New photos & brief update

Hi everyone So sorry that I haven't been around too much lately. Alan and I are still working towards getting everything unpacked and more settled into the house here in PA. Weight-wise, I am still maintaining my 225 lbs lost. My weight's fluctuated up and down between 142 and 155 the past several months depending on how much swelling I have on any given day (still recovering from 3 rounds of PS since January). I am trying not to let the scale dictate how I am feeling, but I have to admit - it's hard not to let it some days. Even with being at this weight now for almost a full year and being the smallest (size 2/4) I've ever been (even since a teenager), the old tapes of "you'll gain the weight back" are still present. I uploaded some new photos to my picturetrail. The most recent are from last Wednesday when I was visiting a friend in NY where I grew up. While uploading the photos, I took a moment to look at my pre-reconstructive surgery (pre-PS) photos and was completely taken aback... Since my last round of surgery in April, I've been thinking how bad my thighs and butt are still (I am scheduled for round 4 and a second thigh lift in October)... But looking at the pre-PS photos, I realize that even though far from looking good, my thighs and butt are so so SOOOOO much better than they were... Guess I need to take my own advice of not measuring one's journey by where one ends up, but rather by how far one's traveled... I probably won't be online too much this coming week given that I still have so much going on in terms of the move, but I have been planning some fun events for anyone in PA or the surrounding states who might be interested in joining Of mention is a trip to Hershey Park, PA on Sunday Sept 18th and Alan's and my open house (close to King of Prussia, PA) on Saturday, Sept 24th. If you are interested in these, please be sure to check my "Events" page of my website - http://AButterflyEmerges.com . Sending LOTS of hugs to all!!! Caroline Lap RNY 5/2/03 367/142-149 this week/150 http://AButterflyEmerges.com http://picturetrail.com/carolineam (password is ps )

Caroline--It is really good to see you and glad you are finally feeling so much better from your last round of plastics. I know it has been a tough recovery. You are right--the focus should be on how far you have come---a very long way, not on the extra skin leftover. Ya know Caroline--it is none of my business--but--I can't help it gonna say it anyway. Maybe you should put off the 4th round to give yourself time to fully recupe and regain all of your strength. It seems like you have been through a ton in a very short time and maybe your slow recovery from this last round is an indicator that you need some time to regain strength. Just throwing that out there. Oh--what does your surgeon say about the difference in your arms--that is pretty strange. I love the placement of your arm incision. Is it visible at all when your arms are down at your sides? Good luck with your continued recovery. Have fun at all of your get togethers.

awesome pics ... your website is one of my favorite to view. what an amazing transformation...thanks for keeping it updated girl.. deb

Hi Caroline! Wow...long time no see! Glad to see that your getting settled in PA... you just never stop do ya girl! Your pictures are amazing and you are a true inspiration to ALL OF US! WOW...what a transformation..you should be very proud of yourself! I am just now searching out Plastic Surgeons and think I have found a good one but still trying to take off the last of this weight. I have gone back to basics and it seems to be helping! I see Dr. Hurwitz from Pittsburg, PA does that TOTAL BODY LIFT! I have thought about even going to see him! AMAZING WORK! He is on the plastic surgery shows. Anyway, you look amazing...keep up the good work! I could only look at the pics on the "butterfly emerges" page..the others are blocked but I will check them out at home later. Take care and much happiness in your continued life journey! Julie

You are looking remarkable, your transformation is amazing. I know how you feel with the thighs, Mine look about the same after my thigh lift. It is better, but not what I have expected. I see my PS in Oct, and he said depending on my healing he will schedule me for a revision. I was thinking I would do it immediately the minute he felt I was healed well enough , but am having 2nd thoughts. It was hellish, poor healing, incredible pain, infection, etc. I am still not 100% back to normal. Part of me says forget it and move on, but the other part of me says "don't be a quitter" I was just so relieved to know I do have the option of having a revision by my ps. I think I will wait a least til after the first of the year now. I need the time to finish healing inside, even if my outsides are done. I hope you are feeling well and healed and strong enough for the surgery in Oct. If you have any doubts, take some more time. When I had my last surgey I went in with doubts and questions and I wish I had waited and given myself more time to think things over and seen another PS. I did not listen to the "little voice" in my head that helps guide my common sense, and I made bad decisions. good luck unpacking I know it is a huge job. Keep in touch, I think of you even when I don't see you on the boards!