Hi ALL, This is my take on this whole darn 1/50 mortality rate from WLS thing. When you are Obese the statistics say blah blah blah % of Obese die. They say we are lazy that we have low self esteem and that we need to just pull back from the table. So, what do we do? we go on a diet and start to loose weight spend tons of money on the weight loss crap. Then what? We gain it back and then some, they say we did not try hard enough, we have no will power. Ok then we have a more permanent form of weight loss which is what? the surgery and now they say blah blah blah % died due to complications from the surgery. I said all of that to say this, we are in a no WIN situation with the Media and their @#$$%&$!!!! Statistics. I say to hell with them all, because we stand a greater RISK of MORTALITY by being Obese than we do haviing the surgery. Complications arise in every facet of everyday life. There are people who die from a routine exploratory surgery, do we hear about that? No. There are women who die giving birth, there are people who die after having a tooth pulled. But none of these things are broadcast. It is just another way to TRY and I stress TRY and keep the BIG KIDS DOWN!!! But here on OH we got news for them, we are NOT backing down, we say have fun with your statistics and CRAP because we are finally going to do something for US and we are going to stand up for what we believe in. That is why this site is so vital and it is so important to support one another because we have so many odds against us. This is not the worlds fight this is our FIGHT and together if we stand TALL we can win this thing. Good Luck to all of the PRE- OPS and just know that although this is not an easy task you have a lot of support here for you when you cross over. You can email me anytime and I will respond I will even call you if you need to talk. Just no that you are not alone we are here to help. Love ya!!! Adrienne

They will get better, things begin to even out with all the cravings and things for me it was at about 4 months out. Here and there i go crazy. Sometimes I get brave and taste things, sometimes I try and put it out of my mind. You'll find other things to do. Its alot like quitting smoking for me. You need something to do with your time and your hands. I read alot etc. In the beginning though it was hard to figure out what to do. Also now, I still feel that I eat when I'm stressed or whatever but the amount of food is very different and the type of food is different. Also, as soon as I start eating just about right away i get full and that need goes away where before I could eat and eat and eat. Then I would feel worse than I did before I started. Now it just feels like I'm always on the hunt for food. For something I can eat. And everything I put in my mouth has to be good food cuz we don't get to eat very much. Your still pretty new out and I'm 8 months... Just what you get to look forward to... Things get better and you'll be able to eat somewhat normal after a while.. Hope your doing okay..Miki

I hate to repost this but i posted over the weekend and i know alot of people were out shopping the good sales after thanksgiving and seems i only got 2 responses to my prior post i was hoping a repost would get more responses. I do understand times are hard for alot of people this year but those who can contribute even a item thats only a few dollars would be so appreciated by the recipients so heres my repost below: Christmas is approaching and alot of our troops protecting our land and other lands in the world will not be with their familys at christmas i was speaking to my sister and her hubby stationed in iraq mentioned little things they wish they had like games such as monopoly, card games, checkers, chess, game boys to pass their time when not on duty and things like travel size items , grooming kits, and toiletries tins of cookies, beef jerky, candy (not chocolate) always come in handy or anything else people can think of . Im takin collections for the next two weeks and then any items recieved will be shipped via my brother in law who will then pass them out to his troops and other troops in iraq . I understand financial hard times for alot of people including myself my son is 17 and we already decided the cost for shipping once we get some items donated will be great so we are forgoing our christmas and our gift will be to see that our troops know that people care about them not only during the holidays but always . If anyone can contribute by sending a item or help with shipping please email me for my address, items will need to be shipped soon because mail is taking up to 3 weeks to arrive in iraq even tho i know some of these items may not arrive in time for xmas they could use these anytime and i will send the 1st shipment out as soon as i get them in hopes some items arrive before xmas. Also letters or cards are appreciated .Thanks to all and please keep your thoughts with the men and women protecting us.

I'm at my 2 year anniversary since surgery. Had a open RNY (short) with Dr. LePort in Fountain Valley California. I've never felt better and have experienced NO problems from the surgery. My experience with the WLS and Dr. LePort was so trouble-free, I'd repeat it again in a heartbeat. I hope to again attend the Sat. support meetings in Fairbanks soon as time permits. Weight loss to date is at goal and so far stable - plus/minus 5 pounds over the last 9 months. ALways room for more weight loss, but if none I'm happy where I'm at, healthy and tests are fine. Dave Erickson

I am trying to see if I can see my picture here. Good to see so many people on this site. Judy