I guess it's time for an  update...starting now and going backwards in time.

I weigh 143 and wear a size 6/8 bottom and a M/L top.  Unless I get some ribs removed, I will never wear a small top!

Had a neck lift one week ago today...something I've wanted for 10 years to get rid of the ugly neck and lack of jaw line. Thought I might as well do the lower face lift, too, and the doctor said I'd get the best bang (and longest result) for an eye lift.  So I did it all.  Eyes - no problem.  Neck and face - OMG!  Thank the lord, the doctor, and whatever scientist invented valium!  I started just with 2 percoset every 4 hours, which puts me to sleep.  When I went back to the dr the next day the nurse practitioner said I would benefit more from the valium as it relaxes all the muscles and gets rid of the extreme tightness under the chin and around the ears. In my dictionary next to the word ambrosia is a picture of valium.  Let me tell you THAT script got renewed! I go back in 2 more days to get all the rest of the stitches removed.  Unless the bruising gets better real quick, I won't be back to work Monday like I planned.  Under eyes are pretty good, but around my mouth is really dark. Although I've been pushing protein drinks, yogurt, cottage cheese and turkey, I've now lost 3 pounds.  Not a problem as I can lose another 9 before the dr would start to worry.  I'm sure I'll get my appetite back before that happens!

Prior to PS, I rejoined a local chapter of my sorority and have already been on the go with them.  Kentucky Derby Party, monthly meetings, movie night (Sex and the City - yeah it rocked!), picnic at Yorktown beach, and an upcoming pool party.  Plus 3 of the women play golf - an old hobby being resurrected since I now have smaller boobs to swing around!

Had my first full body message during a spa weekend with my sister and her sorority in Berkeley Springs WVA.  A very relaxing weekend which of course included shopping - outlets and boutiques - and lots of sitting, talking and tasting coffee.

While getting the car gassed up for the trip to the spa, I was picked up by a man 12 years younger than me saying he was going to pump my gas because I was too hot to pump it myself!  Well that line was good enough for 4 dates then I realized we were too far apart in our life stages - and I got tired of listening to what went wrong with his marriage and how rotten his ex-wife is.  Been there; done that; so NOT doing it again!

Had my 1 yr checkup in June.  All systems GO.  So good that the dr suggested I skip the 18 month checkup (unless I developed a problem) and just come in at 24 months.  When I told the nurse I was having a face lift, we agreed to wait for my 1 yr photo until the end of July.

Then I had a four-day weekend, always termed Gabfest as in Gabfest 2008 this year.  Three of us meet and sightsee, talk and eat.  This year we met at one friend's new home in Hot Springs Village, the largest gated community in the US.  With 9 golf courses and the cutest lakeside restaurants, we were able to withstand the heat and humidity. A couple of strawberry margaritas helped with the heat and I was able to lose the 4 pounds I gained within a week after getting home.

So...life is good and I want MORE!

I'm finding travel to be a pain in the neck!  I'm so worried about getting in enough protein so I take protein powder, LF cheese and LF yogurt with me when I can.  Restaurant choices are fine, but I'm never sure how much I'm eating and how do you account for any sauce that might be on the meat you eat.  Too much trouble!  Yet I find I've always lose weight while traveling.  This is a mystery unless I'm actually undereating in my effort not to take in excess calories.  I've been away 2 weekends in November plus another week for work.  I'll also be gone 2 weeks (back-to-back) in December.  Let's see where that gets me in the WL game!  My pants are getting loose again!  YAY!

Found this on the main OH forum.  It substantiates my dr's protocol of 55g protein shakes.

...bariatric conference of surgeons in Maryland last week [Oct 2007]said this:     Protein absorption The commonly touted myth of only being able to absorb 30 grams of protein at one time is not true! In any 24 hour period, we can potentially absorb as much as 300 to 400 grams of protein. This is obviously not recommended because there are complications associated with this high amount of intake. (kidney problems).   Recommended range of protein per day can be up to 120 grams. Absorption of protein relies on many factors, including source of protein, length of the Roux limb, size of the pouch, and our intake of micronutrients like zinc.

PLEASE make it successful to avoid hair loss!!!

Hmmm....gotta let my body rule my mind. I kept thinking something was wrong with my body, and always would be, because I just could not find clothes that fit.  Turns out my mind was wrong and my body was quite alright. My body had to drag my mind outta the plus size department and there were the right clothes all along.  I also found out I can't wear "relaxed fit" pants even in regular sizes - way too baggy in the seat.  And the biggest surprise of all is that when I left the plus sizes it wasn't to just barely fit into the largest regular sizes.  I'm into 14/16s easily and size large tops.  Nope, no 18s and extra larges for me!

Oh, and da sistahs went from 46DD to 40C thank you very much!

So my next picture will be of me in my cowboy boots and my pretty lace bra!!