Good morning ladies! I just wanted to post this in case anyone else has to go through an iron infusion. It was NO PROBLEM! I had myself all worried for nothing. It was no worse than any other I.V. and it turned out to be about 5 hours of forced relaxation. I actually watched a whole movie!!! (The Illusionist--not terrible.) In all, I watched one whole move, napped for about an hour and a half, watched half of another movie (Music & Lyrics) and read some in a magazine. I NEVER have time for movies! My two daughters and granddaughter went with me and visited the zoo and Trader Joe's while I was in treatment, and I took them to dinner afterwards, so everyone had a pretty good day. My arm is a bit bruised, but it's nothing I can't handle. In the future----and there WILL be a future---I will be able to drive myself and not bother anyone. The reason there WILL be a future is they say that we (bypass patients) do not absorb iron, so anemia is to be watched for carefully and infusion is the best way to replace it. I will have to do this every 6 months to a year depending on how long it takes my body to deplete this store. For the past month, I have been taking 28 mg of iron 3 times a day (recommended dose is 18 mg per DAY) along with vitamin C and my iron actually DROPPED, so I guess that proves the theory to be correct. Just wanted to let anyone know how it went in case you may face the same some day. Have a lovely day! Dawn

Hey Holly!! Any chance of you coming to visit your friend in VA Beach?? It would be soooo cool to get to meet you. Thanks for the prayers. They are greatly needed. Will update when I have a new addy for sure!! Susan

Hi everyone! I had my ten month check up this morning -- I can't believe its been 10 months already!!!!! My goal for today was 150 -- I was 153....the doctor was actually very happy. I was a little disappointed, but she assured me that I am still losing and that is a good thing -- she said sometimes people get to this point and they stall -- she said you are still losing so you are doing everything right! They always know how to make me feel better!!! My hubby is a big support too, so that helps!! My BMI is 27 and normal for me is 25 -- I am sooooooo close and she was thrilled that I am so close in just 10 months time! I have lost 127 pounds since I started this journey in April 2006!! I even went shopping today and bought a few things for this Fall -- I already warned my hubby that I will have to go shopping again next summer because everything I have for this summer is already too big! LOL.... My goal for my 1 year check up on October 18 is 135.....18 pounds to go....I hope I can make it!!! Hope everyone is doing well....I don't post much, but I do check up on everyone daily and know that I think of you all the time!!!!! Love and Hugs to all of you! Holly

I can't believe it's actually happening. We are closing on our house on Thursday, August 23 and I am leaving TX on the morning of the 24th headed first to TN to pick up my kids and then on to Norfolk, VA. Actually to Virginia Beach, where my hubby is supposed to be renting a house/townhouse/apartment/SOMETHING for us to live in. I am beyond busy lately trying to get everything taken care of here prior to the move - turning off services, returning borrowed items, donating things to charity, etc. I will be sure and let everyone know when I finally get in VA. Will probably be MIA quite a bit between now and then though... Quick update: I am finally at goal. My original goal was 124 pounds. But, I've discovered that is WAY too small. I'm at 140 now and wearing a size 8. I had an RN friend check my skin and she said I am down to nothing but skin now and am ready for plastics! I can't believe it!! Now I'm just waiting to get to VA to talk with the docs there about what to do about this tummy skin. Not worried about the arms or legs or even the boobs (a good bra is a GREAT thing, lol). But, this tummy is driving me insane!! Gotta get it gone. Then I'll be closer to 130 and in at least a 6 - which is where I wanted to be from the beginning. Hope everyone is doing well!!! I've been doing some quick reads lately trying to keep up with everyone, but haven't had much time to post. Love you all!! Hope to be back to posting lots when the move is over! Susan

Hey Felicia!! I wouldn't mind trying those....but only if you can send it soon. LOL I am moving and August 23 will be the day they start holding my mail until I get an address for them to forward it to!!!! Thanks a bunch. I've been wondering about the flavors but haven't been brave enough to buy them yet. You're such a sweetie to share with us!! Susan