Diana, The bouncing around certainly can drive you crazy. On the bright side, it is good training for us for maintenance. We won't freak out when the stale goes up a pound or two because we'll not it is normal fluctuation. Just remind me about that when I get to maintenance. Mary

Loni, Thanks - it is taking time but I am getting to where I want to be. Take care Mary

Kelly, I am cracking up at your post. my little porkchop devil will probably be somewhere down the back of my leg by the time I'm 75...gravity and all working against me... No the tushie actually hurt the least of all my tattoos, the foot was the worst, guess I still have lots of padding on my tush because it was a breeze.... Thanks so much! I loved the picture of our hands too! that one was one of my favorites and was actually done just for my album. yep, those are my real nails too. I take alot of Biotin to keep them and my hair as healthy as possible. Thanks for the giggle... Mandy

Hi Donna, My hair is thickening up a little, My problem is I have semi- curly/wavy hair and that was ok before surgery but now it doesn't look right so for the past year I was using a straight iron EVERY DAY! Ok duh, that is not helping my hair any so, I just now stopped using the flat iron and using a curling iron to make ringlets then bru**** out and it amplifies my already curly hair, I must say my hair already looks healthier and more full from not using the flat iron. I will have to take a new pic and put it up. So you are thinking of cutting it real short huh? Well have you had short hair before? What is great is before surgery we had longer hair to hide our faces now that we are normal with cheekbones we all would probably look great in short hair with our new slender faces. I'm too chicken to cut it real short but this summer I might go wild and do it. Are you feeling better? I was worried about your msg when I read it this morning, I hope you are going to go see your surgeon soon. Have a great day, Kelly

Hi Jane, I started at 320lbs and I'm 5'8. I was beginning to despair that I was never going to be below 180lbs, but finally made it! I'm sure you can also, just get back to your basics- that's what I had to do. All the best, Mandy