SURGERY IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, Maysters, I'm getting ready for my tummy tuck with muscle repair in the morning. I've been so anxious up until the last week, but now am calm and ready. I am drinking as much water as I can hold, until midnight. I want to be as hydrated as possible pre-op, so it will be easier to get the IV in, and so I won't feel thirsty. I haven't eaten much today, and have had four scoops of protein. I've been making sure I've been getting lots of extra protein in the last couple of weeks, and so I'm feeling pretty healthy. I have no idea of how much weight they will remove with surgery, but I've now lost about 180 pounds. My clothes are extremely loose, but I've refused to buy anything until after surgery. I'm hoping to end up about a size 10-12, I've never worn that in my life. As my 16's are very loose now, I think that is realistic. I have to leave the house by 4:30am in order to get to the hospital by 6, so I don't think I'll get much sleep tonight. I can't wait for this huge panni to be gone, and I can move and exercise freely. I'll let you all know how it goes. Debra M. 351/167/?

Happy Birthday Aliya! Enjoy your new body and new life! Hugs, Lori

Don't remember if we did one early this morning and I was too derned lazy to look. Today is MY 16 month post-op monthly-surgiversary tra la, tra la. Down 2.5 lbs this month. First official weigh-in under 160. I'm at 158.5. One day for a fleeting moment I was 158 but that was a while ago. Funny but looking at my profile I realize I've lost 8.5 lbs since my 1 year surgiversary. Wow, didn't realize it was that much. Did my measurements as I usually do monthly... again movement. Why, oh who do I continue to lose from my boney fingers, wrists and forearms. I swear if I hold my my finger up, point it and bend it.... "ET Phone Home". Ewwww. When I put my fingers together you see light between 'em. Luckily the rest of me isn't looking frail or too skinny. I'm basically happy here. Would like to tone up more. Lost 1 inch off my belly, .75 off my hips, .5 to .75 off each thigh this month so exercising is paying off slowly. (I won't mention the .5 gain on my waist - think it is the skin sagging from above that makes the circumference grow - aka the trickle down theory.) I wouldn't mind stablizing at 155. That gives me a 4.99 lb swing to still stay under 160. Amazing the silly mind games we play with ourselves, eh? Kathy

And I think I'm gonna party harder this yearr than last year. My girlfriend got me a cute little black dress...watch out now! I'm so happy to be loving and living life. Aliya

Pre-B: Protein shake (scoop and a half IDS vanilla cinnamon) mixed with decaf coffee, half and half and sweet 'n low over ice - shaken not stirred. Cup of coffee w/ non-dairy creamer, minimoos and sweet n' low B: Deli buffalo sliced chicken, 2 slices (1-1.5 oz) american cheese L: Green Giant green beans w/ almonds with a dab of whipped butter, tuna salad (canned tuna, mayo, SF pickle relish) 1 York SF peppermint patty S: 1 slice provolone, protein shake (scoop of Nectar lemon tea) mixed w/ water D: Greek stuffed meatloaf a la Rich w/ homemade tzaziki sauce S: Hopefully a protein shake above and beyond all else... need to reprioritze things a bit - healthier for me then SF stuff or cheese with the extra fat in it Water: 80 oz thus far Exercise: we'll see Vitamins: 2 doses of calcium, rest to come - forget to pack my vits today so I've got some catching up tonight! Kathy