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I have really enjoyed reading peoples responses on this website, this is the encouragement that i needed. Being on this website has made my decision so much easier. I have also talked with friends that have been so pleased with their results. i am hoping that soon i will win the battle of fighting with my weight. I have a consultation on Monday the 3rd of March 2003. I am very excited and also VERY nervous. I have set up the appointment with Dr. Freeman. I have heard nothing but good things about him and his staff. My main concern about having the surgery, being only 25, just married and wanting someday to have children. I have seen women that have had the surgery and have successfully conceived. I am hoping that the same will happen with me. As for hobbies I have really gotten into reading here lately. I just got married on February 22, 2003. In Gatlinburg, TN i enjoyed myself so much. I have two baby dogs, Cinda and Abby. I am originally from Texas, My dad was in the Military and we have been in AL for about 9 or 10 years now. My sister was born on the same day as me, we are 6 years apart. we share the date of Feb. 20. I am hoping that being on this website will continue to make my journey alot more easier. If anyone has any advice for me, please feel free to contact me.

April 3, 2003
I havent updated in a while, i know have my surgery date which is May 9, 2003. I'm very excited knowing that soon i will be healthy. I guess that the only thing that would make me feel 100% sure about all this is if my insurance will approve me to have the surgery. My insurance does not preapprove. They get a copy of your records and have their doctors review it to determine if it was a medical necessity or not. it makes me so mad knowing that i pay my insurance company all this money a month, still have to meet a $250 deductible, and then my possible financial status is in their hands of whether or not they wanna cover it!! All i want right now from them is a yes or no! whats so hard about that?? AND get this!! because my insurance is not sayig whether or not they paying, i have to pay a $750 fee for the doctors assistant surgeon and again IF bc/bs pays then i would get my money back, so this week i made arrangements and i now have that money ready to go (sorry just venting) I kind of felt a little bit of hurt from my husband because he is one of those that just dont know how to communicate, and with him not asking or talking about this surgery makes me feel like he just dosent care, so yesterday we had it out and talked about it and he expressed his concerns and so did i so i feel better finally after having all those questions in my head answered from him. My mom has been great so far. Since I am having my surgery in anniston, where my family lives, i will staying with them for a week so that i can also be closer to the hospital. It has been so great having her there to back me up!! My mom is truly wonderful and i am so thankful that i have her in my life. we have a great relationship i can be so open with her and get nothing but great advice from her and the love that we have for eachother is AMAZING!! Also this week has been really nice because i have been getting e-mails of encouragement from people and let me tell you all this support that i am getting is GREAT!! Thanks to those that i have given me their support! OOHH and another thing, on Tuesday I got my owners manual in the mail and when i got it i sat right down and read it and let me tell you there are some pretty intimidating things in there. I have my meeting with dr. freeman on the 23rd of april and i have my pre op on the 5th of May. I hope to soon be putting a picture up on the web site just give me sometime and i will get it done. anyways i will keep you all informed as to what is going on!

April 23, 2003

I met today with Dr. Freeman one on one. I brought my husband today and my mom for support and also to have their questions answered. As Jon and I were driving down to anniston on I20 East there is a billboard on the left side with a Freeman Barratric sign with one of the 1st staff members on it with her before and after picture. I thought to myself I can just imagain what I will be thinking the day that I drive down there to have my surgery. Anyways, Dr. Freeman was telling us that CBS had called him and wanted to interview him. I thought that was pretty cool too. Anyway so he came in and talked to us and broke everything down in detail about the operation, risk, hospital stay, now and later and explained all of it and let us ask questions and then we went in to rooms and got to meet with him one on one and they are now giving out these breathing voluminzers to pratice on breathing execerises. After all that was said and done jon and my mom felt pretty good about the whole thing, I found out I will be the first patient on the morning of my surgery and that i have to be there at 5. so now all i have left is to to my pre-op on the 5th of May. Oh yeah guess what?? In the mist of trying to eat all that i can before i have my surgery, i GAINED 4 pounds!!! UGH WHEN WILL THIS MADNESS STOP!!

May 1, 2003

OH MY GOODNESS!! My surgery date is near 8 more days until. It really hit me this morning when I woke up and was like Im almost there. I have never had major surgery before, I have only had my tonsils out so im getting really nervous but at the same time just really ready to get it over with. So by tomorrow i will start my new diet in preparing myself for a healthier life.

May 4, 2003

FIVE MORE DAYS WWHOOTTT WHHHOO!!!
Friday at work i get a call from Candrice at Dr. Freemans office saying, Christina, we have a problem and my heart sank and i was like what is it?! and Candrice said that there was a mistake made and that I was susposed to be at my preop that day. Some how my dates got mixed up on the paper work that the doctors office sent me. She wanted to see if I could make it this wednesday and i was like yes- no problem but is this gonna put my surgery date back and she said no, just as long as I make the pre-op. WHEW what a relief! I also received a letter from BC/BS saying that they were certifiying my hospital stay because of the paper work that was sent to them did consider it a medical nesessity for gastric by-pass surgery. lets hope that they feel the same way about the actual surgery. anyways, Last night my husband and I were talking about all the events that are soon to come. We were talking about what bills needed to be paid, OH let me say that last wednesday we were coming home and I was in an accident, everyone was okay thank goodness I am now with out a car for a while, so we were also trying to make arrangements as to how i was gonna get to anniston for my appointments and stuff and we got that all figured out. Its a good thing that me and my dad work at the same place, so we I will be driving with him home the nights before. Anyways, we were just were just going on and on about how we were gonna get ourselves prepared and he said to me, you know everything will go good for you that day and you shouldnt be scared, well, it scared me. i got really upset and started to doubt my decision. I still feel like i have the option to run and say never mind, but in reality, i dont. I have to be stronger than this. so with that being said i will over come this. I will continue to keep everone updated. Thanks again for all your support that you have expressed.

May 8, 2003

MY GOODNESS MY DAY IS HERE ALMOST! I had my preop yesterday, they went pretty good. I finally got my picture posted.. my eyes look funky! anyways the preop staff was great, got any of my questions answered. Yesterday i also started my liquid diet of jello, soup broth, suger free popsicles, and gateraid all is going good, a little tough, i could of strangled my sister yesterday though because we were out and about and she was like im hungry and before i know it we are pulling into wendy's and she is chomping down on a hamburger and fries, it didnt really bother me it was just funny! I have to be at the hospital at 5 a.m Im nervous but my thoughts are being consumed by " i just wanna get this over with". Im also excited and cant wait untill i will become healthy in weight for the first time in my life. its strange. i think that my body has become my shield from any fears, or just my protection from anything that i dont wanna deal with. so im ready to shed that and see what i will be like. anyways thanks again for all of your encouraging comments and i will be posting my updates. see you all on the other side...

May 9, 2003 4:20 a.m.

OH my goodness, I took that stuff to clear out my system and man, what a pain! I stayed up till 12:30 and up at 3:30, I am showered and ready to go.. I pray that all will go well, the surgery, the healing, for my family. I will post as soon as I am able to. bye!

May 11, 2003

IM HOME...I made it so far. Had the surgery friday morning and i went in at 5 a.m. and they took me back for surgery prepreation about 6:30 and they took me back to start my IV it was kind of cold in there and i asked for a blanket and they brought me the most warmest blankets ever! so the only thing that i remember is them moving me and straping my arms down and the rest is history. i woke up and asked if had been opened and they said no, what a relief! i later found out that there was a problem during surgery that one of my intestines were twisted and he fixed it. i remember just being so thristy and my lips were crusty. anyways friday night was the worst for me. my heart rate when up a couple of times to 160 which is very dangerous. i later found out that it was the morphine that was making me sick. so i didnt get it get to get out of bed friday night. then, the nurse came in and i felt my IV blow, they had to move it 3 times and each time my veins were blowing. they also kept trying to take my blood and that was murder! then the nurses were telling me that i probably would need a blood transfusion but some how between saturday morning early and later saturday morning they took that cather out of me, no iv's no pain meds NOTHING, i was and am on liquid loritab right now but, dr. tim said that as long as my breathing was good and that i was able to walk i was ready to go home. saturday night was the first time that i walked and i did pretty good. Susan from Dr. freemans office brought me this HUGE stuffed dog that was just awesome to have, she put it on my tummy and that has been where it has stayed! this morning while i was at the hospital, i was able to use the bathroom by myself and i fully showered and it felt SO good, oh saturday after noon i had my leak test and let me tell you, as bad as that stuff tasted i was so glad to have something im my mouth! i think the worse part about this all i having my drains drained. they remind me of cow utters!! I kept saying is it time to have my utters drained! i have an apt on thrusday to get them pulled, im really not looking forward to that at all. so im home now, thank god for that and for the support of my family. My mom was awesome, i cant even put in to word the things that she did for me. she is suching a blessing to have in my life. so hopefully i will continue to get strong. i will continue to update when ever possible.

May 12, 2003

well, another day has gone by and im feeling pretty good. My only problem with this all is having my draines drained. I cannot put into words how much that hurts. My poor mom breaks out in hives everytimes she does it because she says she hates to hurt me. I got up about 5 and drank water and had a popcicle and fell back asleep and then had a shower and my drained cleaned again and went back to sleep about 1:30 and slept until 4:30. It seams that all i do is sleep. Its so nice right now too because my aunt Christina flew in from Texas to help my mom and dad and to be there for support for me too, she makes sure that i have everything that i need and makes sure that i am comfortable. she has also took my mom out to get out of all the stress and believe me it so nice just to have her there. its ment so much to me having her a part of this for the healing process and just knowing that i have continued support. My aunt is so funny with all of her stories and has really lifted all our spirits with this. I am so greatful to have her here with us. i trying not to take my loritab too much because it draines me. other than that im doing pretty good. i dont have much of an appitite right now. when someone mentions a resturant im like uumm... that sounds good and then i remember im not hungry. i wonder if me not eating as often is good or not? well, i will continue to post.

May 14, 2003

Well, another day, another broth is all i can say! My days are good, my nights are bothersome. I get so tired of being in bed, my back hurts because that is the only position that i can sleep in. as far as pain from the surgery it is minimal. Last night though, was a little rough, i had a lot of soreness so i took my med and was off to bed until it wore off! other than that i feel like i am getting ready to want to actually eat something other than broth, and jello. I am starting to get tired of it! im nervous about tomorrow though, i am ready to get these draines pulled out just not wanting to endure the pain. So many of my co-workers have called and checked up on me. its so nice to have that concern. Even supervisors have called. its been great. My mother again has been heaven sent. She has been so strong for me. I dont think that there are any words to ever describe what she has done for me as well as what she means to me. Its funny because this past summer, i was taking care of her, she had knee surgery and its funny how roles have reversed. but other than that, i am doing great, getting stronger and stronger everyday. Me posting has helped me so much with this healing process, i was never one to keep a journal but, i have become additicted to wanting to share my experiences. later taters!

May 15, 2003

I just got back from having my draines pulled it was uncomfortable when they pulled them. The staples being removed, it didnt feel at all. I feel about 75% better than i did yesterday! and get this my surgery weight was 284 and today it is 269! I lost 15 pounds already!! whooottt wwwhhooo go me, go me!! they said i could have my first meal today and i was excited my sister and i came home and i fixed a scrambled egg with cheese and toast. IT WAS SO GOOD!! i didnt finnish all my egg but, most of it and i wasent able to eat my toast, i just kind of scrabed off the butter that was 30 minutes ago and so far i am able to hold it down fine. I feel great! they put somemore bandages on me and said to keep the wound sites covered for a week. I was hoping to go back to work on monday but, carla thought it was to early so we are gonna try for wed. I am so excited my 15 pounds have been my starting point and it has made me feel so good my sister gave me a big high-five it was great!

May 18, 2003
I went to my moms office on friday the 16th and i lost another pound. i havent gotten my scale yet. I dont wanna become obsessed with losing weight, you know how it can be when your expectations are high and you wind up getting hurt. I am at home now, Jon and I went to city stages yesterday and it was so nice to be out. We walked slow, listened to a couple of bands. it was nice. Today though i was taking my multivitamin and i believe that i experienced my first fit with frothing. I have such a hard time getting it down its huge for me. So i took it and within seconds i felt nauseous and i was about to lose it! i kept thinking i dont wanna throw up so i kept breathing and hoping that it would just go down, it was so painful and then i felt a "pop" and i realized that it went down, it was WIRED!! i dont wanna ever experience that again!! so now right after that i started to split my pills!! other than that im doing good, sleeping good. its been a rainy weekend so it was nice to be in my own bed relaxing (now that i am able to sleep in any position that i want)its great. Yesterday i fit into some crop pants that were really tight on me before it felt GREAT!!

May 21, 2003

All is going well so far, I decided to come back to work a day early. I went back on tuesday, I felt good, just sore and a bit tired but, i made it through the day. My sister came down to spend some time with me. We went walking after work, it felt good to be out there. I weighed myself finally yesterday morning and i was down 5 more pounds so as of yesterday i am down 21 lbs. I think i will weigh myself every monday morning. Like i said before, i dont want to become obsessed with it. Its so great though. A lot of people from my work were extremly supportive of me. They were happy to see that i was okay and doing good. It was so nice to have their support. Last night, i slept like a baby, i was tired. this morning i feel refreshed, I am still gonna take it slow here at work and only do what i can, i just got done eating breakfast which wasent much, just a little egg and a couple bits of grits. anyways i will continue to post every couple of days!

May 27, 2003

Well, I am still at my same weight loss weight, its kind of wired. I am still trying new foods, yesterday, my husband bar-b-qued and i ate a hot dog with no problems. I found my calcium in powder form, and its great. The only thing that is strange is i stay COLD. I am usually a hot natured person but, i freeze now. at home i have my hooded shirt on and my pj's and socks and still feel cold. its strange, i also feel really tired all the time. I am trying to get used to the changes, as far as eating, i am not experiencing any problems. I hate it though because now that i am back to work, we go out to eat somethimes and i feel dumb asking for a childs menu because the waiter looks at me funny, and i hate to explain myself but, then again why should i have to explain myself to anyone? On saturday Jon and i went out for dinner and i kind of felt down because everyone around us was enjoying their food, and i was only able to eat one shrimp and i was done, i felt like a fuddy duddy because when we were out like that i enjoyed that so much, you know eating and having a drink and it was strange, I can say now that i am truly a "cheap date"!! another thing that i have noticed is i smell EVERYTHING now! smells have become so strong for me. other than that everyone says they see such a huge change in my face sliming down, i see it in my breast! Im losing them! its a good thing so far anyways!

June 2, 2003

Well, I just had my first experience with vomiting, :-( yesterday we went to Olive Garden and I had a kids speghetti and tolerated very well, i even had a bit of salad, no problems, well, i brought my leftovers to work today for lunch and i took maybe 3 bites and started to feel like it was stuck, so i stoped eating hoping that it would go down and then i felt worse so i told my friend Tonya im gonna go to the bathroom and was gonna try to regroup and i didnt even make it. all it was what i had just eaten, i dont know what i did wrong, i chewed very well, i may have just eaten a bit too fast, i didnt feel like i did though so now im sucking on a popcicle hoping that will settle my pouch down just a bit, it does not feel upset or anything, i just feel weired just because i HATE TO GET SICK, then on Friday at work i came back from lunch and about 2 i felt this strange feeling in my stomach and it was VERY VERY painful! it went from my belly button down to my pelvic area and i couldnt sit, i was hunched over from the pain! so i called the Dr's office and susan was like do you feel crampy? i said yes but, it is SO painful and she was like well, take some gas medicine because thats what it sounds like you are expericneing and i was like there is no way because it hurt so much and sure enough thats what it was i had to leave work, it was sitting on my bladder, i have never in my life experienced such pain, its funny to say oh' i just had gas, but at the time it hurt so bad! So right now i feel like WHAT DID I DO TO MY SELF?!! and to top it all off, im still at a 22 lbs lost! whats up with that, I should be losing more!

June 3, 2003

Well, as far as getting sick yesterday, i felt much better after i vomited, i went to get my labs done yesterday after work and the nurse had me down for a 2lbs lost so im at 24 lbs lost, i dunno it may have been just from different scales but, i will take that 2lbs lost any day! as for this morning it was horrible, i again got sick at work, this morning i decided i wanted some coffee and i also got my eggs and cheese, i finnished my coffee and debated whether or not i really wanted my eggs and decided that i better because of the protien intake so i started on my eggs and i felt this burning in my chest and then decided that i couldnt do it and not too long after again my stomach got nauseous so i went to the bathroom and all i wanted to do was get it out of me and throw up but, all i kept throwing up was this white, slimy bubbly stuff and i was like, i cant figure out what that is! so i again called dr. freemans office and was told that I am FROTHING!! YUCK YUCK YUCK and there really isnt much that i can do but, let it pass, so now here i am sipping on some warm water and i also read that eating acidty foods like tomatoes, lemons, oranges etc. will help so we will see, i just absolutly hate that feeling!

June 9, 2003

I called dr. freemans office friday and got my sisters friends mother and it was so great to talk to her, i was calling to see if they had received my lab work, she said they did and that everything looked fine except my iron was a little low and she was like for now just try some vitaimns with iron in and and i told her that the flintstone vitaimns im taking does have extra iron in it so she said i needed to try some ferro-sequels and see how that goes. OH AND A WORD FOR THE WISE!!! I called my GYN doctor and asked about my birthcontrol and she said that the pill no longer absorbs as well and that i would need to start the patch ASAP! so i will be trying that this coming weekend. As far as getting sick, im still experencing it, satruday i had a egg and cheese omelet and imediatley i got sick! and yesterday i had potatoe soup and again i got sick, its funny because its like the minute i take my first bit i feel neauous and i am unable to take but maybe 3 bites at the most and then it hits me, and im SICK, I have been taking the baby bites and letting it go down before another bite and i am still getting sick, i dont understand it and mostly its just frothing and its such a horrible feeling!! Tomorrow is my 1 month visit, im excited, I just realized that today is my 1 month anniversary, I can believe that its here already!

June 12, 2003

Well, i went for my 1 month apt. on Tuesday and winded up meeting with Dr. Freeman one on one and i was telling him about all the problems i was having as far as throwing up and not being able to keep my food down. He said that the next day for breakfast i needed to eat saltine crackers with peanutbutter and 1/3rd of a bannana and orange juice and call him as soon as i was able to eat it. Well, i didnt even get past the 2 crackers before i got sick again, so i called and they said they would set me up a EDG and i needed to get back to Anniston immediatley so i did i left work and headed down there and Joyce and Dr. Freeman were trying to decide if i needed a barrium swallow or to go ahead and do the EDG, they decided on the EDG so off to the hospital i go again by then i was very nervous so while i waited I met Rebecca, another member of this site and it was such a joy to talk to her and meet with her. She was there for having trouble keeping food and water down, so we chated the whole time and compared notes. It was so great meeting her she is such a beautiful person along with a great personality. So they finally called me back and put me in a bed and gown and all i kept thinking to myself is i dont want another IV and i cant believe that im here in a bed again but, i knew that once the procedure was done i would feel better so they took my in the OR and the lady started to give me the pain med and she said, now im just warning you but dont get scared if you feel the procedure and i was like what?! what do you mean, i'll be awake through this?! and she said no, but gastric patients have a hard time with the medication sedating them, well before i knew it, i was OUT like a light, didnt feel a thing! when i got back to recovery 30 minutes later my mom had this picture of my stomache and said that my body was healing and started to close the hole to the pouch. Dr. Freeman said that it happens to about 20% of patients and i still run a chance of it trying to close again!! so i am again now able to eat like a normal gastric by-pass patient and it feels great. I hope and i pray that my body will take to the new size and keep the way its susposed to. The hole was about the size of a belly button it was so small, now its a good size. So i will continue to update and post and oh yeah my one month apt. i already lost 32 POUNDS!! GONE YYYEEEAAAHHHH!!

June 13, 2003

Well, I am still doing pretty good on my eating! Its great to eat and enjoy my foods again! As far as the procedure pain, I am having some major gas pains. I guess that he must have filled me up and its traped now. Last night I was in bed watching TV and I could hardly lay down because the pain was horrible!! so i took some more gas med. and slept the rest of the night. But the pain is minimal to what i was going through before. It was so sweet of Dr. Freeman because he called my house yesterday morning to see how i was. You HARDLY ever hear about a Doctor calling a patients house to see how they are. To me that say a lot about him and how he cares for his patients. Usually a doctor would just have someone from his staff to call. Dr. Freeman has been heaven sent, i cant say enough good things about him. I am so happy about my decision!

June 20, 2003

Things have been going pretty good so far. I havent weighed myself since i found out that i was down 32 lbs. My BMI went from 44 to 39 its crazy just knowing that! I am still able to eat but, for some reason i get neausous after eating but its minimal and i take a pepcid and i feel better. I will be glad when that goes away but, if it means me not having that procedure again than i can deal with it. All has been good on the patch too its weird not having to pop a pill at 6 p.m. like i am usually used to. Yesterday i was able to fit into a size 22 skirt and that was cool for me because right before the surgery i was fiting into a 26 or 28, so for me a 22 is a huge thing right now.

June 30, 2003

WWHHHOOTTT WWWWHHHHOO IM DOWN 40lbs! I weighed myself this morning and i was at 244!! I can NOT believe that!! I love it when you get surprise!!

July 9, 2003

Well today is offically my 2 month anniversary! I am down to 242 only 2 pounds since last time but you know what? Its all good with me! As far as my insurance i've been getting bills here and there of course not being paid. Called the insurance co. and they said they were waiting on my records from the doctors office so that they can determine if it was a medical necessity or not so i still dont know whats going on with that but of course they have paid the little $40 bills so i will just have to wait and see. As far as my eating its been okay i still sometimes get an uncomfortable feeling when i eat and then im okay. My clothes are starting to make me look like droopy draws but thats okay with me too!! Sunday me and a friend went to vision land and i was in my bathing suit and i felt pretty good in it too. I saw such a change in myself that it felt SO good to start to enjoy what my body looks like. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!

July 14, 2003

I know, I know it seams like i post just about every other day but, today im excited because i am offically in the 230's well, 238 to be exact, i cant rememeber the last time that i weighed this! it just makes you so excited. I am also VERY excited because Jon and I are getting our 1st house, its brand spakin' new it was built last year and we close on the 31st. Alot has happend this year, getting married, the surgery and now a new house! its funny how so much can happen in a year. anyways just wanted to post my good news!

August 8, 2003

Tomorrow offically makes my 3 month anniversary! I am still doing pretty good with eating, havent had any problems. The other day i had to go ahead and buy a couple of clothes, i was fitting into a 26 and i brought some capri's in a size 20!! i couldnt believe it! My weight as of today is 229. its such a huge change in me. I constantly get compliments from co-workers and family, it makes me feel good but a litte uncomfortable. I have never been one to take a compliment gracefully. A friend a work gave me this poem. thought it was cute, just wanted to share it:

Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my shape to keep.
Please no wrinkles, please no bags.
And please lift my butt before it sags.
Please no age spots and please no gray.
And as for my belly, please take it away.
Please keep me healthy please keep me young
And thank you dear Lord for all that you’ve done.


August 19, 2003

All is going well so far. I am down 58 lbs down. I have been really tired lately. We have been working SO much overtime right now, so I am not sure if that could be contributing to it or not. at one time Dr. Freemans office said that my iron was low so i gotta see whats going on. We finally got moved in and the house looks great! I love it and im very excited about it. Yesterday my husband took pictures of me so as soon as i get them devevloped and scanned in i will up date. Did i mention how much i love this website. I am so excited for thoes that have upcoming surgeries, i know it will go well for them.

September 3, 2003

Yesterday was my 3 op visit, im a month behind. this month will make me 4 months out of surgery. yesterday i weighed in at 223 so that will make me at a loss of 61 lbs. I must have been or I am on a plateau but, thats okay. Im really not sure how fast i wanna lose my weight, i am afraid to get saggy and so far, i havent found any strech marks or really saggy skin so i consider myself to be doing well. Dr. Freeman it just a great doctor he comes into the room and is upbeat and very complimental and just a genuine person and it makes me feel good to have him in my life. Its crazy though because when i went to him last time they said my iron was low and i needed to take thoes ferro-sequels and i have and now my iron levels were way to high. so he said to come off of them and see how i do. I am still getting sick occasionally but, i am dealing with that when it happens. I feel like i am starting to lose my hair a bit, and it scares me because i have thick curly hair and i dont wanna lose it! OH and I am so excited about that ball on the 4th of October. I cant wait, for the first time I am actually looking forward to buying a dress!

September 9, 2003

All is still going okay today marks my 4 month anniversary some how between last tuesday and yesterday i lossed another 5 pounds weighing me in at 218 which is a 66 lbs weight loss. I was very happy because i didnt think i would have even lossed another 5 pounds. eating has still been pretty good. i am unable to eat anything with a peal. no grapes, or tomatoes but, thats okay. I am still fighting with myself to get in all of my water. I keep two 33 oz water bottles and try my best to get them both in. The other night me and my husband were playing around and before i knew it he picked me up for the first time since we got together it was a crazy feeling. He keeps saying he can really tell in my legs and face and of course breast. I went dress shoping last saturday for the ball, picked out a size 20 dress and loved it, the only problem??? it was $589!!! and i was like NO WAY not to just wear it for a short time! so I am still looking. but, I am still very satisfied with my decsion. so anyways i will keep you all posted.

September 19, 2003

Well, our days are counting down to the barratric ball. I am still getting very excited. I ordered my dress and it should be here soon, (i hope) Me and Jon went and picked out his tux. we are just gonna make it a night and enjoy it. Yesterday, i was on the message boards and they said a member of this site died after being 2 years out of her surgery. I read her profile and she seamed upbeat and never complained about complications. The message board just kept saying that she died of morbid complications. i dont know, it just makes me wonder what happend. Last weekend, i had to swallow my pride and buy new bras. I went to get measured and i went from a 44DD to a 40D!! But the funny thing is that I was always a heavey chested person and this time i had to buy PADED!! just for the support and to not make me look like they were down to my ankles, I personally think i look sexy! Eating still has been pretty good. Still getting the daily compliments. Today i weighed in at 217! which gives me a total of 67 lbs lost. It so exciting still to me. I am feeling pretty good, a little tired at times, but doing good. Anyways gotta go!

October 3, 2003

I have had a moment this week. I am trying to get myself ready for the ball and i went over to a friends house that does pagents and does dresses and i went over to get my dress steamed and she said i have some dresses, wanna try some on? and i was like Oh' na- they will never fit and before i knew it she was pulling out BEAUTIFUL dresses and i found one and put it on it was a size 16! I'm still indecisive as to which i am going to wear. but, i must say i looked pretty damn hot in it! I went and weighed this morning in at 210! 74 lbs lost. I went to the WLS yard sale last saturday and found a dress and some shoes. i took a friend with me that is plus size and is pregnat with TWINS and she was able to find some really nice clothes and before we knew it some of the ladies were just giving her clothes. they were so sweet! I am so excited about tomorrow. I can not wait to meet you guys. I am sure we will have a great time. see you all there!!

October 9, 2003

5 MONTHS TODAY!! YEAH!! still down 75 lbs. Things have still been going good as far as eating. just the occassional getting sick but, nothing i cant deal with. Last friday my sister came down to see me and we ate lunch and I didnt realize how fast i ate and again got sick. she asked me if i regreted what i did and i said no, i dont regret the surgery but, when i do get sick, i regret eating fast knowing that i know better! Went to the ball last saturday had a great time! Went ahead and got dolled up and jon looked great in his tux. It was nice to meet people off the site! A couple of people recoginzed me from my picture and i was able to spot people too! I met Lindy and Sherry Morgan, The Scotts and got to see Rebecca again and it was nice to meet some new people that shared what i had. i had such a good time. Dr. Freeman just makes you feel so good about yourself. This weekend a friend of mine that is a photographer is going to take some pictures at the Botanical Gardens so i will scan one in and post it. This morning a co-worker told me i was starting to get chicken legs! its funny because i would make fun of skinny people and now i am getting there.

October 28, 2003

Well, lets see… today I am officially down to 207! And I have 7 more pounds until I am at my 3rd goal!!! I am almost there. Yesterday this guy that I work with, every time he sees me he tells me girl, I am gonnna have to get you a rock and I’m like a ROCK??? What do I need a rock for and he says he was going to give me a rock to put in my pocket because I am gonna blow away soon with all the weight that I am losing! So yesterday I was sitting at my desk and he came up to me with a paper towel and said here, I brought you a surprise and I opened the paper towel and low and behold there was a darn rock!! He made my day!!

This morning I had a deposition with some attorneys and doctors here at work and I met Dr. Gleysteen, he’s a doctor here at the VA as well as a barratric surgeon in B’ham. It was so nice to meet him. I have heard a lot of good things about him. (Wouldn’t use him though because Dr. Freeman is my # 1 choice). It was really nice to talk to him though!

I am now in the process of updating my profile with pictures. I just cut my curly hair really short! And yes, I finally got my pictures developed from the ball. They all look really good.

October 31, 2003

I FINALLY DID IT, AS PROMISED!!! WHHHOOOTTT WHHHOOO I added my new website that i am working on!! The pictures on this site are the most current and the ones of the ball. Oh' and my new haircut!!


November 8, 2003

Well, tomorrow marks my 6-month anniversary and this damn 7 pounds is still holding me from being under 200. If I could just loose my “pooch” on my tummy then I would really be doing good. For the first time in my life this week I finally shopped at Old Navy, I brought some really CUTE pants and shirts and skirts. It was SO nice to finally be out of Lane Bryant and into a cool 18. I am still unsure if a tummy tuck is right for me. It just seams like such a harsh surgery to recover from. I am starting to get collarbones and I think they look quite sexy! Eating still has been good. I still have my sick moments probably now maybe 2 or 3 times a month, but it’s my fault and I recognize that.

I have been having thoughts of wanting to start soon to have a baby. Every week when I go to put on my birth control patch I keep having these thoughts of just not putting it on. I am just not ready mentally to put myself through not having a successfully pregnancy for not waiting longer. But, I am sure that when the time is right, it will happen. Anyhoo, I am getting excited about Christmas coming soon. Today we are going to the Civic Center; they are having their Christmas Village with arts and crafts. I am excited about that. Well, hopefully these last few pounds will leave me. I will update when the finally decide to leave me alone!!

November 26, 2003

well, i finally got out of being 207 I am down 2 more pounds to 205! I am excited and very nervous because of thanksgiving. I am wondering if it will be hard for me with all of the temptations but, i kept thinking that this time last year i was so much heavier. last night when i got home i cleaned out my closet and brought my clothes to some of the ladies here at work and it was bitter sweet because i hated to give thoes clothes away that i had just brought last winter but, sweet because my jeans were 28 and 26 and they were HUGE i cant believe that some of those clothes used to be tight on me. This morning i was showing the girls here at work what i brought to give away and there were SHOCKED and kept praising me and giving me compliments. I am just so thankful to dr. freeman and what he has done for me. He is my hero! I am thankful for my health I am thankful for my family, and thankful to the people that i have met on this site.

p.s. has anyone heard anything about the ball pictures? i still havent gotten mine. if anyone knows ANYTHING about them please let me know. I wish thoes who read my profile a Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for your support. love, Christina

December 1, 2003

WWWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTT WWWWWHHHOOOOO!!!!!!!!! i just weighed and i am at 200 EXACTLY!! this will be th last time i will EVER see 200!!!! i so wanted to rip my shoes, my clothes, my jewerly everything off just to see if i would go to 199. MY GOD i can NOT believe it 84 lbs gone. It feels SSSOOO GOOOOD!!

December 3, 2003

I did it!! I weighed this morning and the scale read.........
199 and 3/4 I CANT BELIEVE IT! I DID IT!!

December 8, 2003

Yesterday marked my 7th month anniversary and I was at 199 and ¼ this time. The other day I was called up on one of the wards to notarize some papers for a patient and this nurse that I have seen a couple of times, but, really don’t know her name was talking to me about notarizing and stuff and at the end of the conversation she said, don’t you have a sister that works here? But, she’s a lot bigger than you and she proceeded to hold her hands out wide. And I said, no your talking about me, I have lost a lot of weight and she was like ‘oh, I didn’t recognize you! and apologized. She doesn’t know but she gave me such a huge compliment! As far as getting sick I still sometimes do experience that, the day after Thanksgiving we went shopping and out to eat after and me and my mom shared the tuna steak and immediately after eating I felt like something was stuck and I frothed like 5 times and was sicker than a dog, on the way home I had one of the empty shopping bags and got sick again. I have found out that the parsley or what ever they use to garnish the food is what was making me sick because that’s all I could see when I was sick. The minute that It came out I felt immediate relief. To me, this part of the surgery is what is the reality of having this procedure done, but I know that in time I will get over it and be better. I am excited about Christmas. My friend Tonya had her twins on the 2nd of November, a boy and a girl they were so beautiful. I wanted one and was about to trade her anything for one of them! Well, if I don’t update before Christmas, I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!

December 17, 2003

I weighed this morning at 196 exactly. I am starting to wonder what I am going to do when I am at the weight that I want to be, as far as eating and maintaining that weight. I am putting a copy of the letter that I mailed to that so called photographer in this post. I am so upset because I still have NOT gotten my pictures and every time I call this lady a woman answers the phone and says that “she’s not here and I don’t know when she will be back”. So I decided to send her this letter. I made the mistake of not taking a picture of Jon that night, I don’t know what I was thinking and this lady would have the only picture of the both of us together and now I can’t even have the picture that I paid for. A lot of people said that they received their copy of their pictures but the quality was poor. Anyways, I hate that she ruined such a wonderful memory for me. ANYWAYS as far as myself things have been good.

December 16, 2003

Ms. Beverly
Ms. B Child Care
535 Taylors Chapel Road
Anniston, AL 36201

I have been trying to contact your for two weeks now and I have not been able to reach you. I am very disappointed with the services you gave at Dr. Freeman’s Bariatric Ball in October. You provided services and did not follow through with what was to be expected. As of December 16, 2003 I still have not received my pictures. I have paid the $25 and the check was cashed. I want you to send me back my money. I do not wish to take this further, but let it known that if I have to I will contact my attorney regarding this matter. You can contact me at the above phone number and address.


Thank you,


December 20, 2003

Yesterday I got a phone call from Beverly's "assistant" saying that they received my letter and that she was putting my refund check in the mail. How funny is that? I guess that i will know for sure when my check gets here. Her name was Gloria and she NEVER once mentioned my pictures, just that they were going to refund the money. Oh' well, at least i got my point across. I think i finnished all my Christmas shopping yesterday. I am down to 195!!

December 31, 2003

Last night I was thinking that this is the last day to the close of a year that has been so monuments to me. I remember thinking last new years “what is this new year going to bring to me and how am I going to deal with the changes” with that being said I think about all the major changes I have went through this year mentally, and physically. It started off with being married in February, then making the decision to have this surgery that has made me so strong. I think about how I went through the process and how I got up the courage to put myself through this. To this day, I don’t know how I did it, but I did and that makes me feel so powerful. It makes me feel powerful because I for once put myself first and made a decision that I knew was solid. This decision has also brought the physical changes in me losing 90 pounds. 90 POUNDS GONE! I can’t believe it at times. My other change was getting the house and enjoying something that is mine and having my family gather there. The house is like my scared ground that I know my family can be together in and enjoy each other’s company. I am anxious to see what new changes this New Year brings to me. I am anxious to see what else this new body can do for me. It is so exciting to me.

I want to thank those who were a part of this journey with me, my mom because she gave me the majority of the strength that I needed to make it through this. Jon for being supportive and comforting when I needed him, my sister Lisa for being the encouragement that I needed. To my dad for being such a hero in my heart and such admire and mentor to me. I also wanted to thank thoes on this site and thoes that i have met in person for being such a great support group for me. I wish those that read this a happy New Year. May your dreams and hopes come true for you.


December 9, 2003

Today marks my 9th month anniversary, i havent weighed myself. I am now in a pair 18 jeans and i must say i feel pretty good in them. I have to vent. Okay that lady Beverly finally refunded my money with a personal check and Jon called me this morning to tell me that the damn check bounced! I am so pissed that this lady is so hard off on getting her $25. Part of me just wants to say forget it and take it as another lesson learned and then i think about all of us that this lady ripped our monies off and it makes it a challenge to get my point across to her. Well, she has now has bounced checks and you know after so many bounced checks a warrant goes out for your arrest so she is just making it harder on her self and if her stealing from us helps her sleep better at night, so be it. GGGUUUURRR!!! On a better note jon has made a decision to have the surgery. His first consult is on the 15th of this month. I am very happy for him!

Just a quick addendum... we did get back our money this weekend she sent a money order. For thoes that are still trying to get your money or pictures, i encourage you to keep fighting!!

January 29, 2004

Wow, I didn’t realize that I haven’t updated in a while. The weight loss has slowed down I am at 192 I am 8 pounds away from losing my 100 pounds. Yesterday we drove down to Anniston to visit and I walked into wal-mart and saw at least 6 people that I graduated high school with and not one of them could figure out where they knew me from. It was funny and kind of felt good at the same time. While we were in Anniston I asked Jon if he heard from his insurance company yet and said no well he got on the phone and found out that they did approve him! He then was able to squeeze in his physic visit at 12:30 and was in there for no more than 10 minutes and they already sent the approval letter to doctor freeman. He also found out that he has at least 4 weeks of paid time off for the surgery. This all took place yesterday afternoon. I am excited for him.

As for me things have been good. I finally got sick the other day after going 2 months with out getting sick. I forgot what that felt like. This past week I have been so nauseous. Today is a good day so far. I hope to soon post my 100 pounds lost picture.

February 6, 2004

I am 3 days away from my 10 month anniversay. I am 190 my BMI is 29.8. Jon has been approved for his surgery we are wanting the 12 of march. He is waiting for Dr. Freemans office to call him back with a for sure for that date. Things have been moving right along for him. I got some pictures from Joyce at Dr. Freemans office of my process, i was in total shock when she showed them to me and what a transformation that i have gone through. She asked me to sign off on them so they could use them to show other patients. I am wanting her to e-mail them to me so as soon as get them i will post them.

I wanted to say a special hello/thank you, to a co-worker of mine, Christina. She periodically checks my profile and reads it, and i really appreciate that support from her.

February 20, 2004

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME AND MY SISTER, LISA HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOO UUUUSSS!! And boy what another celebration, I am a new member of the centry club! my weight today is 184!! my 100 pounds are G-O-N-E FOREVER!! My co-workers were so sweet to me today, they got me a brand new leather jacket, boy did i need one! my old one was big enough to fit around me 3 times! i also got a couple of gift certificates to lane bryant, i was needing some sexy stuff anyways!

March 9, 2004

wow! my one year anniversary is coming up soon huh? well, i dont know what has been going on with my body but, i have been bouncing from 188 to 185. one day i gain, the next, i will lose. I told myself that once my one year anniversary came up that i wouldnt post anymore, i dont know what i am gonna do yet. Things have been great as far as eating, i got sick about 2 weeks ago and it was weird because i felt so neasous but, all i was doing was gaging and then it passed. I have been burping a lot lately, that has been new too. I feel as if i am finally at a point where i am me again, and can enjoy having a drink and enjoy eating out again. I have started a trend at work. a lot of people have had the surgery and will call me in the morning or at lunch to ask for suggestions for lunch! Its funny but makes me feel good to help out others. I dont think i have anything else exciting to post so later taters!

March 30, 2004

Well, I am holding at 184 ¼, I had to buy new clothes AGAIN! I am kind of getting tired of this! But, my new news is that I am in a size 14! Couldn’t believe it, but its true. We went home to Texas this weekend and got to see my aunt Christina that was there for me during the surgery and she couldn’t believe my results. It was funny because we were all gonna go to the store to get some stuff and they all piled up in this sedan and I held back my mom and said, I am just gonna stay here at the house and she was like why? And I said there is no way that I am going to fit in that car with all those people and she laughed and said, Christy, you keep forgetting that you are so much smaller than before, so I hesitated and jumped in and damn it we ALL fit with extra room! It’s the little things like that that just make you feel so good. I did get sick yesterday before we left. I think the last time I got sick was in November or December, but, it was all my fault. I was not paying attention to they way I was eating. But other than that, things have been pretty good, not much else to report.


April 20, 2004

Well,yesterday i went for my 1 year exam. I forgot to mention here that i was experiencing dizzy spells in the shower, couldnt figure out what it was so they said that my sugar levels were droping and the drink 2 oz of orange juice a day. Other than Joyce said that my labs were excellent! So i have to get my blood redrawn in 6 months and will have to go back. I am still flip flopping back and forth in my weight, yesterday i weighed 185, joyce said that i gastric bypass patient can loose up to 2 years!! she said that i will still be dropping some weight, i really would just like to stay where i am at, i love my size 14. I just dont want to be too "skinny" if that makes any sense??!!


May 9, 2004

WOW one year ago today!! I made it!! Wwwhhhoootttt wwwwhhhoooo!! It’s been a hard month so far. The first of May my mom and I had to fly out to Texas, my grandmother has been in the hospital and we are still here. I am glad though that I was able to spend my anniversary with my family. I always wondered when I had my surgery, where I would be around this time and how much have I lost. I really don’t know what my exact weight is today because I don’t have a scale handy. Either way I just remember what it was like going through this whole process. I can still remember when they took me back for surgery and that whole day/weekend is still so fresh in my mind. This past year has been quite an adventure with all of the emotions that I have gone through, as well as physical aspect of it. I made a promise to myself one year ago that I would be healthy and be happy with myself. And I am almost getting there. I just cant believe it.

May 21, 2004

I broke out of the 180’s today I am 177 ¾. Still can’t believe it! Its funny because people ask me all the time “what is the one food that you can no longer eat” I would usually say not much except maybe fruits with a peal and I have come to the realization that its carrots! The other day I grabbed a handful and it just did not agree with me at all. I guess I may have to just give up on them. Things have been going good, we finally got back from Texas, and I am still trying to get myself back into my normal routine. I went to Wal-Mart the other day and found these mini dispensers that are like the big water coolers just smaller for your desk and they measure exactly 8 glasses of water and I thought I was doing good on my water intake and let me tell you its hard! I have been challenging myself to finish all 8 before I leave work. Other than that my weight loss has slowed down, I am still doing my orange juice everyday, I still get the occasional dizzy spell. But, other than that, things are going pretty good.

June 23, 2004

All, I have to say is......size 12 baby!! And it feels sssssooooo gggggooooooddddd!!

July 9, 2004

I just realized that today marked another anniversary 1 year and 2 months out. Today’s weight is still the same. I am glad because I wanted the weight loss to slow down. Its weird how fast that weight drops the first year and it just dwindles down. Thing have been a little crazy lately with the personal life, its amazing how you want to do more, experience new things its all just the emotions that you go through when your body and your confidence goes up. I knew that this was coming and I am trying my best to stay grounded. Well, nothing else much to report so see ya!

August 2, 2004

Wow I got an updated picture posted, I was unable to check my e-mail this weekend, so I got to work and let me tell you, my e-mail was FULL of words of encouragement from other members, it was so nice. Well, lets see what’s new? I have been able to buy most of my clothes in a size 12/14, this weekend we went to an Air force base to do some shopping, well, let me say first, my dad was in the military and when you are a military brat, you tend to do most of your clothes shopping at the PX/BX exchanges and I can remember when I would have to shop for plus size clothes and being young, all of the stuff was way older lady stuff, I would be so upset, but didn’t really choice so, this weekend was the first time ever in my life that I was able to walk into that exchange and pretty much pick out what I wanted, it fit and I spend some money this weekend!! I have one of my new dresses on today and I have gotten so many compliments. It’s just a good day!! I have stayed right at 170/175 weight is flip-flopping, but I am so happy!

August 25, 2004

Wow, another mark to be noticed got my invitation to the ball today. I am of course very excited. I am excited because I had a great time last year and I get to see all the friends that I have met though this journey, to see their progress in person. Can’t wait. I have still stayed at 175, haven’t lost much in the past few months, I like where I am at, would like to get down to 160 but, I am workable. Not much has been going on. Haven’t gotten sick in a while either. Things have been good. I look forward to meeting everyone that has kept up with me. See you then!

September 13, 2004

Well, I am 1 year and 4 months out. I had a great weekend. I found my ball dress in a size 13 and I love it! I am so excited now! Compared to where I was for the ball last year, I think I wore a size 20 or 18. I started aerobics twice a week and I love it! I find myself sweating more then breathing hard like I did when I was heavier when I work out. I walked 2 ½ miles yesterday and I felt so good. I spent the weekend with my mom and she took me to my favorite place in Anniston to eat: Mata’s Greek Pizza! I remember right before my surgery, I had them on my agenda as one of my last foods I will be able to eat, and when I took a bite, it all came to me, that you could have this surgery and still enjoy some of the foods like before, the difference? I only was able to eat ½ a slice where as before, I could of eaten ½ of the WHOLE pizza! I was able to have enough where I was satisfied and enjoyed myself. Anyways, I am excited about the ball, see you all then!

November 8, 2004

Hello all! Well this month will mark me as one year and 6 months out. Boy time does fly huh? I really don’t have too much to report. My weight is 175 (size 12/14). I have been rocking back and forth between 180 and 175. The other day I had a follow up appointment and Dr. Freeman would like to see me down to 160-150. This weight is my original goal but things just are not going that way. My dad finally got a job in San Antonio. I am so excited for him. I went back to help him move down about 2 weeks ago and I realized how much I want to be back home, so with that said, I put the house up for sale yesterday and I am working on looking for a transfer with all that I have. My dad keeps saying which ever comes first, the house selling or me finding a job either way I am out of here. I know how much Alabama has brought to me, but, its time for a change. I don’t know, I have decided that instead of stressing about this to just take it as it comes and deal with it then. So anyways I hope that everyone else is going good. See you all next time!!

March 9, 2005

I didnt realize how long it has been since i last updated. There is not too much to report. I have gone through some major changes this last 6 months or so, i dont want to get into too much details. But my weight has stayed right around 175-177 some days it varies. Dont get me wrong, i would love to see 160 and hopefully i will soon, just gotta get back on track. I am still trying to get back to San Antonio. I miss my family so much and cant wait to make that move. Anyways, see you all later!

May 9, 2005

Wow, 2 years as of today, boy my life sure has changed. My body, my mind, my heart all has gone through some major changes this past year. Things have been extremely hard for me with my family leaving, I have a new relationship in my life and that is what has kept me going. The good thing is that I am going to visit my family at the end of the month. I am so excited. (Can’t wait to fly :-) As far as weight loss, its pretty has much stopped, I weighed last Friday and I am still at 175. I am happy where I am at. There are days where I want to get smaller and then there are days where I am grateful for where I am at. I am so happy that I did this surgery, I think about it everyday, I know that now this is a part of my life and I embrace that. Well, until next time!!

June 7, 2005

For some crazy reason I can not catch a break to save myself. This year has put me through a lot of stress. Let me say first of all stuff that has been going on has nothing to do with the gastric by-pass surgery. I decided to take a trip to Texas to see my family that i have not been able to see for about 6 months now. The night that i left i started having really bad abdominal pain. I called Dr. Freemans nurse and we started treating it like it was gas, well, i get on the plane the next day and i was in some serious pain. I tried to fight it off with the excitement of my family, well, long story short, i went to the ER and found out that i have a large tumor on my left ovary. I will be having surgery this friday June 10. The tumor is about the size of a softball and they will have to take my ovary out. I am scared to death. The funny thing is that it is working out because i will now have the surgery here in texas because they will not clear me to fly which means that my family will be taking care of me. because this tumor is so huge, i will have to be opened. I would much rather have a tummy tuck or go through gastric by pass 10 times over. I will be down for about 6 to 8 weeks. I ask that thoes that keep up with me keep me and my family in your prayers. I have to say a special hello to my cousin Jennifer, thank you so much for being here for me. I love you and your family so much!!!

August 27, 2005
Wow! I have not had much time to be on this site but, i gotta say it seams that word is really getting around about Dr. Freeman because so many new faces have poped up! How wonderful is that?? Okay lets up date: I had my dermoid tumor removed, it was noncancerous-thank GOD! The healing part was rough, but i made it. I have offically moved to Texas! I am so excited! I am in a relationship with someone now that makes me feel so complete. I am so happy finally. I started my new job and things are going pretty well. We are currently looking into getting a house so hopefully things will go well on that part because i finally feel with al the new changes that I am ready to move forward. As far as my gastric by pass things are still pretty well, i am currently weighting 160. I know that i could be less, but, i love where I am at, I am still in a size 14. I finally happy where I am at, i know exactly what size to wear. I still go throught the days where one day i can eat a pretty good amount; then there are other days where i can hardly eat nothing . I got the invitation for the ball and i am sad because i wont be able to attend this year so you ladies and gentleman have a blast for me. Well, i hope that this update finds everyone well. I'll still keep checking in on everyone!!

September 25, 2005
WOW what a week, i just found out that i am 6 weeks PREGNANT!! what a shock, i didnt think that it would happen so quickly with the surgery! I hope and I pray that things go well. so far so good, just some nauseous but nothing too major. I will keep you guys posted,


November 17, 2005

Had my 3 month appointment today, things are going well, the first time i went, i lost 2 pounds and this time i gained 6 pounds so i was worried the first time but i believe that i have made up for it this month, i got to hear my little bambino's heart beat and what a sound! i got butterflies when i first heard it. So things are progressing well. Still no morning sickness, just a lot tiredness and up's and downs but other than that, all is well, i didnt mention on this last e-mail but, i found out that i was pregnant on the 26th and on the 28th, i started having really bad abdominal pains, i thought i was loosing the baby, long story short, it was my appendix!! i had to have emergency surgery!! they said as far as the baby, if anything would have happend it would have