Dear August Friends: I am about 25 pounds from my goal and have slowed down significantly....almost completely stopped losing now. I've been so busy with work lately, I haven't had time to get to Curves for a regular workout routine. Any good ideas for kick-starting my weight loss again? What have some of you tried to keep the pounds coming off so close to reaching goal? Help! ~Laura

Hi Maureen I am right now in the process of finding a good plastic surgeon for my tummy tuck. I wasn't going to do it until now, i am having major pain in my lower back and hips. The doc says the skin has to go, it's pushing on nerves and hurting me. What i really want done is my neck and arms, but of course my legs are awful and my butt is sagging and so are my boobs. It's a scary thing, but no matter how bad it looks now, it's way better than what it was before wls. Hugs Linda

Fantastic news! I am so happy for you! Doesn't it feel great??? ~Laura

I have been looking into surgery...I keep asking myself what bugs me the most....my arms. I am planning on doing my arms and breasts first sometime in the near future. I don't really need the work done...I just want it done. I would love to hear how the arms come out. Tracey 5'9 327/157

Reach your goal yet? I started with a lot to lose and have reached the goal I originally set. I have since amended it and would like to lose another 20 lbs. What size now? I started out struggling to fit into size 28/30 and am now in size 12 or 14 in pants and M/L in tops. What is my favorite food? 1/2 a low-carb wrap from either Subway or Raley's/BelAir. I also try to eat an apple or pear or whatever fruit is in season, preferably organic so it is locally grown & vine-ripened, every day. Any problems? I have been stuggling with anemia, but it is mostly due to a woman-problem that should be taken care of this month. Taking vitamins? I am not saying I don't ever miss, but I do carry then with me and most days I remember to take them. Greatest Wow? When I was able to lift up my entire body with just my arms while sitting on a barstool the other day. I am 5'8'' and am not really a light weight, but I was able to do it. Greatest change? I am in love with working out and it is a big part of my life. Even though I expected people to treat me differently, I had no idea how true that would be. I am still adjusting to it, especially since I do not look any different to myself. Plans for PS? Not at this time. There is not enough extra skin that insurance would pay for it, and I am not sure it is worth it to me. The risk and costs are pretty high. I have been pretty lucky, at least with clothes on I look okay.