CHECK IN!!! We must all have exciting lives....

Yeah Pam! That's great that you're getting off the meds. I'm currently at 253, so 200 is my next barrier as well...just a bit behind you. I haven't been under that since college....maybe even high school. Have a great time in Hawaii, I'm flying out on Monday as well....to NY for a week. I didn't have to get an extender last time I flew (but I have in the past...how embarrasing!) but I'm looking forward to being able to sit comfortably in my seat, and not expecting my SO to lift the side arm and share part of his as well (I'm sure he's looking forward to that change as well, lol). Oh, and to be able to have the lap tray down! Isn't this WLS just the greatest? Aloha Pam!

Pam - congratulations on your loss! You have done so well - just fantastic! Congrats on the impending med change too. That has to be a huge relief! Dina

Hi Dina. This was a brilliant idea of yours to get people writing again! I just passed the 6 month-60 pounds milestone since my surgery April 27th. I am so grateful for all that I can do now. I have been on a plateau for a couple of months, but I'm okay with it. I just need to give myself another nudge to get going again. I am amazed at how much better I feel, and how much happier I am. This surgery was a true lifesaver for me. This board has been an inspiration. I had no choice but to have the surgery since I had stomach cancer; however, I am amazed at the courage of those of you who made the choice to have surgery and have followed through with it. It is a nervous time beforehand, but regardless of the reasons for doing it, the results are amazing! I look to this board for lots of good information. It's my link also to know that I am not alone. There are many of us out here who have been through this procedure and are learning to live our lives afterwards. Sometimes it's not easy, but the good things in life are worth working for. God bless all of you as you continue with your journey. Peg

Peg - you are doing wonderful with your loss. I am curious if you had to go through chemo or anything like that since you had the stomach cancer? Did they basically do a duodenal switch on you then, or did they do an RNY and just remove the rest of the stomach? Dina

Hi Dina. I have not had to go through chemo. They think they got it all since the stomach cancer was in the early stages. I had an open RNY and they removed 9/10 of my stomach. The surgeon didn't connect as far down on the small intentine as surgeons usually do for gastric bypass surgeries because he wanted me to be able to absorb as much nutrients as possible. I think that's why I am not losing weight as quickly as most of you are doing. I also had my gallbladder removed, and they found a golf ball sized stone, so I'm really glad to have it out too! I am definitely taking things one day at a time and am praying that everything looks good at my one-year tests. I'm keeping my fingers...and toes....crossed! I'm sure this was way more than you ever wanted to know!! Anyway, I'm doing great and am so grateful to this board. Take care, Dina. Peg

Hi Everyone, Here I am slowest as usual! Busy, that's not the word for it, but now my life is slowing down a bit.....I think! I am at 80 lbs. last time I checked but loosing lots of inches so I have given up the scale now and am gauging by my clothes. Thank Heavens for the Salvation Army, I couldn't afford to buy new stuff. Luckily there are several local ladies who have had the surgery in Baker City and are ahead of me, so I'm actually getting some great stuff, some hasn't even been worn yet! I actually fit into my first pair of Levi's! $5.95 Whoooohooo! Geez you gals practically lived next door to me, I live in Sumpter. I am running for Mayor of our fine little town, and I am the Fire Chiefs Wife, and a Councilor, does that tell ya why I'm so hard to reach? We also had a spaghetti feed last Tuesday, great turnout! And I am the Author of our local cookbook, used to raise money for our Fire Dept..and so on and so on, just take my word for it, too little time to get everything done, but at least my energy is keeping me going! This surgery has been a blessing, I feel so great! And energy...amazing! Well since loosing these 80 lbs. I am an inch taller, yep, 1 inch, I was slumped over. In straightening up, I herniated a disc in my back (old injury) so I am now taller and sorer?? but hopefully it's gonna get fixed! Anyway, worth it you bet! You guys keep up the great work, Oregon is getting lighter all the time! and happier too it sounds like! Catherine 275/195/150ish 1/22/04

Hey Catherine - good to see you posting again! I wondered where you went to! Sorry to hear about the herniated disc, but how amazing that you GREW TALLER!!! Hmmm, wonder if I should check that too! LOL! Dina

Hello all this is Dawnita ..also from Eastern Oregon...Pendleton. I am not as far as most of you... I have my eval tomorrow...and am still waiting on insurance....I was hoping for christmas time...but any will do haha. I grew up in Helix....very small.. 3 blocks by 3 blocks square. grad in 87. three teens and 2 preteens.

Hi Dawnita I'm in Hermiston (since May 2003) and before that we lived in Athena for about 9 months and then before that, John Day for about 10 years. I really liked Athena but it was too much of a commute for my hubby. Whose your doctor? Mine is Dr. Heap and I'm having surgery on the 17th. The whole process was really fast but we are self pay cuz our insurance has an exclusion clause in it. I'm hoping by Christmas I'll feel real good and be able to enjoy it Welcome and hope to talk to ya soon! Joanie

Hi Dawnita! How did your eval go? Hope you have an easy time of it with the insurance. I know all about growing up in a tiny town. I grew up in Eastern Oregon as well and went to high school in Dayville. Had 200 population and 6 in my graduating class! Yanno - isn't it funny how Eastern Oregon spans such a large geographical area, but when you are talking people, it's just one big old small town? Dina