Hi Pam, THANK YOU SO MUCH for responding... I did call Kaiser yesterday... they are having me go in to see one of the PA's today at 1:00... they think it may be a kink in the intestines... and will be doing a CT scan and whatever else they feel like doing, I guess... I SO HATE going to the Dr.'s.... especially since I'm a big ole scaredy cat... and I'm just really not looking forward to it... I haven't had any pain today...just some discomfort that almost just feels like I have to have a bowel movement... and I haven't eaten anything today either... so I think maybe that is helping... I'll post later, when I get back from the Dr.'s... THANKS for your compliment... and for calling my butt "little"... gotta love ya for that!! LOL Thanks again... and you keep up your great work too!! YOU LOOK MAH-VE-LOUS!! Aloha, Loree

Hi to all my May Sisters (and brothers)... It's been a little while since I've posted... and Nat, I promise to add on to your postings and updates... I've lost 169 lbs. so far!! I do have a question to pose to you all though... About a month ago I got the most horrible pain in my lower abdomen (think the entire area below belly button) and it lasted ALL night... and in fact, went on for almost 15 hours... I did go to Kaiser (clinic only) the next morning and they ran some blood and urine tests, which all showed everything normal... and there wasn't really anything else that could be done as they didn't have any ultrasound equipment, etc... The pain had subsided a lot while I was at the clinic and of course, I was sent home to rest... Now, this is a funky pain, let's call it "the alien". It's a real sharp pain, it comes on VERY strong and almost doubles you over... then it subsides for a few minutes and then wham, it's back... and it lasts... It's funky! I can't really explain it...all I can tell you is it hurts! I didn't have any problems with it for about a month...then yesterday morning it hit again... while I was at work (how convenient is that?) and I was doubled over again... and it lasted for a couple of hours... it wipes you out!! I didn't go to the ER (call me stupid!) and I still don't want to go to the ER... This morning I was sitting in the office, and of course, "the alien" decided to make another appearance and I started to get the pains again... Yesterday, I took a Gas-X and it seemed to help (or so I think) and so, I popped another one this morning when it was happening... and I guess that helps... I mean, perhaps this is just gas... but I'm not sure... I was having some pains like this at around 6 months and beyond...but they would only last a few minutes... and then go away... then last month when the big ole alien decided to take up residence in my lower abdomen... I started to get a bit more concerned... and now, with it starting up again... I'm scared... BUT HATE TO GO TO THE DOCTOR... I mean HATE HATE HATE it... How do I really feel about it??? I HATE IT!! It's always like they think you are having some phantom pains or whatever... But, I can tolerate a lot of pain... didn't even use my happy juice after the surgery... (OK, I did for about 5 hours... then they took it out!!) I talked to a friend of mine, who had his surgery at Kaiser here in Hawaii... and he had some MAJOR stuff go on with him afterwards and ended up with ulcers and a lot of problems... I was afraid maybe something like that was happening with me... he suggested that I take stool softener every day and a gas x every day... which I did for a while, and now I'm getting kinda lax on it again... and perhaps that's all it is... Has anyone else had anything like this... does anyone have any wonderful words of advice??? Has anyone had anything similar to my little alien wreaking havoc on their lives????? I'd appreciate anything anyone has to say on this... THANKS!! EVERYONE... keep up the GREAT work!! YOU ALL LOOK MARVELOUS and should all be so dang proud of yourselves!! HUGS, Loree

Melissa, The main thing is to take care of yourself... I too, have been having some funky pains and I think reading your post is now confirming that I need to go see my doctor... BUT... the main thing for you now, is rest... do what you are told and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!! I'm sending you hugs and healing energy!! xoxo, Loree

Too funny, thanks for a well needed laugh. Maggie

I always want to eat a banana after 6. Don't ask why I just always want one. Than I feel bad after eatting it. So I know what all of you are going through.