New Member

[Guest guest]

, Zayne's pinna is significant atretic, with grade 3 atresia

bilaterally. What does that mean? Our Dr. said a CT scan would be

unnecessary radiation. And that it should be left up to Zayne when he

is 18 to decide if he wants his ear canals opened or not depending on

a CT. Dr. said it is a very risky surgery, and could damage nerves or

what Zayne does have. Am I getting the right information from our

Dr.

Thanks

and Zayne

hi shelly

zayne waiting till 18 to have surgery and with great damage to nerves may not be the right information.

if you wanted zayne to have atresia repair, you could investigate whether he's a good candidate at age 6.

giving him normal hearing (if he can get it) is like surgery to take 2 thumbs out of your ears (shortened atretic canals don't lead to eardrums).

i think it's a nice gift to give him, and there's not a risk to the facial nerve in the hands of the right surgeon (experienced, ) and no need to lose hearing for 12 more years...

jack

[Guest guest]

<< At this point I don't want Zayne's ears

reconstructed, because that is Zayne. His ears are a part of him. Is

that wrong to think that? >>

NOT at all . Brayden has grade III Microtia and I battle with this

too. It will be bittersweet when it comes time for surgery. I'll miss his

" magic ear " , as my other 2 boys have named Brayden's Microtia ear.

Autumn

[Guest guest]

On a side note, how my poor

> husband put up with me during that time is beyond me! HE deserves a

> medal!!! LOL

Haha! I know what you mean. My husband has been awesome! Now I'm

helping him by doing lots of research on microtia and atresia.

When you

> stop to think about it, you will realize that you do indeed, have

the

> most perfect child in the world!

I agree! Miles is wonderful!

Thanks for the nice email.

& Miles

[Guest guest]

But I agree with Jack (again?? can

you believe it??

whaaaaat? hell's about to freeze over!!! lol!

jack

[Guest guest]

> the Dr. says other wise. At this point I don't want Zayne's ears

> reconstructed, because that is Zayne. His ears are a part of him. Is

> that wrong to think that?

Absolutely not. We have also opted not to have any reconstruction for

at this time (He is 7 years old, bilateral Atresia, and bilateral Grade II

Microtia). As I have said on this list before, every situation is

different. Even if the condition of two children's ears are identical, the

families/opinions/decisions may be different. Reconstruction isn't really

an issue until the age of 6 anyway. So for now, educate yourself about all

the options. Let Zayne grow up, and knowing the options, and knowing Zayne,

you will make the best decision for Zayne, you and your family.

What you feel in your gut/heart is never " wrong " . Right now, Zayne is as he

is, and you obviously love him and everything about him (and you should!).

With a loving Mother who is educating herself about all the future

options....what else could a boy ask for?

Steve

[Guest guest]

> , Zayne's pinna is significant atretic, with grade 3 atresia

> bilaterally. What does that mean?

Aural Atresia refers to the absence of an ear canal.

Microtia refers to the underdevelopment of the outer ear (I believe the

pinna is part of the outer ear). Usually the grading scheme refers to how

underdeveloped the outer ear is. Grade 1 is the mildest form (Ears are

smaller than they should be, ~1/2 - 2/3 size), Grade 3 Microtia shows only

small " nubs " . Anotia is the complete absence of any outer ear.

You can see examples at http://www.microtia.net/english/Classification.htm

The description you gave is a little confusing. The pinna is usually

associated with the grading scheme, and the Atresia is either there or it

isn't. I believe if the canal is narrower than it should be, but still

present it is called stenosis.

> Our Dr. said a CT scan would be

> unnecessary radiation.

Our Dr. cautioned us on this point as well. They basically said, there is

no need for a CT scan, until you are willing to do something with the

results (i.e reconstructive surgery). They also said, the older/bigger he

is when he gets the CT scan, the clearer the results will be. In addition,

if the child is old enough to understand, they can lie still for the scan,

and they don't need to be sedated.

Of course if there are some problems (ear infections, pain in the ears etc),

there may be other reasons to get a CT scan.

> And that it should be left up to Zayne when he

> is 18 to decide if he wants his ear canals opened or not depending on

> a CT.

18 may be a little long to wait, but really, the decision can be made at any

time. There are people on this list getting reconstruction, and I believe

they are older than 18....right ?

> Dr. said it is a very risky surgery, and could damage nerves or

> what Zayne does have. Am I getting the right information from our

> Dr.

There are always risks..in any surgery. But I agree with Jack (again?? can

you believe it?? ) with an experienced Dr, these risks are minimal. As

for the nerve damage, the CT scan can often locate the facial nerve so it is

avoided during surgery. In addition, they have some sort of " nerve

monitors " during surgery, so if the surgeon gets close to it, they get a

" beep beep beep " before they do any damage.

Steve

[Guest guest]

Welcome Suzanne and ! Could you share how you came to the decision to

have surgery done with Dr. Brent? Did you see other doctors or consider

other options? I still have a while to make the decision (my son is 21

months) but I always like to hear from those that have already gone through

the surgeries and made decisions. There is so much to learn from others here.

Thanks Autumn

[Guest guest]

I am new to the group. My name is Suzanne and my son was

born with microtia. He has just completed his fourth surgery with

Dr. Brent and we are very pleased with the results. If I can help

anyone with any questions about the surgeries, Dr. Brent, staying in

CA, etc., please feel free to ask.

Suzanne and

hi suzanne!

is andrew a candidate for atresia repair?

[Guest guest]

Welcome Suzanne! is 5.5 months and has bilateral microtia/atresia. I know your advice/opinions will be invaluable to all of us!

Christie and

-----Original Message-----From: suzeteach Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2002 3:04 PMTo: AtresiaMicrotia Subject: new memberHi everyone!I am new to the group. My name is Suzanne and my son was born with microtia. He has just completed his fourth surgery with Dr. Brent and we are very pleased with the results. If I can help anyone with any questions about the surgeries, Dr. Brent, staying in CA, etc., please feel free to ask. Suzanne and

[Guest guest]

---

Welcome to the group! I just joined this board as well. My son

Brennen was born February 7th, and was diagnosed on July 16th...I

don't know why it took them so long to notice it. It was evident from

birth. I'm so happy to hear that your son's surgeries have gone so

well! Congratulations!

Crystal & Brennen

In AtresiaMicrotia@y..., " suzeteach " wrote:

> Hi everyone!

>

> I am new to the group. My name is Suzanne and my son was

> born with microtia. He has just completed his fourth surgery with

> Dr. Brent and we are very pleased with the results. If I can help

> anyone with any questions about the surgeries, Dr. Brent, staying

in

> CA, etc., please feel free to ask.

>

> Suzanne and

[Guest guest]

Jack, I know you check this web site, and although we have only

spoken once, I have thought of you and your family and have prayed

that they are safe over there in Israel. I look forward to meeting

you in October.

ahh, thank u lori,

they are happy and healthy,

raising families and doing graduate degrees

in business after having been ordained.

unfortunately, the society is under siege. we used to frequent sbarros until the terrorists killed 15 diners, and maimed about 40 more. the store where they buy baby shoes was blown up killing yet more, and scores are injured or dead where we all used to hang out and have dinner at cafe rimon, and their fruit market was bombed a couple of months ago...as was their parking lot (they live near a UN complex)

life as we knew it there has changed.

my kids are committed to the right of israels jews to live in 1% of the mideast landmass. others are committed to not letting this ever happen...it's a war of attrition, a war of nerves... we are parents, and worry all the time over the big stuff, like all of you..i'd like them to live next door to me...

your prayers are appreciated, and crucial to the well-being of my family and the state, and i am moved and gratified that you offer them.

jack

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori, welcome to the friendliest place on the web! My son, (5.5 months) also has bilateral microtia/atresia and has been wearing a BCHA for a little over a month. I'm glad to hear that 's speach is developing well. I was just wondering tonight about . He still is not bearing any weight on his legs, and I would think by now he would be. He's not rolling over either, but the dr. is not worried as he is such a big boy (22 lbs., 28"). He said he will just reach milestones later than average. But, like I said, I would think he should be putting some weight on those chunky legs of his!

Did you automatically have start speech therapy? Or was there a little delay so you started going? I've just been wondering if this is an automatic thing we will be doing, or it we'll wait and see. What age did start speech therapy?

Again, welcome, and hugs...I also became pretty frightened when I first found this group and could only read so much, then I'd have to take a week or so "off", but now I love all of the knowledge I get from here and truly believe that my knowledge will be ' power someday!

Christie

-----Original Message-----From: lori0604 Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2002 8:58 PMTo: AtresiaMicrotia Subject: New MemberHello everyone,Although my daugher is 13 months old and has bilateral atresia microtia, I have just found out about this site. I have been reading through the messages (and archives) and I have found it both comforting and frightening. I have realized how much I still need to learn. wears a bone conducting hearing aid and does pretty well with it as she also gets speech therapy once a week. Her speech is developing almost age appropriately. She now gets physical therapy once a week as her gross motor skills are delayed (she is just starting to (almost) crawl, more like dragging on her belly and she has yet to actually bear weight on her legs). Her fine motor skills are excellent. She is just a wonderful beautiful happy little girl and brings such joy to our lives. I was wondering if you have had similar experiences with your children (or yourselves?) having a delay in gross motor skills and no explanation? The doctors do not think there is anything physically wrong. Also, I was wondering if any of you are located in New Jersey? I'm in central New Jersey. Jack, I know you check this web site, and although we have only spoken once, I have thought of you and your family and have prayed that they are safe over there in Israel. I look forward to meeting you in October.Best regards,Lorimother of 1 (bilateral atresia mictrotia) and 4 ("perfect" ears)

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks for responding so quickly. There is a Federal Program called

Early Intervention for all children under three that have some type

of disability or developmental delay. It varies from state to state

as to exactly what programs they have. was evaluated at 3

months of age and was not entered, but they informed me that they

would be back in three months. When she was evaluated again at 6

months, they informed me that was automatically eligible

because she wears a hearing aid. Early Intervention approved her for

once a month " monitoring " , however, when the actual speech therapist

from the speech school contacted me, they informed me that they

prefer to come once a week, otherwise would not know them and

it would be like starting over everytime. Which makes a lot of

sense. So, since was 6 months old, a speech therapist has

been coming for one hour a week to my home and it has been

wonderful. I try to carry over all her ideas during the week and

work with as much as possible. It's all fun as it is pretty

much just playing games. I think it has helped her alot.

I too have had concerns of not bearing weight on her legs and

she was getting once a month physical therapy monitoring, and I would

work with here during the month, however, since she is now 13 months,

we agreed that once a week would be better. That actually starts this

week. has always had delays, in turning over, sitting. I know

will be able to walk, I just think she needs some help. I

guess there is a relationship between the atresia/microtia and

delayed development.

Thanks for welcoming me and I look forward to talking to you again.

Best regards,

Lori

> Hi Lori, welcome to the friendliest place on the web! My son,

(5.5

> months) also has bilateral microtia/atresia and has been wearing a

BCHA for

> a little over a month. I'm glad to hear that 's speach is

developing

> well. I was just wondering tonight about . He still is

not bearing

> any weight on his legs, and I would think by now he would be. He's

not

> rolling over either, but the dr. is not worried as he is such a big

boy (22

> lbs., 28 " ). He said he will just reach milestones later than

average. But,

> like I said, I would think he should be putting some weight on

those chunky

> legs of his!

>

> Did you automatically have start speech therapy? Or was

there a

> little delay so you started going? I've just been wondering if

this is an

> automatic thing we will be doing, or it we'll wait and see. What

age did

> start speech therapy?

>

> Again, welcome, and hugs...I also became pretty frightened when I

first

> found this group and could only read so much, then I'd have to take

a week

> or so " off " , but now I love all of the knowledge I get from here

and truly

> believe that my knowledge will be ' power someday!

>

> Christie

> New Member

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> Although my daugher is 13 months old and has bilateral atresia

> microtia, I have just found out about this site. I have been

reading

> through the messages (and archives) and I have found it both

> comforting and frightening. I have realized how much I still need

to

> learn. wears a bone conducting hearing aid and does

pretty

> well with it as she also gets speech therapy once a week. Her

speech

> is developing almost age appropriately. She now gets physical

> therapy once a week as her gross motor skills are delayed (she is

> just starting to (almost) crawl, more like dragging on her belly

and

> she has yet to actually bear weight on her legs). Her fine motor

> skills are excellent. She is just a wonderful beautiful happy

little

> girl and brings such joy to our lives.

>

> I was wondering if you have had similar experiences with your

> children (or yourselves?) having a delay in gross motor skills

and no

> explanation? The doctors do not think there is anything

physically

> wrong.

>

> Also, I was wondering if any of you are located in New Jersey?

I'm

> in central New Jersey.

>

> Jack, I know you check this web site, and although we have only

> spoken once, I have thought of you and your family and have prayed

> that they are safe over there in Israel. I look forward to

meeting

> you in October.

>

> Best regards,

> Lori

> mother of 1 (bilateral atresia mictrotia) and 4

( " perfect "

> ears)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lori,

Welcome to the group!!. There is so much knowledge and support here, it

will astound you. Any questions you have, someone will usually have the

answer to.

I just wanted to answer one of your questions...

I live in central New Jersey, Brick to be exact.

Where are you from?

My son Evan, who is 10, also has bilateral microtia and atresia. We

utilized the Early Intervention Program as well (in Neptune) and it was

an absolute Godsend for Evan. Thanks to all the work they did with him

and the things they taught me to do at home, he never had a speech

delay. Evan was mainstreamed into public school in first grade and is

doing very well. He is a secure, well-liked, well-adjusted kid and I am

so very proud of him!

Hope to hear from you soon,

Lynne Bogner

(I also have a , 7!!)

lori0604 wrote:

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> Although my daugher is 13 months old and has bilateral atresia

> microtia, I have just found out about this site. I have been reading

> through the messages (and archives) and I have found it both

> comforting and frightening. I have realized how much I still need to

> learn. wears a bone conducting hearing aid and does pretty

> well with it as she also gets speech therapy once a week. Her speech

> is developing almost age appropriately. She now gets physical

> therapy once a week as her gross motor skills are delayed (she is

> just starting to (almost) crawl, more like dragging on her belly and

> she has yet to actually bear weight on her legs). Her fine motor

> skills are excellent. She is just a wonderful beautiful happy little

> girl and brings such joy to our lives.

>

> I was wondering if you have had similar experiences with your

> children (or yourselves?) having a delay in gross motor skills and no

> explanation? The doctors do not think there is anything physically

> wrong.

>

> Also, I was wondering if any of you are located in New Jersey? I'm

> in central New Jersey.

>

> Jack, I know you check this web site, and although we have only

> spoken once, I have thought of you and your family and have prayed

> that they are safe over there in Israel. I look forward to meeting

> you in October.

>

> Best regards,

> Lori

> mother of 1 (bilateral atresia mictrotia) and 4 ( " perfect "

> ears)

>

>

[Guest guest]

I also have enrolled in the early intervention program and we've been going to "class" once a week. They also told me that with his hearing loss he automatically qualified. I guess I'm just wondering if I should pursue a private speech therapist. The early intervention program is wonderful, and they actually have someone coming out once a week (besides the class once a week) that specifically works with hearing impaired children. I know our insurance pays 100% for speech therapy since my older son is taking it. I guess I'll wait to see how progresses with the help he's already getting. His class is today and they always have an Occupational Therapist there, so I'll ask her about him not putting weight on his legs yet.

Thanks,

Christie

New Member> > > Hello everyone,> > Although my daugher is 13 months old and has bilateral atresia> microtia, I have just found out about this site. I have been reading> through the messages (and archives) and I have found it both> comforting and frightening. I have realized how much I still need to> learn. wears a bone conducting hearing aid and does pretty> well with it as she also gets speech therapy once a week. Her speech> is developing almost age appropriately. She now gets physical> therapy once a week as her gross motor skills are delayed (she is> just starting to (almost) crawl, more like dragging on her belly and> she has yet to actually bear weight on her legs). Her fine motor> skills are excellent. She is just a wonderful beautiful happy little> girl and brings such joy to our lives.> > I was wondering if you have had similar experiences with your> children (or yourselves?) having a delay in gross motor skills and no> explanation? The doctors do not think there is anything physically> wrong.> > Also, I was wondering if any of you are located in New Jersey? I'm> in central New Jersey.> > Jack, I know you check this web site, and although we have only> spoken once, I have thought of you and your family and have prayed> that they are safe over there in Israel. I look forward to meeting> you in October.> > Best regards,> Lori> mother of 1 (bilateral atresia mictrotia) and 4 ("perfect"> ears)> > > >

[Guest guest]

---

Welcome to the board, Lori, and congrats on your children! This is a

great board. My son Brennen is five months old and he was just

diagnosed with Unilateral right-side Microtia/Atresia. He just had a

cat scan done this past Monday. I agree with you, the info I have

found, is both comforting and scary. This group helps a lot though.

I know that I will need everyone here in the years to come before my

son can have surgery, if indeed he is a candidate for it, and I know

they'll always be here for me with answers to my questions =)

WElcome!

Crystal

Brennen 02/07/02

In AtresiaMicrotia@y..., " lori0604 " wrote:

> Hello everyone,

>

> Although my daugher is 13 months old and has bilateral atresia

> microtia, I have just found out about this site. I have been

reading

> through the messages (and archives) and I have found it both

> comforting and frightening. I have realized how much I still need

to

> learn. wears a bone conducting hearing aid and does pretty

> well with it as she also gets speech therapy once a week. Her

speech

> is developing almost age appropriately. She now gets physical

> therapy once a week as her gross motor skills are delayed (she is

> just starting to (almost) crawl, more like dragging on her belly

and

> she has yet to actually bear weight on her legs). Her fine motor

> skills are excellent. She is just a wonderful beautiful happy

little

> girl and brings such joy to our lives.

>

> I was wondering if you have had similar experiences with your

> children (or yourselves?) having a delay in gross motor skills and

no

> explanation? The doctors do not think there is anything physically

> wrong.

>

> Also, I was wondering if any of you are located in New Jersey? I'm

> in central New Jersey.

>

> Jack, I know you check this web site, and although we have only

> spoken once, I have thought of you and your family and have prayed

> that they are safe over there in Israel. I look forward to meeting

> you in October.

>

> Best regards,

> Lori

> mother of 1 (bilateral atresia mictrotia) and 4

( " perfect "

> ears)

[Guest guest]

Hello, Thanks again for the welcome.

I live in Hillsborough, probably about an hour from you. Maybe we

should start a local support group? I'm so glad for the conference

in NYC with Dr. Brent and Dr. J, even though nothing is going to be

done for 5 years (!) at least I'll get to meet you and other members

of this site. I was so disappointed last year when it was cancelled.

I'm so glad to hear that Evan is doing so well. Since Evan's was

bilateral, how did you get him to keep his hearing aid on?

loves to take it off and nibble on it or put it around her foot.

Loves to rub food in it. I feel like my biggest challenge right now

is to keep it on her head. Does Evan still wear a hearing aid, or

was the surgery sucessful and he doesn't need to?

Lori

> >

> > Hello everyone,

> >

> > Although my daugher is 13 months old and has bilateral atresia

> > microtia, I have just found out about this site. I have been

reading

> > through the messages (and archives) and I have found it both

> > comforting and frightening. I have realized how much I still need

to

> > learn. wears a bone conducting hearing aid and does

pretty

> > well with it as she also gets speech therapy once a week. Her

speech

> > is developing almost age appropriately. She now gets physical

> > therapy once a week as her gross motor skills are delayed (she is

> > just starting to (almost) crawl, more like dragging on her belly

and

> > she has yet to actually bear weight on her legs). Her fine motor

> > skills are excellent. She is just a wonderful beautiful happy

little

> > girl and brings such joy to our lives.

> >

> > I was wondering if you have had similar experiences with your

> > children (or yourselves?) having a delay in gross motor skills

and no

> > explanation? The doctors do not think there is anything

physically

> > wrong.

> >

> > Also, I was wondering if any of you are located in New Jersey?

I'm

> > in central New Jersey.

> >

> > Jack, I know you check this web site, and although we have only

> > spoken once, I have thought of you and your family and have prayed

> > that they are safe over there in Israel. I look forward to

meeting

> > you in October.

> >

> > Best regards,

> > Lori

> > mother of 1 (bilateral atresia mictrotia) and 4

( " perfect "

> > ears)

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori,

I live in Livingston, NJ. My son Blaise who is two and a half has bilateral microtia and atresia too. Blaise gets speech therapy twice a week and oral motor therapy one half hour a week through early intervention.

We are also enrolled in the Summit Speech School in New Providence. They are known for their success in teaching hearing impaired children to speak. It is a preschool program that has a very high success rate in having their students transition into mainstream programs in kindergarten and first grade. They also have an parent/infant/toddler program for two hours a week. I have found it to be a wonderful place both for me and Blaise.

If interested, you should check with your county case worker regarding placement for . I know children come from all over the state. Many even an hour away. As it stands now, Blaise is the only child their with microtia/atresia.

Hillary

New Member

Hello everyone,Although my daugher is 13 months old and has bilateral atresia microtia, I have just found out about this site. I have been reading through the messages (and archives) and I have found it both comforting and frightening. I have realized how much I still need to learn. wears a bone conducting hearing aid and does pretty well with it as she also gets speech therapy once a week. Her speech is developing almost age appropriately. She now gets physical therapy once a week as her gross motor skills are delayed (she is just starting to (almost) crawl, more like dragging on her belly and she has yet to actually bear weight on her legs). Her fine motor skills are excellent. She is just a wonderful beautiful happy little girl and brings such joy to our lives. I was wondering if you have had similar experiences with your children (or yourselves?) having a delay in gross motor skills and no explanation? The doctors do not think there is anything physically wrong. Also, I was wondering if any of you are located in New Jersey? I'm in central New Jersey. Jack, I know you check this web site, and although we have only spoken once, I have thought of you and your family and have prayed that they are safe over there in Israel. I look forward to meeting you in October.Best regards,Lorimother of 1 (bilateral atresia mictrotia) and 4 ("perfect" ears)

[Guest guest]

HI and Welcome to the group Betsy!!! CONGRATULATIONS on your losses so far!!!!!

That is AWESOME!!!!

My name is Maureen. I am in Texas, but originally form LaFayette, NY. I

started at 225 and am at 165 right now. I am married to the love of my life for

13 years and we have 3 children.

We have a great bunch of losers with tons of support, encouragement, and advice

to help you along your way! Be sure to check out our Files, Database, and

Bookmarks for great tools and information. Ask any questions and post often!

Maureen

[Guest guest]

Welcome Betsy!!!!! This is an awesome group. We have very close stats. I started

at 319 and am in the 260 now. This group will really support you. Look forward

to getting to know you.

Zephyr

New Member

Hi My name is Betsy and I am from Buffalo, NY. I have over 140 pounds to lose.

My highest weight was 324 and I am down to 265 but now at a plateau. I am

getting discouraged but try to take one day at a time. I know I did not put on

this weight overnight and I also know it will not come off overnight.

I look forward to meeting and getting great information from this group. I

also hope to offer ideas and share tips.

Betsy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

" The principle of competing is against yourself. It's about

self-improvement, about being better than you were

the day before. " — Steve Young

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[Guest guest]

Welcome Betsy! I look forward to getting to know you. My name is

Riza (pronounced reee-zaah), 29years old and live in SAcramento

California. I'm married, no kids, and work full time (or as my

friends say, we are DINKS--Dual Income, No Kids)at the Univ. of CA

and have been OP since FEB. You will LOVE it here!

-riza

ps. I like your sig. Since I am a Nor-Cal girl, the 49ers are my

team and Steve Young is one of my all time favorites.

wwliterside@y..., " Betsy Manning " wrote:

> Hi My name is Betsy and I am from Buffalo, NY. I have over 140

pounds to lose. My highest weight was 324 and I am down to 265 but

now at a plateau. I am getting discouraged but try to take one day at

a time. I know I did not put on this weight overnight and I also know

it will not come off overnight.

>

> I look forward to meeting and getting great information from this

group. I also hope to offer ideas and share tips.

>

> Betsy

> ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

> " The principle of competing is against yourself. It's about

> self-improvement, about being better than you were

> the day before. " †" Steve Young

> ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Betsy- Welcome! My name is Caren, 37, from Omaha, Ne. Married to

Jim for 17 yrs, 4 kids(15,13,10 and 3)-2 girls, 2 boys. I am a SAHM

(stay at home mom) I have been OP since July 2001, down 47 lbs. I

have about 40-45 more to go!! Glad you've joined us, you'll have a

good time here and get lots of support! post often:)

Caren

><(((*>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Betsy! This is a wonderful group for support and encouragement in your

weight loss journey. Post often as I look forward to getting to know you.

(39, working mother of 4-year-old , live in western NC w/ daughter and hubby

- Kevan)

|--------+----------------------->

| | " Betsy |

| | Manning " |

| |

5@...> |

| | |

| | 08/22/2002 |

| | 06:11 PM |

| | Please |

| | respond to |

| | wwliterside |

| | |

|--------+----------------------->

>-----------------------------------------------------------|

| |

| To: " literside " wwliterside > |

| cc: (bcc: -C /BRE/AGFA/US/BAYER) |

| Subject: New Member |

>-----------------------------------------------------------|

Hi My name is Betsy and I am from Buffalo, NY. I have over 140 pounds to lose.

My highest weight was 324 and I am down to 265 but now at a plateau. I am

getting discouraged but try to take one day at a time. I know I did not put on

this weight overnight and I also know it will not come off overnight.

I look forward to meeting and getting great information from this group. I also

hope to offer ideas and share tips.

Betsy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

" The principle of competing is against yourself. It's about

self-improvement, about being better than you were

the day before. " ??Steve Young

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[Guest guest]

Hi Caren:

Congrats on your 47 lb weight loss. Reading posts like these give me

inspiration. Keep up the great work! Nice to meet you and by reading your post

it looks like you are pretty busy

Betsy

Re: New Member

Hi Betsy- Welcome! My name is Caren, 37, from Omaha, Ne. Married to

Jim for 17 yrs, 4 kids(15,13,10 and 3)-2 girls, 2 boys. I am a SAHM

(stay at home mom) I have been OP since July 2001, down 47 lbs. I

have about 40-45 more to go!! Glad you've joined us, you'll have a

good time here and get lots of support! post often:)

Caren

><(((*>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the welcome Riza. As for the signature a friend of mine gave me that

when I started back in school. She said this was what I needed to do. It has

turned out to be my favorite quote and its a good one. Glad you like it.

Betsy

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

" The principle of competing is against yourself.

It's about self-improvement, about being better

than you were the day before. Steve Young

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Re: New Member

Welcome Betsy! I look forward to getting to know you. My name is

Riza (pronounced reee-zaah), 29years old and live in SAcramento

California. I'm married, no kids, and work full time (or as my

friends say, we are DINKS--Dual Income, No Kids)at the Univ. of CA

and have been OP since FEB. You will LOVE it here!

-riza

ps. I like your sig. Since I am a Nor-Cal girl, the 49ers are my

team and Steve Young is one of my all time favorites.