Hello Everyone!

Hello and long time no see! I was reminded via email (Thanks Alice!)that I haven't been here in a while so I thought I'd stop in and say a heartfelt hello! Things have been good for me for the most part, other than having kidney stones and needing them surgically removed two weeks ago. I am back to 'normal', that is as 'normal' as I can be...! Unfortunately, I am losing hair like crazy now! I am trying my best to get in even more protein, (even going back to drinking those darned nasty shakes! ) but so far its not helping! I'm getting nervous thinking that I might need to get a wig or hairpiece soon if my hair doesn't stop falling out! I have a ton of energy and still get those sudden 'power surges' when I have to expend my enormous energy reserve. I think my energy spurts are making my DH a bit , but he doesn't say anything lest I stop manically cleaning the house! I am wearing a size 2 or 4 now, and am having some difficulty finding shirts that fit right! (I remember having to do that before, but for a completely different reason!) I bought a dress for my New Years Eve party which was just GORGEOUS, (I'll have to get a picture of it put up on my profile soon!) and it finally dawned on me in the fitting room that I am thin and I started to cry right there! It was kinda embarrassing, but cathartic too! I'm finally really getting used to my 'new body'. I am still experiencing some shock when I see something different about myself. Occasionally I am still surprised by the way I look in pictures, and sometimes can't believe that it is me! I have these amazingly well defined muscles in my arms, shoulders, and back now! I guess those are from lifting so many batches of my handmade soap! I have got to get into the gym though or I'll never get those six pack abs I've been longing for! (only kidding.....well...not really!) I do have quite a bit of extra skin although you cannot see it when I am dressed! (THANKS GOD! ) When I see all of my extra skin in the mirror, I am kinda disgusted, but at the same time, it's also a badge of all I've gone through and it fascinates me. I am still losing, much to almost everyones dismay . I have been eating between 7 and 9 small meals daily as per my PCP's instructions. With all the food I am eating now, my weight loss should start to slow down and then stop...RIGHT?? I am kinda getting annoyed with people commenting on my weight (again!). I've been hearing that I need to GAIN some weight, and that I am "too skinny" alot lately and its driving me nuts! I would be happy to stop losing at this point and just maintain my weight from here on out, however; apparently my body has different plans. I used to fantasize about being skinny before my WLS, but now that I am at a normal weight, everyone still is critical! GRR! Dr. Teixeira asked me at our support group holiday party if I've been exercising like I am supposed to, and I had to admit the truth. I am almost ashamed to say that I have not been going to the gym, and haven't any regular exercise program either. I think that I am probably getting in most of my exercise simply running around and keeping my business growing. I am planning to get my old mountain bike in working order so that I can start riding it around for exercise and fun. I miss all of you here and the folks from group, but I haven't had much time to get up and keep in touch until now. Hopefully I will see and hear from some of y'all soon! I'm glad to see so many friendly faces still here! I hope that everyone has been doing great and I wish you all the best! I will try to get online to check in more often! Take Care! Yvonne

Yvonne- Oh my I thought maybe you had fallen off the face of this Earth!!!!!! It is wonderful to see you and I LOVE the new pic! You look fabulous!!!! Oh I was at a support meeting tonight and they moderator gave us some replies to say to people when they ask about your weight, surgery ect... just ask them back "Why do you care?" Your body will stop when it is ready to stop, take it with all you can!!!!!! Stop back in more often will ya? You are missed!!! HOw is your sister doing? Janet

Hey there Janet! Thanks for the imput! I keep telling everyone that my body will quit losing when its ready to, but no one seems to listen! Grr! I'm gonna try and stay in touch with everyone more (thats one of my New Years resolutions too!) BOTH of my sisters are doing just phenomenal! I am so proud of them! Sara and Barbara have both surpassed the century mark, and are still losing too! Take Care and God Bless! Yvonne

Yvonne- That is wonderful about Sara and Barbara!!!! You three must look fabulous!!!!! Janet

WOW Yvonne you look so beautiful (not that you weren't beautiful before) I am so happy you are doing so well. I was wondering what had happened to you and you sister because you two were always here and then one day you were gone not as peep from either one of you. I am so happy that you have come back and please tell Sarah I said hello also. Please keep posting you really are missed here ya know. Keep up the GREAT work! Love ya Evelyn 247/141/past goal

I was wondering what had happened to you. So glad to hear you're doing well. You look great! Keep us posted! Mel

Hey there Mel how are you? Evelyn 247/139/past goal

Heyyyy there Yvonne Oh my, it is so good to finally hear from you. You look great. I'm happy to hear that you're doing good. The last time we spoke, you were in the hospital and I've been worried about you ever since. But now that you're back and have updated us on your journey, I feel better. Congratulations on your remarkable weight loss As for me, I am doing well. I went to my surgeon on last Friday and I'm down 49 lbs. Everything is going well, I just have to work out more and take in more water. It's a slow process, but I feel good. Please keep in touch. Peace and blessings. Glenda 237/188/?

Yvonne~~~ Thanks for stopping by! You always have the greatest post with good advice......YOU have been missed. I have been away from the boards and just saw your post!! You really do look GREAT AND SOOOO TINEY TINY. Please do not stay away so long. Make a post soon and tell us what you are eating and your great helpful hints!