Hi Fellow Kansans!

Hi there, hope this is finding you all well. I had my month check up (closer to 5 weeks) this last week and was down 29 lbs! Yippee!! Found out that my scale at home weighs 4-5 lbs. HEAVIER than the one at the doc's office! Sheesh! I have lost a few more since then and am doing real well....the big keys to getting off my dang plateaus seemed to be upping my water (to about 90 oz a day) and having 2 protein shakes (to convince my body not to hang out in starvation mode). I'm doing pretty well with food...as long as I remember not to eat too fast. I was getting sooooo bored at home and since I don't start up with my consulting work again until mid-Feb., I started subbing at the elementary school again. I've done that off and on the last 3 years. Definately can't be bored there! LOL! It's been a good decision....I just wasn't being all that productive till I started working again....now I know that I have less days/ hours at home and therefore seem to be using my time better. My surgery bills have started coming in and I've been very pleasantly surprised. Out of pocket to the hospital (for pre-op testing AND surgery) is only $111. I owe the doc's office $280 but have a $185 credit there as my insurance ended up paying for my pre-op consult even though I'd already paid it. I owe around $50 to other misc. drs. (cardiologist, radiologist) and I think that's it. Much better than I expected though I have to admit that my ins. (Fed BCBS) is not reimbursing the hosp. or the dr. very well which is a shame. Hope you're all just grand....update us.....!!!!! Jenni

Jenni, Congrats on your great weight loss! You sound like you are doing fantastic! I'm so happy for you! Don't you love it when the money part works out? That's great that your out-of-pocket is minimal. Mine was too and I was so happy about it! Woo hoo That's great about you subbing at the school. I bet you have more than enough work there, especially this time of the year when so many people are off sick or for workshops. So which of the protein drinks have you decided were decent enough for you? I know everyone's tastes vary but it's nice for people to hear which brand we are using. Of course I'm still using the EAS Rich Dark Choco and Choco Fudge Carb Control but that's it. I need to order more of the Sci-Fit Amino Fusion 5000, just keep forgetting and I end up buying lots of the EAS stuff. I suppose when I get close to running out of it, I will reorder. I am having my PS revision done on the 30th for my breasts and arms from my surgery in November. My implants have not dropped into place at all and the surgeon will be going in to pull them into place. He also has decided that he can tighten my arms up even more so I'm having them redone too. I can't wait to have normal looking breasts and arms! Woo hoo Anyway, wanted to say Hi and congrats to you! Big hugs, Sharon

Thanks Sharon! You have been great support as have others on this board. I am enjoying the subbing....been working with the special ed. program lately...rewarding and challenging. I worked at the Beloit Youth Center (now called Correctional Facility) for 10 years at the Staff Development Specialist so I'm used to that population but it doesn't keep it from being challenging...and I've also been in regular classrooms including pre-school! Well, the protein that I can do is the Carb Solutions (I think??) from Walmart...chocolate. I think being RTD helps. I did try the grape AmnioFusion and not sure about it, though I appreciated the info about it cuz it motivated me to keep trying to find SOMEthing! Does it have to be refridgerated after opening? If not, I'll send you what is left in my bottle if you'll e-mail me with your address. Wow, the 30th is comign soon....how long will you be in the hospital? I am sure you are ready to have it done and over with....and to be healing. Be sure to let us know how you are. Thanks for the wonderful support! Hugs, Jenni

Hey Jenni!!! YOU are doing FANTASTIC!!!!! YEAH YOU!!! I know what you mean about needing to fill up time...subbing is such a great thing to do...how cool!!! I really have a hard time on the weekends...I'm soooo busy all week long and constantly on the run between my "real" job and teaching at the Y....when the weekend comes I'm just at a loss on what to do with myself. The only thing I can really count on is the 1-2 hour conversation Sharon and I will have on Sat or Sun morning Keep up the GREAT work you've been doing...you're so good at keeping us all aprised of your progress...it really helps me keep my tushie in gear!!! BIG HUGS Deanna