Hi Lorraine! Sorry it is Tuesday and I didn't get a chance to get on the comp yesterday. I feel alone a lot lately, but not just because of this board. My 16 year old twins are much more social then they used to be, which I encourage, but they are a joy I miss terribly. They are good natured and fun and GOOD! My second oldest daughter moved out in May with her daughter. I talk to her on the phone every day, but I miss them both so much. They come over on Fridays. My husband is a good man, but he has always tended to have a separate life from me. His 2 best friends are still single (they are older then he is and he is 56) so he goes out with them a lot. They don't drink or anything... they usually go fishing or out to eat or watch a movie or something like that. My best friend has 7 children and is a full time visiting nurse. It's hard to even catch her on the phone. I am having a birthday party for my husband on Sunday. I am one of those people who get nervous, as I am basically very timid and shy. I am talking too much, AGAIN! Love you all, Allison

Hi Lorraine, I have been working hard and very busy. I have to have some surgery on my right shoulder. I have calcium deposits, a torn tendon, a torn ligament and what looks like, or at least the doctor thinks they are, bone cysts that must be removed. I have to see a specialist on the 22nd of July and he will determine my course. I start my classes in August for my BS in accounting and finance. My oldest grandson is coming for a two week visit starting Saturday. So you can see I've been busy. My weight was up, my own fault. But I am working on it. I have two protein shakes a day, fruit, and a light lunch and supper. I hope to get the 10lbs I gained off by next month. The end of the month, that is. It's been so blisteringly hot, here, upper 90's, it's too hot to go walking. I know, no excuses for not exercising. Between the heat, Vicodin for pain and the pain itself, I don't feel much like doing anything when I go home. But I know I should. Maybe while my grandson is here, I can get more exercise, playing with him. I haven't seen him for two years, and am looking forward to spending some time with him. JUst wish I could take some time off, but with upcoming surgery, I can't. So I will just make do with what time I can. Nona

I had a lower body lift on 5/17/05. It all went well until the drains were removed and I developed a seroma. It's being very stubborn. It's been aspirated 4 times and just comes back. I had to have a new drain put back in a week ago, still draining pretty heavily. On Friday I was injected with an antibiotic to encourage my skin to attach to my body so the fluid would stop. Has anyone had any experience with seroma's? I would appreciate hearing your story - as I feel this is going to never stop. Thanks, Jane

I don't have the cramping. I stopped losing about 2 years ago (I'm 4 years out). Gained back and was getting depressed. Thought maybe I should go back to the basics. Got the book Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. The back half of the book deals with weight loss, head hunger, and some other issues. It might help. It inspired me to get back on track. I started around 360, got down to 218 then was back to 249 the other day. Found inspiration with the book and found an exercise plan. Also have committed to myself that I won't let the surgery go to waste. Good luck with your doctor visit. Kathy Figueroa

Hey! I was reading the main boards and someone there said that they had trouble drinking all the water and they got a shaved-ice machine for $14.95 and that now it is easy. They can take the ice all day more then water and for treats they freeze different crystal lights or sugar free kool-aid and it's like a snow cone. Just thought I would mention it, because that sounds pretty good to me and might help you get more water in. Allison