life etc

hi guys -  sorry i've been absent. just so much craziness going on. my dissertation has finally been approved after 4 rounds of revisions which is very, very exciting. i know a few of you were interested in reading it - please message me an email address and i'd be glad to forward it (its a pretty big document). only 10 more weeks till i can return to DC as a doctor! i just returned from a week at duke dfc. it was a nice break and i had some interesting feedback. i'm the same weight i was 5 years ago, which is great. i was a little perturbed as i am up since the last time i was there in 2006. the good part was though that my waist measurement is down and my RMR has gone up 250+ cals to 1910. so that speaks to the whole gaining muscle aspect. i'm trying to keep perspective - still down over 100 lbs from my high. i've actually have never been below that 5 years ago weight naturally (only gotten lower in the period following plastic surgeries). anyhoo, i'm now trying something new - going to be eating more protein/fat and more calories in general. not low carb - i guess more moderate carb. i have always been very anti-fat, so shopping for regular non-fat free stuff yesterday was stressful. but i'm willing to try and see what happens. i'm also going to calm down a bit with exercise because i think i've been wearing myself ragged and its taking a toll on my back. overall i'm feeling pretty good and things are coming together. i hope everyone is doing well!

Good for you!  I just emailed you my email address.  You've done so well for yourself, you have got to be so proud.

Hey Andy! Thanks for the update.  I have been on and off as well, work and stuff has taken over my life. I am so happy that your dissertation has finally been approved!!!!! I'd love to read it.  What field are you going to specialize in? I know you are going to do fantastic, I'm so proud of you! You sound so much more positive on the weight loss/maintenance front.  That is comforting to hear as well because as we all know there has to be a point where we learn to live with ourselves, strive to constantly improve, but realize that we have come such a long way and should be so proud of ourselves. I am heading to NYC one more time for my last surgery, well a revision. My left implant never dropped and it's lodged nice and tight under my pec muscle.  He's going to release it, maybe an hour or so surgery.  Then no more, god help me no more. So great to hear from you, thanks again!

hey girl - thanks for the kudos. sorry about the implant. one of mine is messed up a bit too but not even enough to go back under anytime soon - not like a hard capsule like i've had before. its just never totally dropped. its not a hard surgery at all so no worries. i like the college counseling thing and i'm hoping to stay in that. whether i can find a job or not is a separate issue! right now i'd consider anything outpatient. i like health psyc but only have my own experience to go on - no actual clinical experience. PM me your email if you want me to send you the paper (and i won't be offended if you don't, it is a long boring paper).

I miss you!  I know you lurk here and there, but would love to have you jump on in here. You are one of my she-roes. Hey let's face it, unless one becomes an automaton with food and exercise, weight gets more challenging as time rolls on. There is a happy medium between rigidity and living! Just wait til you live with a man. The diet Anti-Christs! I am excited that you want back to DC - I am much more likely to meet you there.  I can come annually in March-ish. I will pm my e-address. Thank you!

hey hey -  i don't even have time to lurk all that much. although maybe i will now since i finished my paper. but you know why i don't hang out here too much.... yes, it does get more challenging all the time because its fluid. you have to keep changing. and i'm not good at change.  live with a man?? HAHAHAHA! thats my next task i guess now that i'll be done with school and supposedly stable. between my location and work, i have been completely man free this year. i need to get on with it....