5'6" starting weight 289, size 28 surgery weight 261 pre plastic surgery weight 170, size 14 current weight (4weeks post-op anchor TT) 159 size 10 will probably go down another size when the swelling is gone total loss 130 pounds I am totatlly thrilled with my progress. I feel great. The RNY and TT were the 2 best things I have done for myself. Belinda

I'll chime in too. Thanks for your Halloween card Trish! It made me smile! Hope you are well. Hugs, Stephanie

Back in February and started having problems with my back so went to the doctor. Had an MRI which only showed spinal stenosis. Then I stated having numbness, pain and tingling in my hand and feet. The doctors thought I had a B vit deficiency. Had blood work done and everything can back fine. I started physical therapy to strengthen my back but it only got worse. In the course of two weeks I went from a can to a walker. My doctor ran all kinds of tests--Lupus, Chrohns, Lymes, ALS, Cancer and Galeic disease, all came back negative. Had two more MRI's to check for MS still nothing showed up. She referred me to a neurologist (by this time I was having problems walking, going p stairs, writing, typing etc.). The day after Easter my mom made me go to the emergency room because I could barely walk and I was in so much pain. After seeing the emergency room doc, the attendee and then a neurosurgeon they called the neurologist on call. He was seeing another patient so he sent his intern who started asking m questions and had me do all this coordination test. Her last question was have you been sick recently? I was like nope--then my mom said you had that horrible respiratory virus in January. She left the room and came back and said you probably have Guillen Barre Syndrome. I was like what??? It is a rare neurological disorder that attacks your nerves (Guillain-Barré (Ghee-yan Bah-ray) Syndrome, also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and Landry's ascending paralysis, is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves those outside the brain and spinal cord. It is characterized by the rapid onset of weakness and, often, paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles and face. GBS is the most common cause of rapidly acquired paralysis in the United States today, affecting one to two people in every 100,000-ep it is that rare). I was hospitalized that night had an EMG and Spinal Tap and yep that is what I had. I saw the neurologist late that evening and he explained what my treatment options were. My first trip lasted 11 days. I had 10 IVIG treatments (good antibodies to replace my bad ones that were attacking my nerves plus I had physical and occupational therapy to help me learn how to walk and use my hands again. Got out was doing o.k. had to do 8 wks of pt and ot but I was weaned off steroids and had a relapse. Went back to the hospital had more IVIG--more pt and ot -this time my hands were worse then my legs. Rediagnoised with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (the chronic form of guillian barre) so more pt and ot. Took steroids and an immunosuppressant to suppress my immune system since I was basically attacking myself. Fast forward 8 weeks later--had another relapse. Since the IVIG did not help me that much so I as started on Plasma Exchange therapy. I had 7 treatments--one every other day so I was in 15 days. Right now I am doing out patient PE treatments. I am doing better--walking no with a cane I can not walk or stand for long periods of time. I also have a lot of muscle atrophy in my hands so it is had to hold on to things and do simple things I used to take for granted (I can not even open a splenda packet but I look at how far I have come since this all started. I can hold a fork, cut meat, and dress myself. The doctor thinks I should be able to go back to work and drive after me next round of PE. Sorry so long and to think this is the short version.

You're a 135er like Laura! It's okay to come to us with any struggles you have. That's the beauty of this group! We're all trying to become healthier whether it's losing weight or gaining and your trials are no less than mine. Just different XOXO

136?!?? WW! Do you want to lose more or should we stick a fork in ya (you're done)? I am super excited about your daughter having a new chance at living!! I don't know her or her situation but if she's decided that this would be a benefit, I couldn't be happier for her.