WHATS HAPPENING -----------FRIDAY

Wow!!!!I had not only a wow moment today but a whole day of wow!!lol. I have been wondering where was the energy that everyone was talking about after surgery. Sure I have felt better and could walk farther , a lot farther and could do a lot more than before. But yesterday was the best. I worked outside with out stopping but once from 8am till 3pm all day long cleaning flower beds, hauling mulch, picking up limbs, raking out flower beds, just general spring gardening projects. I was so amazed at myself. LOL now I have sore muscles everywhere but who needs the gym when you have rocks to move, and leaves to rake and weeds to hoe , lol get the idea? I called Sugar last night, Craig said we will not be able to call her Sugar anymore she will now have to be called Spenda or Sweet and low lol Anyway she is in some pain but is feeling pretty good. She says she hurts where the pouch is located. She doesn't do well on pain meds tho so don't know if she will ask for something or not. I told her to just ask for liquid Tylenol. Since she cant take narcotics. More newbies on yesterday, Amy Haskett, Casey Colimar, Linda Williams, Darrah Sellers, and Elisa Coffman. Welcome to the Missouri Board ladies and hope you will stay around long enough for us to get to know you. If you have questions someone will be sure to answer you even if we don't know we will answer lol. Julia: everytime I read your post I smile when I see that you have written about boyfriend (dbf) I never know if you mean dumb boyfriend or dear boyfriend. Just my stupid sence of humor. Don't mean to offend hun would never do that. Joe said to tell you to come on down he would gladly take a fellow fisherwoman fishing. I like to go catching but don't like to go fishing. Did you say you have an angel yet? I hope so after all the people you have been an angel too. I think you should be given an award of somekind. Keep up the good work and you will be rewarded one day for sure. Wont be too long now till your surgery you have waited a long time too . Debbie: isn't it wonderful to be able to get outside now in this beautiful weather. They are saying that we are going to get rain tomorrow , that makes me have two emotions, 1. we need the rain, 2. I have more things to do outside. Lol It was almost 70 again yesterday. Sunny and so nice. A little nippy when I first started out working but I got warm soon and had to take my jacket off although I still had on long pants and a long sleeve shirt. And didn't get too warm I uncovered one of my fountains yesterday and filled it and put in the pump , yeah it still works. Lol it wasn't on for more than 5 minutes than the birds were there splashing. Even tho they have a smaller one that we keep filled year round for them. Amen on your sweet and wonderful prayer yesterday. I loved it. Melissa: hello beautiful. That was so sweet of you to get up with your fil and make him pannycakes. He must have really been lonesome before. Yea!!!you rented your house? That is great. I hope that it really works out for you with them. Hey that is great about the sizes , you go girl. Hey glad you got those tulips planted , I was worried lol. Is your tomato plant growning? I repoted mine the next day after I the meeting I think or right about that time and put them all in gallon pots so I wont have to do it again and they are really growing . Yes I hope Craig will be back on the board soon too. He said he would be but not for awhile. Janet: I am amazed daily at the inconsideration I see in people , I see young men being not only rude to but ignoring older ladies or pregnate women. Where where their parents. Did they not teach them anything? I am so proud of you that you taught your son a wonderful lesson right there when you was helping the ladies pick up stuff. Thank you for doing that. And I know it hurt your back but one day you will be repaid . We will forgive you for not getting your tulips planted sweetie. If you don't get them planted in time for this years pretties they will bloom for you next year. We are so thankful that you are taking care of the reunion thing for us. Oh the question that Brenda ask about the picnic in Sedalia is something that we planed because so many of us have doctor Hornbostel and have appointment on the 19th of June. We are meeting in Sedalia for a picnic.after our doctor appointments. That is on Tuesday. So it shouldn't be a factor in the Reunion date. If you need any more info will let me know. Sugar said that when she gets back home she will be glad to help you in anyway she can. She loves to organize things too. Lol No I don't think I have heard of using cod liver oil for arthritis. Maybe the idea behind that is that you spend so much time going to the bathroom that you forget your back is hurting. You think? I have heard of people who swear by using W-D 40 on arthritic joints lol and lots of other things , copper bracelets, magnets, probably lot more things that I cant think of now. But who knows one day hopefully someone will come up with a medicine that will work that wont hurt our tummies. Most people think that RA hurts worse than osteoarthritis but I read an article the other day that says OA hurts more than RA it is just that RA deforms and swells. Uhoh First Julia and now Janet will be fishing too at the reunion. I might too if they are catching instead of just fishing. Lana: Yeah I am dirty all right. From now till late fall my poor nails and fingers look pitifull. No matter how many nail brushes I have they don't want to clean completely. I go thru several nail brushes in the summer time. Can you believe that it has been almost 3 months since you had surgery? You are really doing well. So proud of you. Andrew: well tell me what you decided to do with your flower beds? Yes you can uncover the mums if you want to.. the only reason I told you to cover them was because they were new transplants and was a protection while they too root. And yes the chicken poop is great for flower beds just make sure it isn't too fresh. I would go ahead and mix it in with the dirt in the flower beds now and that way will have a couple of months to decompose . If it is already decomposed there wont be anything to worry about. Will be ok. Your essay that your are writing about weight loss surgery. Is it to be about your own experiences or wls in general? I guess I would be right along with you on not eating enough. But I just cant eat very much at least not enough to get all my protein in. So the protein shakes are what I rely on the most. I have breakfast for a snack later in the morning, an egg or oatmeal but either one isn't much in protein. Then I will have another shake for lunch and another snack of either a hard boiled egg or tuna mixed with chopped egg and a little mayo. Then I will have supper or try to , but is another small amount. And I will have a protein shake while watching tv . most of the time I have to force that one down because I am so full I don't nee anything else. I think you have lost a good amount of weight . So everthing to me seems good. Everyone needs to remember that everyone loses weight at their rate of speed. Age, health, activity, sex and watere\ ,make a big difference in how much you lose and how fast. A man that was the same size as you were before surgery will still lose weight losts faster than a female. LOVE AND JOY AND PEACE ABOUNDS JAN

Hello, I'm still around, I read all the posts everyday but just don't post myself. Never seem to know what to post, I don't have a very exciting life. So thought I would let you know I'm still around. Brenda

Good morning Jan and board, Brenda so glad to see you post, I been wondering where you are at.. I heard from Marilyn yesterday she has been really busy, she is doing fine...vesta

Brenda, Just looked at your progress and photo's. You really look wonderful! Congratulations on your journey. Keep up the good work. Charlotte kid4ever

Okay - after Charlotte's post I had to go look at your pictures, Brenda. WOW - you look fantastic!

I would like to say thank you to all you guys who looked at my pictures and think I look good. Anything would look better than my before pictures!! I have been stuck and not losing for about 2 weeks, still waiting to get to one-der-land. I've got 5 pounds to lose to get there and it seems that last 5 pounds will not die!!!!!!!! Thanks Again Brenda

Dear Jan and OH Peeps~ Jan-Congrats on your wow DAY...not just moment-LOL!! How wonderful for you, I am SO HAPPY that you got the energy you desired, but something tells me, that you had been outdoing a lot of us on a daily basis for awhile woman!!!! I was thinking that right when I read it about "she sure doesnt need to worry about joining the gym".. I bet your body hurts..heck-I would be retaliating against you too-LOL!!! About the reunion, I dont think we would do that on a Tues anyway....I didnt want anyone to think that we would be trying to replace any other activity going on....so I am glad thats cleared up and I am still researching my little heart out..Cant wait to go through these areas and be able to check out places and get more literature. Want this part of the reunion planning wrapped up as soon as possible!! I did A LOT of research on the Cod Liver Oil as well-thanks to Lana who suggested that I google my little heart out and read, read, read!! I felt like an idiot-like, oh-why didnt "I" think of that-WELL, IN MY DEFENSE-I am in pain AND on pain meds-LOL...No, I seriously just have senior moments at times!! I read that it DOES help with arthritis, no matter what kind! I am going to check with my bariatric surgeon on Tues when I go up and see what she says. Its all herbal, so I dont think its going to present a problem with my pouch-so if she says ok-I am going for it-what have I got to lose but some pain-and to be honest-I can do without that for awhile!! I checked at WalMart yesterday and they sell it in the pill form as well as the liquid-well, I am going for the pill form and it was really reasonable!! I read within 2 weeks or so, you start to see a difference, and that is exactly what my neighbor, Pam told me. She wouldnt lie to me, I know that-but I also dont know with all the issues I have with bone on bone and no kneecaps whatsoever, if it will work...short of gnawing my own legs off-I am willing to give anything a try at this time since I cant have my knees replaced now for another year and a half. I know the time will go fast, but time always stands still when pain is involved....actually, since this whole back thing started, my knees have only hurt once or twice-guess my nerves are concentrating on the worst pain, and so I dont notice my knees like I used to!! LOL Had to laugh about your fishing comment-Julia-you and I can go catch everyone dinner-LOL...I LOVE to fish..my hubby and I would take overnite fishing trips in our boat to Stockton Lake and always catch our limit and had a BLAST....I have a picture of the first Walleye (Walter..from On Golden Pond I called him) and just when the picture was being snapped-he turned his head towards me and spit the worm back out on me-landed right on my face and I started gagging!!! I thought my hubby was going to fall out of the boat or wet his pants he was laughing so hard...I renamed that fish-but I cant post that on the board...LOL!! We have 2 stocked ponds on our property, but the majority of fish are catfish and bass-and the bass are too little to eat yet. We do fish the catfish and eat them, but there is no thrill there, because I know I am not going to catch something outrageous!! I miss the boat, but glad for the weight loss so now I can drag my hubby out again! (that is such a chore for him. LOL) Well, wasnt yesterday just beautiful? Later in the day it got warmer, and Jon and I had just set out for the fish park with our fish food and bread for feeding the ducks. I didnt get more than 2 miles from my house when my doctors office FINALLY called me back and wanted me to go to the hospital to get my back x-rayed. Told her I would be there ASAP...also told her that the pain meds they gave me werent working and I had taken 2 1/2 at a time, with absolutely no relief. Was worried about the effects it would have on my pouch...and the community-since I was starting to get a little irratated being in pain constantly. LOL...My nurse, Susan said she would ck with the doctor and if he said ok-she would cll something different in....I told her to ask him NOT to prescribe anymore tic tacs for me...(worked with her for almost 7 yrs and she has been my nurse for 8, so she knows my sense of humor and pain tolerance, thank goodness!) Since it was lunchtime, Jon and I went to feed the ducks and fish and then headed over to the dr ofc to pick up the order and then across the street to the hospital. We were stopped at least a dozen times with people commenting on how cute Jon is. I am telling you that little haircut is just adorable-and then he had his little boy bib overalls and camo shirt-and he was pretty handsome if I do say so myself!! So, finally got in for my xrays and of course, had to take off all my clothes since I decided to wear my jeans yesterday and they had metal button....I was in there for an hour! They did the first 10, and then came in and did 4 more, not repeats either-so I know its something! Afterwards, went with my daughter and FSIL to Wendys and sat down and ate, and then headed home..Before I even pulled in my driveway, I had a call from the Dr. office asking if I could come in on Tues....I told her that I will be in Columbia Tues. then she asked about Weds. still be in Columbia-told her that I can come on Thurs, but doctor is double booked from all his time off lately and he doesnt work on Friday-so I am not sure whats going on or when they will see me. Should find out today or Monday AND she also told me that they called in something "good" for the pain meds....I flew like a jet plane to Joplin to take a pill-LOL..It only took about 15-20 minutes to hit me-and for the FIRST time in weeks, my back didnt hurt...but that was short lived..I stuck it out for the whole 4 hours and took another pill. There was nothing going to wake me up after I finally fell asleep last night, thats for sure!!! Well, today is rainy and yucky. am going to bum around the house and get some easy stuff done, then Jon and I need to go to Joplin and run some errands-this is all going to depend on how my back feels once I start moving around...it should be uneventful day~(knock on wood), My good friend from New York that I met through the pen pal post in 2005 had done a paper on obesity and WLS and they are publishing it in her college newspaper. She interviewed me-and so she is going to send me a copy of the paper...can you say SUPERSTAR....LOL...just kidding- Well, I am gonna go...I dont have anything to do, but want to move around some. Take it easy-hope all post-ops are recovering nicely. It was nice to hear from Tara and her being able to start drinking! Glad Sug is good....or Splenda...Am VERY glad to see so many newbies and them asking those same questions I remember posting about protein and all...I hope I never forget those times so I can always help someone else out! Deb M, your in our prayers too-I know your keeping the faith...hope its all back to normal soon. Love ya. Sherr-hope your mom is better-and take care of yourself and those little furbabies, ok? Lana-glad your feeling better!! Im sure I am missing some names and such-but you know we think of you often and your in our prayers....Take care everyone and tt you later. Love, Janet

Good Morning Everyone: I know your going to think I am crazey. But it is actually nice outside. It is dark like it wants to open up and pour. But it is so warm outside (sorry I love stormy days) lol Well the house got rented yesterday We put on a new door knob on the back door, and tresh hold, and foam molding around the front door so no air would come thro. I asked DH if the molding wasnt to thick and he didnt think so. Guess what it was I couldnt even shut the door all the way. So I had to take it all off got glue and the foam junk all over my hands and nail. I teased DH that he owes me a set of new nails. lol Cant grow my own the are brittle and curl so I cheat and wear fake. Came home visited with my F-I-L for awhile. Made dinner (left overs from night before) Shrimp Alfredo and salad with garlic bread. I ate carrot stick and fatfree ranch dipping sauce. Did dishes took care of some things in the house. DH & I spent the night laying around watching TV. Sure felt good to be able to lounge around for awhile. I even got DH to massage my calfs they were hurting. I HAVE to get me some new shoes today when I get back over towards Joplin. I slide around in my shoes and where the toes are suppose to reach they are starting to buckle and curl. I look like I am wearing elf shoes. lol DH is going to get the oil changed in the car for our trip to Columbia. Janet has an appt on Tues & mine is Wed so were going together and spending the night. I dont think Columbia is ready for the 2 of us on the loose. lol Got the motle booked they even have an indoor pool. YEA!!!! Cant wait to get in the water again. I have missed my poo over the winter. My F-I-L was talking to me last night about our trip to Columbia. He has got to meet Janet and was asking if she had to have the blood like I did when I had my hernia repair. I explained to him no she had her WLS and mine was the hernia repair. He wanted to know if I was going to go back up there to get it fixed (with the mesh). I told him no I was gone with that. The next thing on my list was a possible Op to have a family. I asked him if he was ready for DH & I to make him a grandpa?? He just smiled from ear to ear and said YEA!!! Sorry but I got all misty eyed it touched my heart so much. Well I guess I am going to get off of here. I need to list some thing for sale. And make a few phone calls for Dad (FIL). And finish working on my 32oz water so I can have my coffee for the day. lol I pray you all have a wonderful day!!! God Bless Mel

Hello Missouri, I agree with Melissa, today is a beautiful day. I love rainy days and am hoping for thunder and lightning. Crazy I guess!!! Last night we went to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner with friends. I had my favorite, Thai Phoon shrimp appetizer. I recommend it to any of you. It's wonderful. DH had a chicken dish and he said the chicken was very moist so I might try that next time. We go there quite a bit because it is close to our house. Get into a rut. Tomorrow I have errands in Springfield, need to get some more protein packets at Healthy Weightloss Grocery and have to get a new cat collar, Emily lost her latest one, must be the tenth one in six months. She's a weird cat, although I've decided that all cats are somewhat weird. FLASH!!! One of the janitors in our building just called me skinny. Now, no one has ever called me skinny in my life. What a WOW moment! I had to call DH and share it with him and he said, "Well, it's true". What a sweetie I have. Now, realistically, I know I need to lose at least 40 more pounds but I still feel as if that is something I can accomplish and knowing that it is gone for good is so exhilarating. I just don't quite "get it" yet but I'm working on the head part of this journey. I have to look at my pictures to realize how far I've come. I still don't feel it inside yet. I appreciate all the kind words and encouragement you all give me all the time. You must know how good it feels to have friends who care so much about you. Re, the pain of osteo vs rheumatoid I agree with Jan. I think osteo, because it is bones rubbing on bones so much of the time, hurts more. Rheumatoid is a body-wide disease and many times makes you feel as if you have the flu, sort of hurting all over and just plain sick. The joints hurt but it's the general feeling of being unwell that gets to me. I'm down to 7 1/2mg/day of Prednisone now and it seems to be working and the Dr. says I can continue at that level for a long period of time without major complications. I also think the warm weather helps me. I am excited for all the new board people and the new surgery folks coming along. This is truly a life-saving, life-changing surgery and it's good to see others getting healthy too. Hugs and love to you all, Lana

Lana I agree you are looking skinny, and WOW what a figure, I wish I was there...love ya ...vesta