I can't believe how great I feel!!

I'm not saying I feel great everyday but for the most part I feel wonderful. I never thought I'd see the 240's again and I had my NUT appointment on Friday and I am down to 253!!! WOOO HOOO only a few more pounds. My body used to kind of sit in the 240's it's like 245 was my weight for a long time no matter what I did. I'm hoping I'll see it again really soon. I found something that I LOVE and it's low fat and goes down well...Wendy's chili small with cheese. It's good for 2 dinners and a lunch, not bad for $1.66. I'm a cheap date..or at least that's what I tell my husband now.. For anyone that can tolerate sugar the Citracal Chews are pretty good, I think I've mentioned them before but if you missed it give them a try. I have the lemon flavor and it's a cross between a lemon cookie and a lemon pastry type thing. It has a cookie type stuff inside but it's also kinda creamy. I'm trying really hard to get in all my water now that I know it won't stretch my pouch. I was so nervous about it. I swear it's so funny what this surgery can do your thinking. I was so afraid that if I drank too much at one time I'd stretch my pouch but apparently there's this little hole and the fluids just leak right out. I have to say and this is soooooo but now that I'm drinking more my bathroom time is WAY less painful and things move the way they should. I'm so happy I did this, I still have my down days but for the most part I know this is a wonderful tool and I'm going to use it to the fullest!! Does anyone know how to add before and after pics to the profile? I see some people have books or web pages but how do we put a few pictures on our profile pages? HUGS to everyone and I hope everyone is doing well today!! Jamie (297 before surgery but I don't count those 7 lbs.)290day of surgery/253 today

Jamie I am so happy for you!!!! You are doing such a great job. I have heard alot of good thing about Wendy's chile and Taco Bell's Pinto Beans w/cheese. I cant wait but I will tho. lol I am just looking foward to adding meat to my diet. On Tuesday I get to add deli sliced turkey or chicken, fish, tuna, shrimp, & cheese, plus tofu, crackers, toast. Then every week after that I get to add something new. I say Yea like I am starving but that is far from the case. It still takes me over a half hour to eat a half cup or 4oz. And I can feel it when I am full I feel the pressure in my chest. Not bad like a pain just bloated feeling. I am doing pretty good about not drinking a half hour before my meal or with my meal to an hour after. But when that hour is up I am ready to drink again. Expecially when it has been so darn warm outside. I look foward to when you get your photos up on your profile. Take Care Melissa

Jamie, I can believe it!! It doesnt take much of a weight loss to start to feel a big difference!! And you have done outstanding on the weight loss too!! WOW!!! Im so happy to hear that your feeling back to your normal self, able to get out and do things, and enjoying your new found lifestyle! Those bad days are bound to happen but just keep it in mind that they will be over soon! Email me! You also need a new picture on here!! Come on!! (maybe I should update mine too huh??) Amber

Hi Jamie-Girl ... congratulations on feeling better and being so happy!!! RE: Photos. To add your photos by uploading them to the OH servers, you'd have to contact an HTML volunteer and ask that the photos be added, and you will be limited to only 5 photos total. Considering I was your original volunteer, I'd be glad to do that for you if that's what you'd like. Just email me: [email protected]. However, there's a simple way you can add as many photos as you'd like, and do it yourself without having to ask for help each time. Register for one of the free online photo albums (like Picture Trail or Photo Bucket). Once you've set up your account and uploaded photos there, they will provide HTML code for EACH photo that you can simply copy and paste into your profile update section. This is how most of the other members who have scads of photos on their profile are accomplishing it. Because room is not being taken up on OH servers there's no limit to the amount of "hot-linked" (linked to photo album website) photos you can place in your profile. To center photos in the code you need to place < center > before the code for the photo and then < /center > after the code. ( make sure the < and > are always included and take the spaces out - had to put them in so the code would appear in this message). The important thing is to be sure and use both codes because the / one closes the centering command - if you don't, everything below that point will center and your design will be off-kilter. Hope this helps (everyone), and just let me know if you'd like help ... either by the 1st way or if you run into probs on the second way. ((hugs)) Myra G

Myra, Thanks for posting this! I am going to do this. Tomorrow a guy here at work is going to take my one year surgiversary photo. He has been taking photos of me once a month. I'd like them all posted, so the photo bucket or picture trail idea is great!!! Thanks again! Lori

Jamie, This is such a long strange trip. I remember feeling like you felt when I was about as far out as you are from my surgery. Believe me, things keep changing...some things become more challenging, some less...but, it is all worth it!!!! Big Hugs to you! Lori 384/239.5/168