Thanks for the great thread! I love all the replies! To them, I would add: *Smaller clothes = MUCH lighter suitcase! *I can reach all my itches *If somebody parks too close I can either squeeze in OR get in the passenger side and climb over (had to do this on Saturday..w00t!) *I can move the driver's seat forward if the person sitting behind me needs room for long legs (used to be I couldn't fit or buckle my seat belt if the seat was not all the way back) *I can paint my own toenails (but I still prefer a spa pedicure ) *many, many more!

Hi Janice, What a coincidence! I just had a weird experience yesterday where I was awoken from a sound sleep at about 4am with SEVERE pain in my lower right abdomen. I thought it might be gas so I went to the bathroom. I did have some gas, but the pain kept on for about 90 minutes. I took a few sips of water and immediately got the heaves. I tried to sleep in my recliner and was basically curled up in ball. I fell asleep for 30 mins and the pain was gone when I got up. This scared the crap out of me! I called my surgeon's office when I got to work but they were on vacation. I stayed on the line and the answering service operator asked me if my call was of an "urgent" nature. I said yes, and had my surgeon call me back. He told me he was glad I called, and said that while it might have just been gas, gas could also be a symptom of gall bladder problems. He told me to schedule a CAT scan and ultrasound of my gall bladder next week, so I will do that. He told me if it happens again to go to the emergency room and have him called. I had eaten slightly spicy food the night before, something I usually am careful to avoid due to some earlier gastritis. Also FYI I had to go to my PCP office for a shot today, and I mentioned this episode to the nurse. She told me that if it was my gall bladder, the pain usually radiated around the side to the back. I honestly don't remember anything except my lower right side hurting. I notice your pain sounds just like what she described. I hope you are feeling better and not having any more problems. Do come back and let us know how it's going, OK? I will do the same Have a great holiday! Kathy

To some this may sound like a great thing but I'm getting too skinny. My doctor and nutritionist have been great. They have me on a special diet, high calorie, certain techniques to get in more food etc. I find that the only way I can maintain my weight is eating all the wrong things. Lucky or unkucky I can eat anything sugar included. I was size 24 and I am now a size 6, I would probably be a size 4 with a tummy tuck. Oh and I'm 5"9. I still weigh 143 pounds but my goal was 15o. I had my surgery 8 months ago(3/30/05). I can't work out because when I do I lose even more. I'm eating everything that made me obese to keep me from strinking to nothing. Is there anyone out there that is going through this? If so how are you stabilizing your weight? How are you stopping this process. At this rate I will be 100 ponds by March.

Isnt it a wonderful feeling!!! Its pretty awesome when we can get excited about being OBESE!! What a wonderful feeling!!! Way to go!! Keep up the good work!!! Merry Christmas to you also!! Patti 270/182/160ish

1. I feel brave enough to get on the dance floor and when I get there, I don't get winded right away (actually, I don't get winded at all). 2. I lost enough weight to go skydiving. 3. I can easily reach my shoes and don't get out breath tying them. 4. I feed my family healthy food instead of just fast and fattening food. 5. I don't feel uncomfortable and fat around thinner people. 6. I'm not embarrassed when I run into someone I haven't seen in years. 7. I can shop in regular sized stores and I can easily buy clothes I like for under $20 instead of paying $40 or more for clothes I wish I didn't own. 8. I have lots of friends instead of just one or two because I feel more self-confident. Becky