Hello All

Sorry been MIA for a while, things here have been crazy.

.. Stress ... stress ... and more stress ( not good for me)

Well to start, the state finally took the kids from my sister and placed all 3 of them with me, right now we have just the baby, until we move (august 31st) into our house. Then the other 2 will move in with us, for now they are placed in a safe house, and we get to see them once a week. Second thing is we FINALLY got the house, that has been stressful in its own too, I'm worried I don't have enough money for closing, and worried what if something goes wrong, trying to get into the house as soon as possible for the fact that the other 2 kids get to move in as soon as we move in. Just one crazy thing after another. My mom refuses to talk to me, I cant talk to my sister with out fighting, all I have right now is my dad and my wonderful hubby. I'm sure if I was with anyone else Id be on my own. Going from just the 2 of us, traveling and living free to adding 3 kids (that is family, but not ours) can and is gonna be stressful. But he is excited to have them move in with us.

My weight loss has slowed down, almost stopped. I want to loss another 25lbs at least. But it is so hard to get these last few off. I am at 173 now. I really want to get down to 150. I tried to do a Plateau break diet, and go to the gym. I lost about 4 or 5 pounds, but in the middle of my diet I got sick and didn't make it to the gym and then everything happened with the kids.  And now money is a bit tight and i have to drop my YMCA membership. UGH! Its only until we get stable again, and then I HOPE to go back. I have been getting out a few times a week at night for a walk. good thing about the baby she likes to ride her bike, but is scared so i get to pull her bike during the walk with her on it, cheating but hey its exercise, hahaha. A friend gave me an exercise machine too, and I am looking for Zumba home DVDs (was taking that class and LOVED it) I really could use a few pointers to get these last few pounds off. I find my self stressed out and yelling at myself, that something is not healthy for me. Or taking a bite of something the little one hands me, even when I know it is not good for me. I think I am going to try the diet again, even if it is hard to keep up with, I can do it!!!! I CAN DO IT!!!!

I have been looking into plastic surgery lately, yes I just complained about money being tight, but plastic surgery isn't happening this year anyway, it will be at least another year or more. But it is on my mind. I would like to have a tummy tuck/ hanging skin removed, and a breast lift. Looking at about $10,000 in work, wondering if insurance will pay for any of it, or if I have to do this all out of pocket, something I will have to learn when I do my research. Just trying to get ideas now. Yes? NO? Maybe so? I don't know? Is it a good idea to go for it?

I hope everyone is doing well, I'm sorry I disappear so much, but sometimes things just get crazy, and I don't get a chance to check it. Know that I think about everyone, and wonder how you are all doing. And I think of you all as a family.

Take care, I hope to check back in soon, if not later this week I will after we move into the new house. Also I post my June before and after shots, Gonna get my hubby to take some nice pictures of me for new photos, I have friends I don't see everyday asking for some, and I love to have my picture taken now.

OK off to chase a 4 year old around the apartment for a while. Even with an injury she just runs wild, oh that's more stress there. She was in the hospital 8 days after being bit by a dog at my mothers house, yes 2 of my mom's dogs bit the 4 year old. She has a HUGE!!!!!! cut on her left leg, and a small cut on the right leg, but it does not slow her down 1 bit. This bite happened before i got custody of her, but was the final straw in my sister losing the kids. We don't know how long this is for, but we are planning to have them for a while, planning as far ahead as Halloween. I love the fall I cant wait!! The state of New Jersey is so messed up she could get her kids back, BUT I am told to plan to have the kids for a while. So in the middle of moving, I am looking into school info, trying to get the kids into school as soon as possible.

Wow, Melissa, you have been busy indeed,  I am happy for your neices that your are getting custody.  New living situation, new housing, new schools, new routines, lots of adjusting on everyone's part.  Do your best to provide positive role models for the children, sounds like they need it.  Is anything happening as a result of the dog bite, sounds like a dangerous dog.  The dangerous dog laws vary a little state by state, but biting designates a dog as dangerous.

I notice the children around here starting to gather into small groups and getting stir crazy, a sure sign that the school year is soon starting.

Now as far as getting those last few pounds going.  Remember that this is not a "diet" but a new relationship with food and activity.  When those last pounds go away, you will not be changing your eating, like going "off a diet".  Keep doing the healthy eating style and know that you have come a long way from where you were and you are soooooo much healthier at this weight.  Not everyone is meant to be super thin.  Things should level out when your stress level evens out.  Not going to hapen this month, but sooooon.  Love those kids.

Do you have any skin issues related to the extra skin, rashes, sores, get them documented and they may be the key to insurance assisting or paying for a tummy tuck. 

Do stay in contact with us, we are here for support of all members.  Praying for less stress in your life,  take good care of yourself and those wonderful children.  Hugs

Crazy is right! Wow! You have some huge changes all coming into being, within a very rapid period of time...closing on the new home, packing the old home, moving everything, setting up the new place, adding 3 awesome kids to the household and all of the things that involves! I'm exhausted just thinking about all you have on your hands. You are blessed to have a husband that is supportive and loving.

Having plastics can be a very good thing for us after significant weight loss, physically and psychologically. It IS hard on the pocketbook for sure. But i know that many who lose significant weight, and even hit target weight still feel badly, when they have a lot of excess skin. Word of caution.. do not do it until your weightloss has stabialized for at least 6 months and be sure you are 2 years out at least. I did ps, then lost another 14 lbs, and things loosened back up a bit. Not bad, but would have been nice for it to all stay nice and tight after spending all that money. As far as insurance, Kathy gave you the low down there. Another option is to check with BIG burn centers, sometimes they will remove the excess for very little or even free to have the kin for burn patients. Then you'd only have to worry about the breast work you want done. Justa thought.

Remember through all of what you are going through, TAKE GOOD CARE of YOU! You have come too far to backslide. Mat be a great opportunity to introduce these kids to a healthy way of living and eating. But keep some priority on your needs.

Ohhh almost forgot to mention this.. as far as breaking through the plateau.. Focus on making sure you are following all of the basics. Water, protein, the right meal sizes, activity of some kind, suplements. If you are like many wls patients, you have gradually added back in more carbs than you may realize. Start cutting those back out. These last pounds will take much longer to lose, it just happens this way usually. BUT they will come off. Just be diligent and stay focused!

Keep us posted as you can on how it is all going for you.
We are here when you need support and encouragement.
hugs!