CeCe, I agree, the board has been very slow this week except for Monday's weigh in. I have been wondering about all of our missing folks. Adam, Corrinna, and Christy are the ones that come to mind. Where are you guys? If you are lurking, pop us a line to tell us how you are doing. I had a great week eating and exercise wise. My coworkers got "inspired" ie..jealous when I let them know last week that my scale had said 199. One made the comment that I was now "only 10 lbs heavier" than she was. So the main 3 ladies decided to start dieting. They have almost driven my crazy with the questions about how they should eat, how much they should eat, and can I eat this? It is pretty funny because this is what I have been trying to get them to do for a year and a half now. It makes my life a lot less stressful when there aren't cakes, cookies or apple pies laying around. Much less temptation at the office will help tremendously. We decided on Friday to each bring in somethings for a "salad bar" for lunches next week. Someone is bringing chicken breast, cheese, bacon bits (their idea of healthy salad) and I am bringing in the lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, tomato, etc. of course I am bringing in my own low fat/low cal dressing. Should be pretty easy planning week as far as lunch goes next week. I also did well with exercise this week. I went to the gym 3 days. Two days I did water aroebics and today I did an hour of straight cardio. One other day I did walk away the pounds at lunch and took a walk around the building then the other day I did a medicine ball workout at home. 5 days workout- not too shabby. I hope your MRI goes well. They need to see what is going on so you can know what course of action to take to correct the problem. I am surprised that you have gone this long without one. You know better! OH, did anyone see 20/20 last night? They did a report about this lipodissolve that is the new rage. They had some scarry tales of people having bad reactions. One lady got a staff infection in her upper abdoman. One lady had an alergic reaction to the meds, which by the way are not FDA approved and can contain any number of medicines with no consistancy from one spa to another. Custom coctails, so to speak. I had actually considered this for a couple of problem areas. In fact I had called a spa earlier in the week to schedule a consult about it. Guess who is cancelling her appointment??? I am now thinking about the herbal body wraps. Has anyone tried them? I have heard some good things but was wondering if the effects have any lasting benefits. Let me know if anyone has tried it or knows someone who knows someone... I guess that adds a little spice to the board for today. Come on guys and gals, lets start being a little more active out here. I know we all have things to do for our family and life. But, if everyone tries to post at least 3-4 times per week, we can have a GREAT board. Let's go guys! Hugs, Valorie

It's been very quiet on the board this week so I thought I'd start a thread asking everyone to report on their week! How's the weather where you are? We had a very dreary start to the week but the last 2 days have been fantastic - around 80 degrees and sunny! What about exercise this week? Have you done something different, fun or the same old-same old? I posted earlier that I was back at work this week but I also did my own workouts. I still have to use light weights for upper body but I'm working the upper body somewhat! Yesterday I walked outside with a friend whose husband is in the hospital. We did almost 5 miles. Today I did strength training and a Spinning class. Wednesday was strength training and treadmill. Monday was the gym and Tuesday home exercise. I'm scheduled for an MRI on Monday for my SI joint/lower back. After more than 2 years of this problem, I think it's about time for an MRI! It bothers me most when I try to sleep! That's an issue every night!!! How's your eating been this week? I've had my ups and downs. I am still snacking/grazing too much but I'm also going long enough between most meals to feel real hunger pangs - not just head hunger. We've eaten out more this week than we normally do and that always throws me off track a bit. On the plus side, my husband wanted pizza the other night. I ordered a salad beforehand and shared that with him and ate only 1 slice of pizza. He ended up eating only 1 slice too so we brought home a bunch of pizza. We had intended on ordering the personal pizza and splitting that but they had the medium on special. The rest of the pizza is still in the fridge, untouched. I haven't been tempted by it at all. I've been doing my protein powder mixed with cottage cheese, yogurt or smoothies too. My weight is staying very stable and I'm feeling pretty positive. I know I could do better but at least I'm not beating myself up about every extra bite I take. What are your plans for the weekend? How will you deal with food on the weekend? I find myself eating too much, too often most weekends and I also sometimes eat foods that I wouldn't even consider eating during the week. I feel like weekends can be "free for alls" and then I spend the weekdays recovering from the damage I do on the weekends. While one "treat" might be acceptable on a weekend, I need to realize I can't use the weekends as an excuse. Sunday I'm going to a tea and will be wearing my new (form fitting) dress so my plan is to really watch the carbs tomorrow so I won't be bloated!!! What did you do for fun this week? Did you do anything silly? Well, I can't think of anything funny I did! I'll have to change that this weekend! How about compliments or "wow" moments? I just thought of one! As I was checking out at the dental office the other day, the receptionist commented on my outfit. I was wearing black dress pants, a black turtleneck and a crop jacket that is black with gold brocade. It is a striking jacket (got it on sale at Ann Taylor Loft some months ago). I said "thank you" and then the woman said "you are so tiny." Now, this woman is tiny so I was taken aback! I finally mumbled something about "wearing black helps anyone look smaller!" We ended up having a big conversation about working out and all our aches and pains! She used to do body building competitions and is still in great shape! Anyway, I didn't tell her I'd had surgery or anything. Lately my husband has said that people who see me now would never know I'd lost a lot of weight and people probably think I've always been a "skinny b@tch!!" His words! I have noticed that when I'm looking for clothes in a store he'll pick up something and say "oh, that's a 6 -that's too big!!!" I think he's enjoying having a smaller wife! He never made me feel bad about being heavy and wasn't for WLS at all at first but I can tell how pleased he is to have a thinner wife who walks with more confidence and is more comfortable with her body! Have a great and healthy weekend everyone! Susan, how is your mother? Wanda, how is work? Are you back home yet? Valorie, I hope the scale is being kinder to you! Deb, were you able to get in all your workouts without your condition acting up? Britt, are you still feeling confident and fighting the good fight? Kim, how's life without the feeding tube? Are you keeping the weight on? Are the kids and hubby behaving so you have less stress? Deidrah, how's your sister and were you able to get back on track this week? Shawn, are you still feeling positive this week? I hope so!!! Phyllis and Julie Von, we need to hear more from you two. And, what has happened to Kimberly? I know she's planning a wedding but we haven't heard from her or from Chilly in a good while! And, Christy - we hear from you so little! I know I'm not mentioning everyone but please come out, come out, we want to know what's happening in your life! CeCe

http://www.myfibrostudy.com/index.cfm?sid=1&aid=1 there is the correct link sorry about that!

Deb, I haven't had to take antibiotics for anything in over a year, knock on wood, so I don't have any wisdom to offer. However, I think that yeast is the culprit of Wanda's "black tongue" problem when she has taken them recently. I think maybe we are more prone to yeast for some reason. Have you tried eating yogurt when you take antibiotics? It is supposed to help. You can also get probiotic supplements that can help too. Sorry to hear you are having this problem. Hugs, Valorie

Therese, Glad to see you post again! I think you had a Freudian slip when you typed those stats. Take a look. I know you meant 174 and 173. It is so odd, but good, to be in onederland that we just automatically think 2 something. You are doing great. And you look positively radiant! Of course you always have! Hugs, Valorie