettiest Granddaugher in all the land at: http://www.knology.net/~jdaniel/wls.htm Hugs, Joe

There was a woman who followed me wherever I would go Why she choose to torment me, I will never know I'd look in a mirror, and it was her reflection I would see So huge and unattractive, she wasn't thin like me. Just walking a few feet would make her gasp for air and it made her feel uncomfortale when everyone would stare Everyone would tease her and she would go along But I could only tell that she wanted to belong. She didn't have the energy to do all she wanted to do She was always feeling tired, there was so much she couldn't do But there came a day, God sent her a message down She used a friend of hers, to help her get around. She told her of a Doctor, and the surgery she went through She thought perhaps it was something she would want to do She called to God who gave her strength, in order to be strong To help her make the move and for nothing to go wrong. She's thankful for the doctor, that took her on her way Who helped her extra weight somehow melt away She wonders if the Doctor even has a clue The gratitude she feels, for all he helped her through. Now when I look in the mirror, It's someone thin I see For that OBESE women who haunted me, has finally set me free. I framed this and gave it to my Doctor Kathy

Happy RE birthday to us all. I have yet to get pics in here and I really do need to. I have moved to New York State and have to find another surgeon to see with he 27th coming up. I have to have my gall bladder out and that surgeon is also a gastric bypass surgeon too. He had lost of questions for me and we really talked quit a bit. He also told me that he has a really good referal for the body lift, thighs and chest things I want done and will have to do the bat wings and the face at a later time. I would just like to have it all done as soon as possible.then I can start a job and feel normal and without all the extra shin to hide. I am so happy that I did this. I have lost 148 pounds and that is more then my 11 and 3 year olds put together now. I have hit a majob stand still but with the move and the water retention with the kidney problems I sure it will all get back to normal soon when I have the gall bladder out and part or most of the pain is gone. I was working out at Curves and then the pain started with the kidney back in June and I have not worked out since then. I really want to get the gall bladder out and then get back to working out again. I do love the work outs there and they don't even seem like you are working out and they really do a lot of changing to your body. I worked out from March to June and I lost 20+ pounds and like 40 some inches and started to notice the definition in my arms and legs and even a bit in my stomach too. Well happy RE birthday to us all and Way To GO!! Yea for us( and all you take this trip with us. God Bless and love to you all.... Shawna