I'm on overload!

I know I haven't been responding to all your posts like I usually do.  I assure you I'm trying to read them as I feel so close to so many of you and really appreciate you.  I have had very limited online time to share.  Feeling on overload in so many ways...here is the stuff I'm ruminating on. 1.  Feeling discouraged that I'm over 2 years out and have put on 8 lbs from my lowest weight, which is still 50 lbs from my goal!  Very happy I've lost the nearly 150 lbs and love how much better I feel though.  I will be trying the pouch test when I get back from my business trip. 2.  Leaving for Boston for the next 6 days and have a million things to take care of today...my typical state the day before a business trip. 3.  I have been doing multiple consults with plastic surgeons for a tummy tuck and I had hoped for a breast reduction but have been convinced that due to my breast cancer history and radiation I will have to go for the much more complicated operation on the breasts where I undergo a simple mastectomy on the right side, then the doctor will build me another breast from a muscle from my back and skin from my back, put in an implant, then reduce the other breast to match.  The tummy tuck will have to be a separate operation, which I think I'll do first.....it all freaks me out.  If it wasn't for severe lower back and neck pain I wouldn't do either!! 4.  I am 100% financially responsible for a concert on Oct 5.  I am bringing Fred Eaglesmith, a Canadian to Salt Lake for the first time.  Even though he has a very large music fan base in the US, he doesn't here.  I must sell 100 tickets to break even.  I've sold 20 so far.  He is the guy I fly to Vermont every summer to see at a festival.  I'm hoping he can break into this marked.  It is just hard to convince people to try someone they don't know. 5.  I joined a dating service!  I can't believe it.  I had my first date on Wednesday, that actually went pretty well.  He is not really smart enough for me, but, he sure was nice.  The curse of being a very smart woman is that few guys are....I have another date today for lunch with a smart guy from Chicago.  We don't get to see each other before we meet.  I can't help but feel a bit weird as I haven't thought of myself as attractive for years.  But, I am pretty and I'm much smaller and I think it is good practice for me.... If you have stuck with me and read this far, thanks so much.  You probably won't hear from me this week, but, I do want you to know I appreciate you guys so much!!! Hugs, Lori

WOW Lori you do have tons going on in all aspects of your life!! You should feel very proud of yourself. Take care on your trip and don't lose hope for the concert. It is early days yet. Do you have a recording you can let people hear when you talk about the concert? Jo

Jo, Yes, I do.  I'm going to have to wait until I get back in town from Boston, then I'll get it out there to everyone. By the way, my lunch date went well.  He was a heavy guy, interesting, I sure felt comfortable. Lori

Lori, my goodness, what a busy life you lead!  I'm worn out just reading about it, let alone how you must feel living it all at once!  I think you'll be surprised by the pouch test.  I'm on Day 3 now.  If my scale is correct, I have lost 4 lbs.  I'll have an "official" weight Monday night when I go to my surgery support group.  It seems to have shifted my plateau, and the liquid portion is surprisingly easy for me to follow.  Reminds me of my Optifast regimen.  What also helps me when I feel bummed about my weight loss slowing down is that life is better at 227 lbs than it was at 500+ lbs. I love Boston, I am officially jealous. Your breast surgery sounds a bit scary in one way, but in another, it makes perfect sense.  If I'm able to get my breasts done, I'm pretty sure all the doctor will have to do is roll them up and staple them to my chest wall.  Believe it or not, I have heard Fred Eaglesmith's music.     If he's who I'm thinking of, I saw him up in B.C.  a few years ago.  I think he's probably too eclectic for the SLC market, unless SLC has changed quite a bit.  I could see him being able to sell 100 tickets here in Denver, but I'm not sure about SLC.  I'll think good thoughts, and good for you, trying to expand the musical tastes of folks on your side of the Slope. You mentioned your blind date was a big guy.  I'm attracted to fat boys, myself, but they also need to have more than two brain cells.  Maybe I'll try a dating service soon! Have a safe flight, don't let them bump you off the plane, and we'll see you when you get back. Kix

You've got some scarey things in that list.  How wonderful of you to have the courage to tackle them.  I had a breast reduction and tummy tuck (separately) but the reduction was just the simple kind.  The tt hurt more, so don't let that put you off the br.  It sounds like you've got a smart surgeon.   Is your dating service local or online?  I've thought about trying one, but live in the lost land of western Iowa.  Not a lot going on here in general.   Good luck with the concert--don't you think 1/5 sold is pretty good for this far out?  Many people don't plan real far in advance.  Can you get any free airplay?  Or link it to a fundraiser for some local group?  Well, I'm sure you know what you are doing, and I look forward to hearing of your success. Take care, Sally

U sure are on overload!!hope it lightens for u soon!

Wow, Lori, you've got a lot of irons in the fire!  Good luck keeping them all smoldering at a dim glow; some times that's the best we can hope for!  When I've got that many things going on, I become the queen of the list; I'll have a list going on for everything, and I carry them around in a small spiral bound noteweek.  Keeps me from going totally nuts.  Unless I misplace the notebook...   Good luck keeping it all together, and we'll look forward to reading your posts when you have time to visit -  Kellie