Hello July Babies, WOW, I rarely check in here and didn't even notice it was 2 years ago this month, we all had our surgeries. Time flies by soooooo fast! I read your stories though I don't respond much, but you all are so wonderful still supporting each other and checking in on what you eat...etc... I have not been as good or faithful but still know where I came from. Whether you've reached or exceeded your goals we are all winners. Like everyone I feel so blessed. Just the other night I was laying on my side trying to go to sleep and I remembered what I felt like on my side when I was heavy. I always had my stomach bulge to hold onto as I layed to sleep. The weirdest thing happened I know it's not there anymore, but I still felt it there. Sometimes, I have these deja-vus and feel like I am still the old me, and then I look at pictures and I go who was that woman? I think I always felt thin inside, but just couldn't get out. The fat was a sheild I hid behind. Today I also feel so much better and don't have the breathing or joint pain I had. I don't follow any excercises or special diet like I should but I do take my vitamins regularly. I wish I could get the diet stuff together, but I was so tired of dieting I guess I have rebeled. Thanks again for all your posts they really help even the new-comers. WOW...to Mary M., hadn't seen your posts ever, you look awesome....CONGRATS TO YOU ALL.....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. To all our good health.....cheers! (red-wine please)!!!! Nadine

Hey Mona... my surgery twin! Happy belated rebirthday. Congratulations on your continued weight loss. It's so good to hear from you. Hope your wrist heals quickly. Take good care! Hugs! Denise

Fran, So glad you are posting on this board. The people here are great! I was raised in Albuquerque and my sister still lives there. I sometimes miss it. I still struglle and am nowhere near my goal. That being said, I have never regretted my decision to have the surgery. The MTL thread can be a big help--I suggest trying it. I posted dailt for about 3 months and had to quit because I found myself obsrssing about food just like I did pre-surgery. I still follow the posts on a regulsr basis and am always inspired. Monna 389/215/150

I have my hysteroscopy tomorrow. What scares me the most at this point is the anesthesia. Well, that and the doctor saying "Sorry, you'll never be able to have kids." BUT, according to the nurse, it looks like a pretty straightforward surgery, so I'm sure it will all go well. I've been bouncing back and forth on the scale for three months now, anywhere between 218 and 223 (lately 221). The scale finally showed me 219, and I'm still full of water...I can feel it in my hands and feet. So hopefully with a continuation of healthy eating and exercise, I could see 215 before I get pregnant. Less would be better, of course, but let's be realistic! I had about 1600 calories yesterday (AGAIN!) and didn't exercise. Here's today's plan...or lack thereof. B: slept until 9, didn't bother L: not sure yet...probably chicken fajitas somewhere (without the tortillas, rice, or beans) D: if we go out for lunch, then probably my wrap, cottage cheese, and crackers S: depends on what I have for lunch...maybe no snacks if I'm still full, maybe leftovers, maybe string cheese, fruit, or carrots Exercise: 30 minutes on the treadmill, some weights Pamela P.S. Michelle, I want that recipe for the porcupine meatballs that aren't REALLY porcupine!

I had a good day yesterday and the scale reflected it! Yippee!! I didn't follow my plan completely but for the better, I snacked on some beef jerkey! Here is today's plan: B: Well didn't have that cause I forgot. S: Peach and some beef jerkey L: Not sure, I have a lunch date, but I vow to have something with lots of protein. S: Power crunch bar D: Making pizza for the family, me I'll probably have tuna or something. Hope everyone has a great day! Stay strong!