dstlady6

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Hello All! 
I had a happy birthday and I am enjoying myself and living life. I am still in the 18/20 tops and 20 bottoms. I am 41 lbs from my personal goal and 47 lbs from one-derland. If I would just go to the gym, I am sure I can get there well before September. I could probably be there by my year anniversary which is coming around fast. 
I have lost a total of 109 lbs and am feeling great. My acne medication is not working too well and I have had some major shedding around my temple area. Not bald, but distressing. But, I feel like those are such minor complaints. I would still do it all again! 

Take Care! 
Lady T

Hello Everyone! 

I have lost a total of 105 lbs (100 since surgery), gone from a tight 30/32 to a 18/20 top and 20 bottoms, and lost countless inches. I am truly thankful that I had the surgery. Other than the hair shedding (which is not too bad), I would do it all over again and have absolutely NO complications. 

I am also right on the edge (BMI wise) from leaving the "extremely obese" weight range to just "obese." This is a big deal to me as I was considered "super obese" with a BMI over 50 (57.3) at the time of surgery.

My birthday (3/3) is coming up and this will be the first birthday in 10 years that I have weighed less than 300 lbs. I am just 45 lbs from my surgeon's goal and 51 lbs away from one-derland. If I hit the gym the way I am supposed to, I am sure I can be at one-derland by August of this year. Wish me luck!!

Be Blessed! 

Lady T.

I did it! I made it to the century club in 5 mths and 2 weeks. My goal was to make it to the century club in 6 mths (2/14/07) and I was able to make it there 2 weeks early. So, my next goal is one-derland. I cannot believe that I am not too far (56) lbs from one-derland. It has been over a decade since I have been this size. I have not seen one-derland since I was 12 years old. I am really just enjoying life right now.
Lady T.  

Hey People!!!
I have lost a grand total of 95 lbs (12 lbs in the past 21 days) and I am lovin' life. Still in 18/20 tops and a (snug) 22 jean. Any nondenim size 22 pants will fit me fine. I have got 55 more lbs to reach my surgeon's goal and about 61 lbs to see "onederland" again (which I have not seen since the 6th grade, mind you.) 61 lbs seems like an easy task when just 5 mths ago, it would have been 156 lbs to see wonderland again. I love my DS!!!
Lady T.

Hello All! 
I am down a total of 91 lbs and five mths out. 9 more to go to reach my "100 lbs in 6 mths" goal and I am hoping to get there by 2/14 or 2/28/07. Wish me luck. I am in 22 bottoms and 18/20 tops. I've had to buy some new bras. I had gone from a 48DD to a 42 D. I have gone a little crazy with the shopping but I am getting that in control. 
I have received quite a few compliments and I certainly love to receive them!
Lady T.

**1/5/07**
I spent New Years (12/29/06-01/02/07) in New York City with my sister and cousin. We had a ball. 
The scale finally decided I had suffered enough and started to move again. From 12/29 to 01/03/07, I had lost 6lbs. I couldn't believe it!!! 
I have lost a total of 84 lbs.  I am hoping to have lost 100 lbs by 02/14/2007 (my 6 mth anniversary) or atleast by the end of February. 
Wish me luck!!
Lady T.  

Okay, now I am officially pissed off. That lying a$$ scale and I are at war!! Those 2.2 lbs have decided that we are to be together until the end and they see no need to leave me be. 
I have tried eating fatty foods to make my system move then eating less calories/increasing my protein and exercise, and now I am day 2 into the protein train (low carb) to see if that helps any.......
Plateaus and stalls are so aggravating. I understand why they happen but it doesn't help to know this when I get on that scale. So, I threw that scale in the closet and it is not to see the light of day until 12/29/06. I do not want to plateau for 4-6 weeks like I have read about. Woe is me! 
Lady T. 
p.s. I still have to keep telling myself that I did make it to my 75 lbs lost by Christmas goal. That darn "elusive 80" lbs was so close though..... I hope and pray that I am at -80lbs by 12/31/2006.  

****Feb. 11, 2006 Update*****
I am a few steps closer to becoming a "LOSER." I have completed the nutrition/psychological evaluations, the pre-operative blood work, and am in the process of getting the 5-year weight history information. I currently have 3 years out of 5 right now and am waiting for the information from 2002 and 2003 to be sent to me. I am mailing my packet today and will try to wait patiently for the office manager to call me to schedule the initial consult with a surgeon. Pray for me and may all of you be blessed!
Lady T.


****Feb. 14, 2006*******
The Bariatric Centers' office manager called me to let me know they received my packet and that the surgeon will review it sometime this week. The office manager (Angela) was also very nice and noted she will probably call me later this week to schedule the initial consult. Yeah!! Let's hope all goes well and I can proceed with my WLS journey.

****Feb. 16, 2006: (Edit 4/27/06)
Summary of longer post: Battle Royale with occupational medicine to get 2002 weight history. Went through a lot of aggravation to get it. But, I did get it.

***Update: Feb. 18, 2006****
Angela (Bariatric Center Office Manager) called me yesterday (2/17/06) and my initial consult is scheduled for 4/6/06 2:30pm. 47 days away!!!! I am praying maybe there will be a cancellation before then so I can be seen earlier. But, if not, at least I can spend these 47 days allowing my finances to recover from all of the money spent to get to this point (Thank God for flex spending accounts!):
$150.00 Bariatric center fee
$150.00 Nutrition Eval
$139.49 Psych Eval
$10.00 2001 weight hx (medical record charge)
$10.00 2002 weight hx (medical record charge)
$5.00 school physical (medical record charge)
$180.00 Dr. appt co-pays to get some medical records/letter of medical necessity from pcp
Total $ 644.49
(And, this is not counting $$ for gas, long distance calls to bariatric center)
Talk to you all April 6, 2006!
May you all Be Blessed
Lady T

***02/22/06****
Summary of longer original post (4/27/06): Confusion about where I was to be seen (Presbyterian or Southeast Bariatric). Appt to be scheduled with Southeast per Presbyterian Bariatric Center. I was angry, confused, and tired of the run around.
Lady T

***2/23/06*****
Summary of longer original posts (4/27/06): I had some encounters with some very rude people at Southeast Bariatric. The comments of the staff member I spoke to angered me and I felt belittled. Told in error by Southeast bariatric staff appt was to be with Presbyterian hospital and not Southeast bariatric.

***2/28/06***
Hello All! No news to add other than my profile will be updated soon. Thanks Rene
And, I have a ticker now!
I chose the Lady bug for "Lady T" and the violets as they are my sorority flower. My personal weight goal is 200, but I am sure the surgeon will have a smaller number for me. Just let me get to the 200 lb mark first.
Talk to you all later!
Lady T.




***3/3/06***
Happy Birthday to me! I am 28 years young today. I thank God for another year to live in his grace and mercy. I will appreciate each day that I am able to live healthy and happy. It took me a long time to get to this point emotionally....but, I am finally here.
Each year is a blessing with each year getting me closer to where I long to be. The WLS will be a nice addition to my ever-changing life.
I did not get to have the surgery by my birthday, but that is okay because I got to eat what I wanted...cake and all.... 32 days away from my initial consult with the surgeon.
May you all be blessed
Lady T.

***3/7/06***
Rene has updated my profile and I love it!
27 days until my initial consult with the surgeon.
No surgeon updates to report for this month.
I know I should not, but I am eating all of the wrong things and not exercising one bit. Not to mention, that I am also drinking enough soda for 5 people.
But, I am enjoying myself because I know 2 weeks before my surgery will end my love affair with F-O-O-D. But, if allowed to move forward with this process, I will use the surgery as a tool to get my life in order.
I just started wearing contacts and my braces will come off this year (hopefully this summer). I would love to use this surgery to get the weight off as well. That would be the coup de grace!

***3/17/06****
summary of longer original posts (4/27/06): Bad news from optometrist. Field vision test showed vision loss in right eye due to noncompliance with diet/exercise regimen and medication to reduce swelling on my optic nerve.
Please pray for me!
Lady T.


***3/26/06***
summary of longer posts (4/27/06): Appt rescheduled with southeast bariatric 4/3/06 4pm. I was tired of the run around and considering changing surgeons.




Future Update

***April 3, 2006***
summary of longer original posts 4/27/06: Saw surgeon, liked him. I did not care too much for some of his rude staff. However, there are some nice people there. He ordered some more test: ugi, h. pylori breathe test, and exercise eval.
Take Care
Lady T.

***4/11/06***
summary of longer original posts 4/27/06: got a call from southeast bariatric that upset me. I began to pout because I thought I would have to wait a month before I could do the h. pylori breathe tests and pay the out patient coinsurance deductibles for the test. And, this would delay the process. Also worried my job would be divested prior to surgery date...meaning no insurance to pay for it.

***4/13/06****
Okay, pout session is over. I found out I won't have to wait a month to do the UGI w/pylori test. They will do a blood test instead since I take an antibiotic daily. AND, the labs (chest x-rays/UGI with pylori blood test) will be done at a "free standing facility" meaning it is covered 100% by my insurance company. I will have them done next Thursday (4/20/06).
My exercise eval was done today and it went well. I am sure my arm muscles were like "what the !@#$%&* is she doing!!!" I have absolutely no upper body strength.
So, 2 more things (chest x-ray/ugi pylori blood test) to do and then it will all be submitted to the insurance company. I pray that they don't wait forever to send it in and my surgery is approved (BPD with DS). I have a friend that had the BPD w/DS done 2 years ago and she went from 320 to around 150-160 lbs. She looks great!
I will also begin to edit my page. My posts have been extremely long and I don't want to discourage those that may run across my page. from reading
1 more step closer!!!!! Two to go......
Lady T.
p.s. lets hope everything is done so I can get surgery before 9/1/06. My HR rep says we will have insurance for the entire month even if we are laid off 6/1 or 9/1 so if I am laid off 9/1/06, I will still have insurance until 9/30/06. My specific job is not SUPPOSED to go out until 9/1/06.

***4/20/06****
Upper GI, H. pylori blood test, and chest x-rays all completed today. Based on what Dr. V told me at the initial consult, everything is done! I hope and pray they don't request anything else so we can get this thing going!!!
The upper GI wasn't too bad. I was so hungry and thirsty, I drank all of that Barium with no problem. The dr doing the upper GI said "you must have been thirsty to drink all of that!"
I was happy to have anything since it was after 1pm by then and I had not had anything to eat or drink since midnight the night before.
Let's hope the rest of this moves smoothly!

***4/27/06****
Inpatiently waiting....called both insurance company and surgeon to see if they have everything they need today. BCBS doesn't have it yet and southeast bariatric patient rep will let me know if they have everything. I let the rep know I promise to not call all the time, I just wanted to follow up.
Oh my goodness....the waiting will kill me!
Pray that it is approved!
Lady T.

***4/28/06****
Got a call from the surgeon's office today. They need an EKG and the rest of the psych eval and lab work. Apparently all of the pages of the lab work and psych eval did not go through when faxed. I already scheduled a routine dr's appt for 5/2/06, so I will have the EKG done then and fax everything to them after that is done.
Getting closer to the end.
Lady T.




***May 2, 2006***
The EKG was done today-it was normal. I faxed the lab work, psych eval, and EKG to the surgeon's office. So, this should be the absolute last step on my end and I will just wait for them to submit to the insurance company for approval. Of course, I will call BCBS weekly to see when that is :)
Pray for me!
Lady T


***5/3/06***
Surgeon's patient rep emailed me to let me know they received the fax and the chart looks complete to her. The doctor will review it and write the letter (if he feels it is complete). Pt rep hopes to submit it to BCBS no later than next Tuesday (5/09/06)-if he has returned it to her for her to do this by Tuesday.
I hope to be one of those people that receive approval the first time it is submitted (Lord Willing).
Lady T

***5/10/06***
Called BCBS pre-cert dept. No information received yet. Will try again 5/17/06.

***5/14/06****
I AM APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I received my letter from BCBS dated 5/12/06 that my request for gastric bypass surgery has been approved. The dates of service: 6/23-6/24/06. I guess it is safe to guess that those of the dates for the surgery and approved bed days for the hospital. I am so thankful. 38 days until the surgery and 24 days until the liquid diet begins.
Halelujah!
Lady T.




July 1, 2006
Surgery rescheduled for 08/14/2006. I start the liquid diet 07/31/2006. I am also on the cancellation list and will be called if they can schedule me earlier.
I am looking forward to becoming a "loser."
Lady T.


July 12, 2006
33 days until surgery and 19 days until I start the liquid diet!
1 month to go until I become a loser! Oh my lord! I hope I don't kill anybody while I am on the liquid diet.
Lady T.


July 20, 2006
11 days until the liquid diet and 25 days until surgery. I pray that God allows me to make it through surgery fine with no complications. I am a little nervous and excited at the same time.

I am also eating like two horses. To tell the truth, I can't even really "taste" the food anymore. Pretty much just eating fatty food to eat it. Or, just eating for the sake of eating. Maybe, this is for the best so I will know it was not like I was really enjoying the food at the very end of our relationship.
Lady T.

July 24, 2006
7 days until the liquid diet and 21 days until the surgery. I can't believe how time is flying. I have my appt with the anestesiologist (I know that is spelled wrong) on August 7, 2006. I have probably read everyone's post on here recently. I am so ready to get on the other side. I am also praying that I live through the surgery. Although it is rare, not everyone lives through WLS to get to the losing side. I pray that I am not one of them and it be in God's will for me to become a L-O-S-E-R!
Lady T.

Week of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's National Convention (July 27, 2006-August 1, 2006)
I was SSSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO thankful that I was able to get in the airplane seat with only a seatbelt extender. I fit just fine in the train seat too. I will be glad when I don't have to worry about fitting in the seats or being the fattest person in the room.
I am enjoying myself and I am no where near the fattest hog in Philly or even the fattest soror at the convention!
If all goes well, I will live and be much smaller this time next year for the regional conference in Greensboro, NC and for the 2008 National Convention in Orlando, FL.
Lady T.




August 2, 2006
12 days until the surgery!
How is the liquid diet going? well...hmm....'er......uh.....Notice how I am not going to answer that question. I plead the 5th.
ANYWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am hoping and praying that I get myself together when I have the surgery. I meet with the Dr. Voellinger tomorrow and the anestesiologist Monday (8/7/06).
Wish me luck people! Hmm.....perhaps I should have done some soul searching before I got to this point. But, it is too late to turn back now.
Lady T

**8/12/2004**
I am not quite sure what happened to my other posts for this month. They just kind of disappeared. But, anyway......
I am doing good. Glad the surgery is on its way so I can finally become a LOSER.
2 days away....I can't believe it. God willing I make it to the other side, I will posts again as soon as I feel up to it.
Lady T.
p.s. I finally added a picture.

**8/14/2006**
Okay, people...
today is the big day. It is about 12:15am and I am mentally preparing myself for the rest of this journey. I just had my last drink and meal (crystal light orange flavored drink and two cups of low fat yogart) because of the "NPO after midnight" order. This weekend has really flown by and I can't believe that in less than 5 hours I go to the hospital for surgery.
Thank you all of you that have prayed for me and keep praying for me! I report to the hospital at 5:30 am and my surgery is at 7:30am.
I will update my posts as soon as I can!!!!
Lady T.


**8/19/06**
Hey people!!!!!!!
I am alive and well with very little complications. I came home yesterday and am doing well. I think I have overextended myself today so I won't stay on here long.
Thank you to all of you that prayed for me and sent me your well wishes (TSingle especially!!)
Talk to you all after my first pre-op appt.
Lady T.

**8/28/06**(First post-op appt)
Hey people......no major complaints. But, I will give you my first lessons learned during these two weeks:
1. Getting at least 80 g of protein a day is much harder than it sounds when you can't eat much AND many of the protein supplements are NASTY!! They didn't seem too bad pre-op, but now......whew!!
2. Now, I refuse to chew my food at least 30 times b/c I am ready to gag by the time I have chewed it 30 times. So, I wait after two bites to see if I can hold anymore.
3. Do not drink and eat....they tell you that, but I am basically an oppositional defiant person so I won't believe it until I try it (and suffer the consequences).
The first time I got a hold to regular food, I had something to drink and I had my regular bites. The food just seemed like it tried to go down, couldn't and came right back up!!! I didn't feel nauseous or anything.....it just came right back up. Then, it was like it never happened. But, I was a little scared to eat after that.
4. Take your vitamins. I had missed my pills a couple of days after I starting moving around more. I was VERY tired those days. Then, I remembered meeting a woman whose hair had come out really bad b/c she had not been compliant with her meds post-op. So, now....even if I struggle to get them down.....I will get them in.

Weight loss this month:
Week of 8/7/06-8/13/06 (pre-op): 5 lbs
8/14/06-8/28/06: 17.9 lbs
Total: 22.9 lbs for three weeks...not too bad




Future Update

**9/1/06**
I want to add some information about Southeast Bariatric. They have some really caring staff and a good surgeon. I am thankful I chose this surgeon b/c I really have no complications.
Thanks to Stephanie and the other nurse (Bobby-I think) for listening to me a few days pre-op and being so nice when I needed it the most. I will admit I didn't think too much of some of the office staff after some of the early encounters with them, but it is much better and plus I am not as nervous since I have already had my surgery.
Lady T.



**9/9/06**
Hey People,
No major complaints. But, here's whats been going on
1. I have had some episodes of post-surgery blues for some reason. I have not had really ANY complications, but I have felt like "why did I do this...." "why did I let myself get to this point" ect.
2. I have had a problem with break-outs lately......BUT......I did take an antibiotic for acne prior to surgery that was being tapered off, so I do want to add that this may really be the cause and not the surgery. I am calling for an appt with my dermatologist, will add update after this appt too.
3. No more episodes of vomiting....I take my time and don't try to push it. No problems with nausea (Thank the Lord!!)
4. Struggling to get the protein in. But, I did find a protein supplement that is not bad. Just gotta remember to get it in. I have basically bought low-fat foods that have at least 20 g of protein in them.
5. I have to keep in mind not to weigh every day. I have been on the scale often, especially since I was getting close to 30 lbs lost before the one month mark. But, I am bloated this week (crimson wave is a-coming). I am holding onto about 4 lbs. This is the first time that I have ever really paid attention to how much weight I hold onto before/during the week of the crimson wave.
6. DS patients please note: When people tell you greasy food runs right through you...it does. I ate a hotdog and a bag of chips at my employer's united way fundraiser (not all at one time of course-took about 8 hrs). Boy, let me tell you...it looked like someone had poured grease in the toilet. I couldn't believe it. No problems with diarrhea, just looked like someone poured oil down the toilet. Sorry, for the graphic image, just thought it would be helpful for the DS patients (or future DS patients) to know.

I have my month post-op appt coming up (9/18/06) and will update you all at that point.

Talk to you all later
Lady T.

**9/16/06**
6 mth follow with my eye dr went well. I had another visual field exam b/c my last one showed I had some vision loss (minor) in my right eye in March 2006. There is some improvement in my right eye and everything else looks stable!!! I am so happy right now.
Lady T.

**9/18/06**
Hey people!
My visit with the surgeon went well. 30.6 lbs lost so far.
The surgeon commended me on the vitamins and the weight loss. I am going to start hitting the gym so I can keep the weight loss going.
Yay me!!!!!
Lady T.

**9/23/06**
Went shopping today....my 30/32's are now too big (yay me!!). Down one dress size and 32lbs. It felt good to get in the 20's again (26/28 for now :) )
So, I will getting rid of my 30/32-comfort clothes b/c I have no plans to EVER wear them comfortably again!!!
Lady T.

**9/30/06**
End of the month talley:
Down one dress size
16 lbs lost this month
39 lbs lost in 6 weeks...not too bad.

I am also getting all of my protein in. My secret you ask....eat meals with at least 20g of protein at a time, even if it means grazing on that same meal all day. If I can get at least 2 lean cousine meals down, I only need to drink 2 protein drinks (20g a piece) so I will have my 80 g a day.
But, I need to get to the gym more so the weight loss will continue.
I am still struggling to get at least 64 oz of liquid down though.
Lady T.

Future Update

**October 9, 2006**

Quick update: 41 lbs lost. I seem to plateau at about every 10lbs lost. Then, I hold on to the same weight (and maybe gain a pound or two) for about 3-4 days, then the scale starts to move again.

But, it is still coming off. My goal is to hit 45 lbs lost by 10/14/2006 for my 2 mth anniversary. I was hoping for 50lb. But, I will take 45.
Talk to you all later!
Lady T.

**10/16/2006**
Quick update: I was able to meet my goal of 45lbs lost (46 lbs actually :) ) and my BMI is now FINALLY under 50. Yay!!!!!!!!
Take Care
Lady T

**10/25/2006**
I finally hit the 50 lbs lost mark. I am starting to pay more attention to what I am eating and drinking along with working out more so I can make the most out of this tool!
I know, I could have lost more at this point, but I am fine with the 50 lbs lost and am going to work hard to keep the scale moving in the negative direction.
Lady T.

**10/29/2006**
Hey People!! I went to Las Vegas this weekend (10/26-10/28/06) with my sister for her birthday. I was able to fit in the airplane seat WITHOUT a seatbelt extender. I am also glad to report that I was able to keep up with my sister as we walked down the ENTIRE strip in Las Vegas (from the Barbary Coast to the Luxor Hotel). I was tired on the trek back but I made it! I also made as many wise food choices that I could-I did endulge in some ribs at TGI-Fridays.
I will add pictures later!
Lady T.

**10/31/2006**
End of the month talley:
54 total pounds lost since surgery (11 weeks out)
15 total pounds lost this month
I did much better about my vitamins this month. But, the liquids are still a struggle.
Lady T. 





**11/7/06**
Hello People! I finally broke the 300 lb mark!!!!!!!!!!! I really hit a plateau for about 2-3 weeks it seems like that scale wasn't moving. I still have my moments of "you should have lost more by now..." but it still feels good to see the scale move in the opposite direction.

So, I am at 57 lbs lost today. I have heard that the weight really starts to melt away once you hit the 60 lbs lost mark. And, it seems like you really SEE the weight coming off when you hit 60 lbs lost (and more).

My personal goal is to be a size 24 and close to 75 lbs lost by Christmas. I am going to try some of these notorious protein trains to help me get there. Lord help me.....

Lady T. 

**11/18/06**
Hello All!
My 3 mth follow up appt went well. Dr. Voellinger said he was proud of where I am, that I have lost 1/3 of my excess weight, and for him, I am right on track with my weight loss goals. I have lost 62 lbs so far and am getting used to my new way of life.

I am 18 lbs away from my weigh-in goal for Christmas. But, I have not been to the gym in 19 days!!!!! I know, I need to get on the ball to reach my goal.

My size 26 jeans are starting to get too big (yay!!). I was able to get into and ZIP up a pair of size 24 jeans. I tried on 3 different pair to make sure it was not just that one pair of jeans that fit.

I know a 24 is still big but I haven't been in a size 24 in 9 years (my freshman year in college...oh my lord....). They are very tight and takes a lot of wiggling to get in them but I did. So, I figure by the time I reach my Christmas weigh-in goal, they should fit just right.

At this point, I am very thankful to be where I am so far. To those that are waiting to be LOSERS. I would do it again and it is so worth the wait to be on the other side.

Lady T.

**11/25/2006**
Hey People!
Thanksgiving was very surreal. I didn't eat too much and didn't go crazy with grazing either. Everything that was made pretty much had a lot of grease in it. I have learned not to push it when it comes to greasy foods and DS.....not a pretty sight.
As of yesterday, I have lost 65 lbs. 10-15 lbs to go by Christmas to meet one of my goals. This has been a terrible month as far as exercise so I know I will have to get on the ball. 
Even though I know I have lost 65 lbs, I cannot see the weight loss at all. It all seems to be in the same proportions so there is no visable difference to me (yet). Others can see it and I wish I could.
Lady T. 

**11/30/2006**
End of the month talley:
Total Weight Lost: 67 lbs
Total Lbs lost this month: 13 lbs
I went to the gym 1 day this month!!!! Shame, Shame, Shame!
I did much better with the liquids, the vitamins, and protein though. Now, if I would just get off of my big butt and go to the gym!!!!!!!!
But, I am within the range to reach my personal goal of 75-80 lbs lost by Christmas. I will only need to lose 8-13 lbs to reach my goal. Yay me!!
Lady T. 




**12/5/06**
Hey People, 
I have lost a total of 70 lbs and I am LOVING it. I am now officially in 22/24 tops and 24 jeans/pants.  This is still very big but coming from a size 30/32 (tight too might I add), it might as well be a size 10 right now. I went shopping yesterday and spent quite a few (hundred) dollars. I know I am going to be out of them soon, but I did not care. I was just so happy to have come down another dress size. I am so thankful that I am on this journey and am glad to finally be able to get rid of some of this weight that has made me so depressed over the years.
I am just five (5) lbs away from losing HALF of the excess weight my surgeon wants to me lose and in less than six months so that is not bad at all. I need to get in the gym to keep this wonderful tool working at its best.....but I  will do that. I want to keep the scale moving!!  
Lady T. 

**12/12/2006***
Hey people,
I made it to my Christmas weigh-in goal of 75 lbs lost 13 days early. I have lost 78 so far. I am going to work a little harder to see how much I can get off by the end of this year. I promised myself a sand/red colored Dooney and Bourke giant sac purse if I made it to 80 lbs lost by Christmas....2 lbs to go!!!!
Lady T.

**12/17/2006**
Now, I am mad as &*@#$!!
Me and that lying a$$ scale are going to have a battle royale if it doesn't start to move again. Not only is it standing still but it even added 2.4 lbs to really hurt my feelings. I have really been knocking myself out to actually follow the rules of the pouch and exercise. I am hoping that this is just b/c it is the week of the crimson wave. So, I have decided to not get back on the scale until 12/22/06. But, I am going to keep doing as I should b/c I know the scale will start to move again.

I am going to remember these words of wisdom from Cookie Luscious: Plateaus: A true plateau is when you have gone 4-6 weeks with NO weight loss. Cease the whining! We all have gone through them and so will you. Keep following the rules of the pouch and you will start to lose, again.