Saying goodbye to old friends

I posted this today on the DS board, but the California board was my first home here on OH and I was here nearly every day for many years. So I want some of you to know whats going on with me. Last week I said good bye to my only daughter who went east for college. I won't see her again until Dec 23. This has been hard for me.  But next week I am facing what could be the hardest separation yet.  I am going to be saying good bye to some of my very dearest and best friends. They have comforted me through hardships and happiness. They have helped me happily bind family and friends on special occasions. Everyday they brought my family together for a quiet time of conversation. I have sometimes leaned too heavily on them to sooth, relax, and even to cheer me up. Some of these friends, I won't be seeing for months, for years or maybe never again. How did I ever get to where foods are my best friends?  Every day I realize a few more favorites that I will have to banish from my life for a long time. I keep telling myself that I will have to take each day a it comes and will have to find a very different support group. Thank goodness for you all here at OH. These old friends of mine probably did more harm than good in the long run. Not just my obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and joint damage, but also low self esteem and frustration.
    Wish me luck in saying goodbye to my food friends. I used them badly and just hope we can reconcile some day in the future. I guess I am being overly dramatic but Is it going to be as hard as I anticipate? I hope not.

Gail,

You can be as dramatic as you want.  You've earned that right.  I don't know of anyone who has fought so hard to have WLS as you have done all these years.  And now your time is finally here.  You have much to teach those who come after you about patience and not giving up when something you want is within your grasp.  You are a true inspiration.

I will keep you in my thoughts for a speedy, uneventful surgery and a quicker recovery so that you can get on with your new life and make new friends and reaquaint yourself with the old ones down the line, but on your terms this time.

I hope someone will come over here and let us know when you are out of surgery.  Good luck dear lady.  You will for sure be a WLS success story.

Regards,
Stephanie

Thank you Stephanie, It means a lot to have you be the first to respond. You, in turn, have been a great inspiration and wonderful example of how to make this tool really work for us. I appreciate your well wishes.

Hey girlie!

I took the liberty of speaking up for you and Luana when Gail came back to the board.  I told her you guys were in Sin City but I knew you would both be so happy she came back.  Then I forgotto tell ya!  Oops!  Sorry!

Love ya!!

P.S.  I am in a motel in the middle of the night tonite.  It is just me and my sweety, no kids and no dogs.  I am sooooooo happy right now!!!

jillie

 

Hey Jillie,

Thanks for having our backs as they say.  Whoever they are.  LOL  Hope you thoroughly enjoyed your kidless, dogless evening.  Mike and I are leaving for Boston in a few hours.  Can't wait to get away.

Talk to you soon.

Steph

Gail, it's good that you are 'mourning' the food friends now, rather than after surgery. You will do great. You have been down the long, dark tunnel, but now there is light at the end of it. Just know you can come here for the love and support that you need. I know it will be hard to be so far from your daughter, but just think of the progress she'll see in you when she comes home for Christmas. Sending you big, big hugs hun. XOXOXO

What you say is absolutely true! I want her to know the healthy happy me that I used to be. ( I am also looking forward to borrowing from her extensive wardrobe that I financed) Hugs back to you too!

Nothing but the best of love and luck to you.  You have waited and prepared for this moment for such a long time, it is no wonder you haave such trepidation.  I wish I could take all your worries away for you, I would if I could. 

Please make sure someone posts of calls me 805-423-8783 when you are on your way to recovery.

Deb Stome showed up out of the blue posting this p.m.  She got married and HAD A BABY!!!!  I am so happy for her.  I knew you would be too!

jillie

Yes Jill, I have had WAY too long to worry about this.   I should have had this surgery 10 years ago when I first started searching!  Judy S (had-enuf) is my anger and I am going to ask her to post on both boards. I am keeping your phone number though because I would love to talk to you when I have the time. (during recovery at home)
I am going to go search out Deb's post. How wonderful for her. I remember that she had a great guy in her life. wonderful news for her and her little girl.

Gail,
I am so happy for you! My sister and I often speak of you, thinking your date is any time now
I know you will miss your daughter, but each of you will grow closer through this separation.
The food, well, it is a battle! A BATTLE I KNOW YOU WILL WIN! Maybe not every moment but the majority of the time.
I am so happy for you!
Moving over and making room for you on the bench. Hey who's getting the balloons for Gail?
Gail may your surgery be very successful and may your recovery and new life be healthy and tremendously happy!
woo hooLynnie