my new picture's up!

Wow, that didn't take long at all. I am impressed! I am doing ok, thank you everyone for all the well wishes I've gotten, phone calls, cards. It means the world to me. I went for my follow up yesterday, and he gave me the green light to drive. I hate being cooped up especially when I have all this Christmas Shopping to do! He said the bacterial bug I picked up is a garden variety, nothing to be concerned about and I am healing very well. He said I had many gallstones and the mesh was folded and not doing me a bit of good so he replaced that too. AND he fixed my belly button! The (hack) excuse me, but he was that did my plastics closed up my bb so much I couldn't even fit a q tip in it to clean it. duh! So all in all I am well, I need to pile on some weight now. Something I think I may have experience with. Sorta hard because I still don't do sweets or carbonation.There's just got to be a way. Suggestions are welcome! love to all! Cheryl

So great to see you posting again. Even better, it's great to hear you say you are feeling better. I can't believe we were in the hospital at the same time and I had no idea. I would have loved to visit you. We even had surgery on the same day. I love the new pic. You look wonderful. How about maybe doing some shakes with a little higher fat content to boost up you numbers. I want to thank you again for giving me the courage to keep pusing the Drs. If I had started with Dr. Valin in the first place, I wouldn't of had to wait three months. I could never thank you enough for what you did for me. Hugs and Love, Maggie

Whoah! Look at you! I love the new pic. You look fantastic. I'm glad to hear you're out and doing better. Take care! Michelle

Wow Cheryl, You look awesome. I didn't even recognize you at first! I am glad everything went well w/ your surgery and you are feeling better. Enjoy your Christmas shopping! Carmen

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad to here you are better! Can't wait to see you next week! Love, Phyllis

Hi Cheryl I am so happy to see you back to Ct Message board and HOPE TO MEET YOU FACE TO FACE SOON! The picture looks wonderful and is happy you can drive your car to get out from the house ! SMILE!!!! Miss YA Kathy K

WOW Cheryl You look fabulous! I'm so glad you are feeling better and healing! It must be incredible to have to gain weight -- I've never had to deal with that! I guess the best thing you can do is..... eat! In the meanwhile, I'm going to stop eating . . so I can lose again! God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau

Hello gorgeous!!! You look amazing. I'm sooooo happy that you're feeling better. I know it was a rough stretch. To feel healthy again is a real gift. Yay!!!! And I'm in awe of the statement "I need to pile on some weight now." Whoda thunk that would ever come out of any of our mouths?!?!?!?!? Keep up the great work! Love, Kathy

Hi, Cheryl! You look great in your new picture! As far as having to gain weight without eating sweets, if your system can handle some extra fat, maybe for a while you could switch to full-fat versions of what you usually eat (assuming that you usually eat low-fat or fat-free foods). Also, some extra carbs, if not at a meal (you probably don't want to replace protein with carbs and may not have room for much extra), as part of your daily fluids. For example, instead of low-calorie or calorie-free fluids, have some juice or milk. Basically, I'm giving you suggestions that are the opposite of what I was told to do in order to lose weight before surgery. Debby