So, where are you on your WLS journey? Tell us a little bit about yourself. I'll start.... My name is Trisha, and I live in Arizona. I had a lap RNY on 3/8/05 - just a little over 2 months ago. I am now on regular foods, and am introducing food back slowly. I have not experienced dumping, and I even had a small slice of marie calendar's banana split pie on Mother's Day. On one hand it's good, I guess, but on the other hand I wanted a reaction so I wouldn't eat sugar. But I know our bodies do not absorb all the calories and stuff we eat. Still.... I have found that I have learned so much more about nutrition and such post-op through online and face-to-face support groups than I ever did pre-op - even with my thick nutrition binder. I still learn so much more each day. I'm down 56 lbs now, and I have about another 150 or so to go. Ey-yi-yi!! So, now it's your turn!! Hugs, Trisha -56 lbs

I can be your angel!! Just let me know what boards you frequent and I'll make sure I send updates on you while you are in hospital. Hugs, Trisha -56 lbs

Cheryl - where are your replies? 1. How long have you been scrapbooking? How did you get started? I've only been scrapbooking since about January. I saw a co-workers scrapbook she made for her baby and I was like WOW!! I had no idea about the creativity and artsy way about photoalbums. So I received a starter scrapbooking set for Christmas and had some friends/family over to learn with me. So I've just started these last few months. I have yet to finish an album. 2. Do you have any general themes or topics? 1st album was "Sisters" - pictures of my sister and me throughout the years. 2nd album is travels. 3rd album is weight loss surgery journey. None of these albums are done yet. I have like 2-3 pages done in the first two and nothing on my WLS journey yet. I'm stocking up things for it though. 3. What supplies are important or make life easier for you? Hmm....I'm still new at this so I am not sure. Probably colored paper. They add so much to a page and the scissor shape thingse really jazz it up. 4. Have you found any really good shops, online sites, etc.? Ebay, Walmart and Michaels have been my only stomping grounds for supplies so far. I'd love to go to a scrapbooking workshop sometime. 5. Are you doing a WLS book? If so, any suggestions for it? Yes! Absolutely. Suggestions - SAVE everything - from acceptance letters, denial letters, blood work, things from hospital/dr offices, etc. You never know what you may need or want and it's best to have too much stuff than not enough. Also write down how you felt each day in hospital - I did do that - writing was a bit sloppy since I was drugged, but I wrote about nurses, other patients, goings on, etc. You forget little stuff like that post-op. Hugs, Trisha -56 lbs

Oh, wow! How cute! gosh! I should've done that!! You are VERY resourceful and creative! We should all create ours this year and get together once a year or something to see what everyone else did. How fun!!

Hello ScrapperAddicts, 1. I have only been scrapping about 2 years, but have run a copycenter for about 12 and all that is, is glorified scrapping and layout LOL. I got started when we clearanced a bunch of scrapbook stuff at work. Had done a few small tidbits before that but never with the zeal I have now. 2. I have a book for my daughter, one for myself and one for my mother. I know what you mean about not wanting to be in any of the photos and such. My book has ONE page in it, and its about my mother LOL. Its hard to set your Obese pictures on a page that is supposed to be a lifelong memory huh? 3. My fishing tackle box is my most important item. I opted not to go for the cute little black crop organizing things and went straight to the outdoorsman aisle at walmart. It has so many cubbies and little cups and such that it works great for my supplies, never mind it makes me look like the "grumpy old Men" movies LOL. 4. I absolutely love www. scrapbookbytes .com... its for digital scrapbooking with LOADS of downloadable kits for Photoshop and other ps programs. I loaded my first page there today. and plan on doing a lot more as it is much cheaper than buying all the brads and buttons for real. why pay when you can download them for free huh? My gallery is under MckenziePhoenix, Like I said its pitiful with only one upload right now LOL. 5. Have not decided on a WLS book yet, I probably will start one as soon as i finally get the surgery, possibly do a few pages beforehand but nothing definite. Happy Scrapping Tairie