HI!!!!!! It has been a long time!!!

Hello all!!!! I wanted to give everyone an update. I am 10 months out today and 106 pounds lighter. I feel fantastic. I have 50 pounds to go. It is getting a lot slower and I know what I need to do. I am in a size 16 pants and a REGULAR large or X large shirt. I want last month and saw Dr. Peters and he is tickled with my progress. I spoke with him about getting a tummy tuck done and he wants me to wait the 18 months. I can understand. I am no longer on cholesterol medication and my PCP cut my blood pressure medicine in half. I am freezy cold all the time. I have to tell you what Dr. Peters said about that. He told me to go and buy a 105 pound fur coat and that would keep me warm. He is such a trip. I have been very busy with my family. I am spending a lot more time with them and actually enjoying it now. Especially with my children. I can do a lot more with them now too. My husband and I went to Tennessee in January and celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary in a log cabin in the mountains (it was very romantic!!!!!!) I have been guilty of reading the message board and not posting. I promise I will do better. Our family, especially my Mom, have experienced some stressful and horrendous family situations. It is still going on but not nearly as bad. My mother has always been a very strong person but this has really put her in a loop of emotions. I have been her backbone for her but it has been very hard for me too. I do not know if you are familiar with Dr. Laura on 92.7 fm. She has really helped us. She said that no matter what you do in life, you cannot receive love from the devil. Well, my mother has two devils in her life. My mother is finally learning to live her life the way that she wants to live it. This is a very big step for her and I AM VERY PROUD OF HER. Do not want to use this as an excuse, but this is why we have not posted or been to visit up state. My mother is doing very well with her weight lost. She is down 106 pounds and is at goal. She has an hernia and is waiting to get clearance from her insurance to get this fixed. Want to thank everyone for their support. You will be seeing me more often on the board. Smiles Julie

Hi Julie, Congratulations on your success! Stay the course and things will be fine, you will get where you want to be. Congrast to your mom on her success too. Tell her to hang in there, things will get better You guys sound like a determined lot and you have each other to lean on! Linda

Hey Linda!!!! Your new picture is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for your support. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I read earlier about what you are going through. Hang in there. We are all pulling for you. My and I will be fine. I will make sure of that. Smiles!!! Julie

HEY GIRL!!! It's about time I see your skinny butt on here! Miss you at the meetings too. Hope you will be there this Tuesday. Don't make me come get you!!! Big Hugs, Rosa (AKA Rosy)

Hey Rosy!!!! Now I don't want you to fall over. I know its been a long time. And who are you calling skinny butt(not yet)!!!!!!! Mom and I are definitely going this Tuesday night. I even have a friend of mine who is going too. She is at the beginning of her journey. She has her first Appt. with Dr. Wynn on Wednesday. I heard from your sister that you are doing great and they can already tell a difference. Can't wait to see you Tuesday night. Smiles!! Julie

Julie, You and mom have been missed. I will see you Tuesday in Rehobeth. Tell Mom to hang in there. I have had the Devil in my life this year too but I refuse to let him win. He has won a many of battles but he hasn't won the war. Tell mom I have 40 lbs to loss before my hernia repair and T/T. It is a real struggle now but i will win this battle too. Take care. You are both so lucky to have each other, See you lighter. Joanne Hammond OBESITY HELP CHAPTER LEADER.

Hey Joanne!!!!!! Sorry I missed you Tuesday night. I got this stomach virus that is going through the schools. My son brought it home from pre school. He had it, my nephew got it, and then I got it Monday night. Did not want to give it to everyone at the support meeting. I guess one good thing, I lost 8 more pounds because of it. HAHA!!!!! Mom is doing a lot better every day. She is still waiting for approval for her T/T and her hernia repair. I am so jealous. I want to get my T/T now but Dr. Peters wants me to wait out my 18 months. This is in November. Thanks for your support Joanne. You are looking fantastic. And just think once you get your T/T and your hernia repaired. You can go out flashing that new body. Smiles!!!!!! Julie

Julie, I think I had that virus last week. I ended up lossing 7 lbs with it. I was so bad I couldn't even drink water without getting sick. My husband wanted me to call the Dr but by Monday I was feeling better and could take in broth. He was afraid I would dehydrate. Tell Mom to hang in there. I have to lose 40 lbs before my T/T so it might be 18 months for me too. That would be October. I was hoping July since the may date is out . The more I think about it ,it might be better to wait. This is a one shot deal. I need a back lift. I have more flab on my back them tummy. I also need arms , legs and butt so I won't be flashing nothing. I'm trying to fiqure out a cover up for spring. Sweaters were so nice this winter for cover ups. Shorts are definitely out this year. Hope to see you and Mom at the next meeting. See you lighter. Joanne Hammond OBESITY HELP CHAPTER LEADER.

Hey!!!! I am glad you are feeling better too. That virus was a mess. My mom was worried about me being dehydrated too. I am better now. I know this T/T thing is a one shot deal. That is why I decided to wait too. I want to see about a T/T and a breast lift too. If insurance can pay for both. I want it all done at the same time. So we will see. How about a skort. this summer. This hides a lot and may be very becoming for you this summer. I lived in them last summer until I lost some weight. This may be something you might want to think about. Also, Capri pants are cute too. You can wear them Spring and Summer. Just wear bigger shirts if you want to camoflauge for the top. You will look fine. You probably look good. Hope all is well. We will definitely be at the next support meeting in Rehoboth. I hope to be going to the PMRI meeting on 03-18-06. Smiles!!!! Julie

Julie, What is the meeting topic at PMRI next week? I think I will be wearing Capris this summer. I think a skort will be to short. I have flab to my knees and look like elephant skin. With my hernia I need to wear my shirts big still. It is really sticking out there now. Like a 3rd boob but it doesn't show as much with big shirts. I can't wait to get it repaired. I was alittle disappointed that I'm not getting it done in May for I wanted Dr. Granett to do the surgery before he leaves in June but I understand Dr. Kirkpatrick's reasoning. He said if I lose 40 lbs first I will not have any scars from my complications and a flat stomach. I can't even imagine that on me but it gives me incentive to get that 40 lbs off. See you lighter. Joanne Hammond OBESITY HELP CHAPTER LEADER