It was actually something I always thought of doing, but finally did it when my hair was falling out. I had been keeping my hair REALLY long for several years becasue I was donating ponytails to "Locks For Love" every other year or so. But, post op, my ponytails were so *THIN* and frazzled looking I was embarrassed to donate them! So I kept getting it trimmed a bit more each time I brought my boys in for a haircut! Now it is about ear length and layerd. The layers REALLY help. I never do anything too outrageous with the color. I may vary between a soft black mixed with auburn (very close to my own color) to maybe a reddish brown, but that's it. My before and afrer pictures pretty much say it all. I am thinking of going back to EXTREME short, but maybe next summer. Want to know what the *REAL* reason is for keeping me back? You'll think I'm NUTS! I have about $500.00 worht of hair accessories in my drawer: beautiful clips, wraps, ties, pins, hairsticks, tiaras, you name it! At about $8 - $10 a pop, it really adds up. And also, they make me feel so feminine to have decoration, etc in my hair. I don't know. It's going to take a lot to wean me out of the "fix my hair" stage! LOL!

Hi Norma... I have had 3 consults and because I have no medical reasons for it to be covered... mine is ranging from 10 k - 16k depending on the doctor... I am talked to them about an extended tummy tuck and lip and breast lift no implants I still have a lot of fullness just want the girls lifted and put back where they are suppose to be.... I am now looking into going to mexico... there are several doctors there that will do it for less... same thing for 6k... so I am seriously considering it... I went shopping today and bought a size 6 pants but if I didnt have all this hanging skin I would probably be in a 0 or 2 but its all this hanging skin.... Good luck and make sure you find a ps that you are comfortable with... one of the ones I interviewed I knew right away I did not want him... didnt like his bedside manners..... Debra 227/205/130 1st Surgery/Revision/Current

Awesome Denise. What a difference. You should be very proud of how far you have come. I also look at my before pic so I am never tempted to slip into old habits. Just 1 look is all it takes. I too was miserable and really wasn't living or even enjoying life. Congrats on your incrediable journey!!! Christie

Hi guys! I updated my profile with a newer "before" pic. It really is horrendous and I hate looking at it, but it is the best motivation for me to stay strong in this journey. I don't ever want to go back to that time in my life...EVER. When people see that picture, they say to me, "That can not be you. I don't remember you ever being that heavy." They say, "Well, you were never that heavy, Denise." Umm..hello? Yes, I was. LOL....It is nice they don't remember me that way, but boy, do I remember.... I remember struggling to walk, to move, to live. I hated the way I felt then. When I feel like I am struggling with my lifestyle now, or struggling to stay on track, this picture; my "before" picture, will be my motivation to keep it real. Hugs, Denise

Hey, you look great, Jackie! I know you feel SO MUCH BETTER also! I know that I do too! My husband and I are crossing our fingers hard that we'll be visiting Scotland and Wales this spring. I've got a trip to Bulgaria lined up, and on the way back home, I hope he and I can meet in London (or someplace in the UK) and do a little sightseeing. I've got a pen pal in West Lothian that I've never met! Wouldn't that be fun? Happy holidays to you and your family! ~Laura