Infaith

Personally, my insurance would NEVER pay for anything to help with my weight to save my life. They would pay for anything associated with it (diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, etc) which I think is so dumb. It would actually save them money to pay for the surgery rather than all the meds, doctor visits, appliances and such. I just don't get it.

I've didn't know anybody pierced the cartlidge with a piercing gun. I had mine done a few years ago (I was 43) with a small hoop (plus a couple extra holes in the lobes). Took it out recently though and haven't decided if I want it back again or not. Congratulations! There are SO many non-food rewards we can give ourselves.

Nope...not gonna do it Crystal. I will not laugh and point 'cause I deal with PBing sporatically (enough that I've had 2 unfills) and it's just plain no fun. WTG on that ice cream lasting so long!

Heck...I've got a very long ways to go before "goal", but I am already satisfied with what my band has done for me. I haven't been below 250 for over 10 years and I feel so much better about myself. Like you Parvathi, I find myself looking up and at people instead of shuffling around looking at my feet. But personally, I have a terrible time thinking of myself of as fat as I was (am). That's why any time I look at a picture of myself, I am shocked even after all these years. That can't be me! Who is that? Now as I'm losing weight I see the me that I picture myself emerging.

My name is Darcey O'Dell. I've heard it all from Darby O'Dell (like Darby O'Gill and the little people) or Digger O'Dell (as in grave digger). Then there are those who ask if I am any affiliation with O'dell lake (here in Oregon). Maiden name was Smith...not a lot to go on there.

Crystal-Thanks for bumping this again (I love that "bumping cause I wanna"). I read it before, but it's one of those things that make us really think about our journey and not just that goal weight. BTW....I think you're awesome! Hope someday we can meet!

Oh Paula-I love that about your 9 y/o. Isn't that the absolute best? That means so much more than any of the other to me.

Sorry I'm late.... I am relieved to report that my weight stayed the same even though I had a really tough week food-wise so I'm still at 245.

Okay Lisa....I guess I'm in the dark 'cause I don't know how you feel about pink! If it's the same as me...we are in good company, right? My sons are afraid what I might paint next!

Oh Kathy...that little Jaden-what a little doll (they're all adorable!)

Thank you Greg for letting us know. Nancy and her family are in my prayers.

I love this thread! Great looking people and their SOs and grandbabies and fur babies....oh my!

....and she's SO GOOD at it!

My sister's doxie (rust colored one) has a tendancy to hump things also....my sister says she's sexually deprived. LOL!

A thousand thank-yous (bowing) oh goddess of the computer pictures!

Sounds like you have wonderful plans! Have a great time everybody and think of me while I'm at work all night. I plan to take my first break about 10 pm so I can go out on the patio off the cafeteria and look out over the city for fireworks. Don't pity me....I wouldn't have plans anyway...I have no life! HA!

PAULA!!! Claire is a doll, but I'm really surprised she's out of the covers at all as Angel burrows. Angel is a one year old female. Got her last August when she weighed about 4 pounds (she was the runt). She's about 10 pounds now and fast as all get out. She and Claire would have SO MUCH FUN! Angel loves playing with other doxies. My sister has a doxie/chihuhua that comes to visit and play. (Attached pic at one of our puppy sitting weekends) Please share more pics of Claire!

Talk about some awesome NSVs! WTG Patty!

Have a great and blessed birthday Greg! (I love Trish's patriotic card!)

You are such a sweetie Kathy! Thanks!

Penni...sweetheart.....darhling.....when you get a chance, could you make me a new avator with my last photo in the before and after pictures? Pretty please? Thanks so much!

The second is me with my little fur baby Angel who keeps my feet warm at night (and is keeping my backside warm as she sits behind me when I occupy the computer chair!)

Had to share a couple of pics of my own! The first is my older son on graduation from college with a BA in only 3 years (yeah...I'm not proud!)

Okay...here are my before and "in progress" pictures. Can't find the ones my sister took of me in Mexico. When I do...I'll post them. Pleeeeeaaassssssee....can somebody fix these so they are side by side or something close? Thank you so much! The first is my top weight when I was still unhappily married at 330 pounds. My surgery date weight was 299. The 2nd is last year and I think I weighed about 318 at the time (notice I'm hiding behind my dear son). The last is me now 54 pounds down!!

Jonathan-here's my picture taken this last weekend just before weigh-in.