Shadow427

Hey Gladiators... Had my 6 month checkup today (remember, my surgerversary is Nov 24, I just hang with you gladiators cuz I really like you)... Anyway, I'm down 98 pounds since August and 68 since surgery! What a difference a year makes!!! And, its funny your discussion on sugar... Just went out w friends. I ordered unsweetened ice tea and was served sweet tea. I believe my taste buds went into shock. I felt instant shock to the system.... Waitress said "oops. Sorry.". Giving sugar like that to one of us is like giving crack to someone in rehab!!!!

Hi Beni and Joan. Missed everyone.

Bronmerci - adorable outfit! Such lovely long legs.

Pinkpolkadot- Wow! Stunning!

Amlynns !!!! Congrats! So exciting. And. You look awesome. LisaCo! Super pretty!

DC you look awesome.

Congrats LisaCo!!! Hot stuff Beni. Sounds yumi. ! Amylynns - have a blast. You deserve it!

Hi Everyone... Glad to see everyone is moving forward. I'm back in Philly for a few days for doctor's appointments... Lab work is great. They even dropped my thyroid meds. On June 15, redoing a sleep study... I haven't used my CPAP in a month. Hopefully we can get rid of it.... Got to do as many doctors appointments as I can before my COBRA kicks in in August. When that happens, I'll probably switch to a cheap insurance which doesn't cover much.

Hi Gladiators! I hope you are all doing well. Just caught up on the posts. Congrats to several of you... Sorry to hear a few things, but I am hoping you bounce back. I spent the week on Cape Cod helping a friend open a BBQ joint. It kept me from sitting in Philly pouting over loosing my job. I may join him for the summer. Heck, I can search the internet just as easy from Cape Cod as I can from Philly... I walked over 20,000 steps for 5 days straight. However, I did sample much of the food he will be serving to help refine the menu. Towards the end of the week, I only ate grilled chicken. I'll weigh myself tomorrow to see if the hard work/exercise counter balanced the eating. One thing I can say is that there is no way I could have done what I did this week if I hadn't lost 85 pounds!!!

Gang - I had a super bad week last week... Last Monday I was laid-off from work. Then, on the way home from work I was in a car accident. A woman was talking on her cell phone and ran a red light. T-boned me and pinned me in my car... The new car I had for only 2 weeks and hadn't even made a payment yet. Fortunately, my injuries weren't as bad as originally thought... Getting physical therapy for neck. Shoulder and back. I think my ego hurts more from loosing my job, though...

@smiley. Sorry for your loss. Your mom is at peace now and will help guide you to your goal.

Hi Everyone... Nothing new to report. Just plugging along! SPRING HAS SPRUNG FINALLY!

My scalp didn't itch until I read your threads! Thanks for the power of suggestion!

I just got back from a long weekend in Maine, then stopped in CT to see my mom, brother, sis-in-law and got to watch my nephew play baseball. It was an absolutely wonderful birthday weekend. And, surprisingly, I lost 3 pounds! I stayed at my friend's B&B and he is a world-renowned chef. Although he doesn't know the details, he does know that I have lost over 80 pounds. Therefore, he was BRILLANT (he happens to be Scottish so that was my imitation of him) with his food creations for me... Very high Protein... very low (or non-existent carbs)... fresh fruits and veggies. One night, he served all the guests a 7 course Indian extravaganza with wine pairings (yes, I did have wine)... I sampled every course, however, I did not FINISH any course. (I told him in advance and he totally understood and didn't take it personally). Well, I was in heaven.... Given all that, I truly was amazed that I actually lost weight! Must have been the amount of walking and exercise I did. Or, as someone on one of the posts mentioned, "change it up to shock your system"... Indidan food can shock one's system. It was a spectacular birthday weekend!

@@LisaCO - HOT STUFF! You look awesome. Congratulations!

Oh my... I just had the most horrible stomach ache and cramps... Wanted so bad to throw up but couldn't. Had some tea and now its a little better. But I feel like I did 100 sit-ups. I'm on vacation in Maine. Although I have been super conscious of my food choices, I had a three French fries and a bite of cake. (My bday is Monday and a friend made it). Could it be because my body hasn't had sugar or friend foods in months? I hope that's all it was.

Amylynns and Luna - I so wish I could bring you to my support group and my doctor! They are awesome. The doctor actually shows up to support group every now and then just to listen and encourage us. The nurse, NUT, program manager and administrative team are like family now. We even have our own Facebook page called The Melt-a-Ways.

LaShonda! Welcome to the Gladiators! We are glad you joined us. You look fabulous! Congratulations! I, too, started in the 300s. You are correct- this is an awesome, supportive group. I've come to rely on everyone's perspectives, encouragement, kindness, soft kicks in the butts when necessary, etc. Looking forward to hearing more about your journey!!!!

Luna - Love the collarbone. I have become fond of my hip bone! It's not as prominent as my collarbone, but, I feel it!!!

I used them when I was on my pure liquid diet. I actually liked them... some flavors more than others. I just bought the Black Tea flavored one. It's not bad, if you like your tea on the lemony side. I may just mix it with some regular tea to temper the lemon. (I like black tea).

I spent the past two days in Harrisburg (capital of PA) lobbying to support legislation to fund programs to allow seniors and disabled individuals to receive care in their own homes versus institutions. There was a lot of walking up and down stairs - and I felt Great! Five months ago it would have been impossible.

Hey Gladiators- great stuff! Pink- Wow!!!! Absolutely amazing. You were stunning before... Phenomenal after. Kudos to your guy for a great run. mariew24 - you are always welcome! Awesome on your success. Amylynns - fun picture. You look great. Sounds like you are moving forward on your health issues. Misstvb - great links to shopping. Good stuff!

Beni --- I did. But nothing "springy". I stopped into Lane Bryant to see what was on sale... And they had a bunch of stuff for $6.99. I got 3 sweaters in size 14. I'm currently 18-20. They should be good for next Fall!!

Glorious day in Philly for a walk!!! I felt like Forrest Gump . I just kept walking and walking. My fitbit said I went 9.25 miles!

@@freelyme, you look great. I love the shirt! Beautiful outfit. Luna- those shirts really show your figure. Hot stuff!