Passsing of a WLS friend...

Almost two weeks ago, a friend from our local support group passed away as a result of his weight loss surgery. His wife is just 4 months post-op herself and so they were looking forward to being healthy together. They are relatively young with just 3 small children. He was/is an amazingly "Christian" man and has served in the Navy; keeping that sense of service to community and country. He was a great Dad, husband and person. His lap Rny went bad when a leak was undetected which lead to a hospital contracted flesh eating bacteria. ..... I had been Diana's (his wife) angel for her surgery and so when things started going badly at the hospital, she called me to come over. My hubby and returned missioanry son quickly put on their white shirts and ties and went with me to give him a blessing (Diana had requested a "Mormon prayer"). She and her husband are Catholic. My husband and I were with her at the hospital for the last 2 days of her husband's life. We drove her to another hospital when they air evaced her hubby to a specialty hospital. ....I was her make shift visiting teacher, friend and R.S. Pres. all rolled into one. Her family came in from all over for the funeral but she asked me spontaneously to speak at the viewing. ..... I panicked but said a little prayer on my way up to the microphone. I basically gave a little talk on the plan of Salvation. All the Catholic relatives who were dressed in black and very traditional told me that my "talk" was just perfect! ....goes to show that the truth lies with our spirits and is reoognized as they hear it. It's been an exhausting 2 weeks. Weight Loss Surgery does have a risk.....as does any surgery. Our support group has been rattled a bit and the poor pre-ops who had surgery immediately following this death were very unsettled. But, it is a risk that we all realize exists but take a leap of faith for a better life. I'm 3 plus years post-op and have about 3 surgeries in front of me this year. One is in just 6 weeks so I am having a little pannick! ...And, I just found out this week that I may need a revision. I work for a lapband doc and will have him do it.....even though I've had an Rny with another surgeon.....Anyway, I'm babbling..... I'm just feeling a bit melancholy. ..... grateful for health and grateful for the Gospel but anxious none theless!. I haven't been here to read posts for a while. There have been some sobering experiences shared by some of you. .... I pray that you all will find peace and be guided in your decisions. Hugggz to all, Joyce in az

Joyce, I'm the new girl on the block, but you obviously have done the right things in dealing with this tragic situation. I have seen some wonderful examples of gospil teachings to groups of non-LDS folks through the simple prayers that members were ask to give where groups were gathered that were not LDS. You took the opportunity to use the spirit to bring comfort to this man's family, and did it in a proper manner. And a big Amen "goes to show that the truth lies with our spirits and is reoognized as they hear it." I had a mission president that said "you could pack a lot of gospel teachings into one simple prayer". So good that you were willing to give the prayer, knowing that you were not of their faith. Some would have hesitated, you did the best thing by doing so. As you said, we sure do take a leap of faith on this one. I have weighed the good and the bad, and still keep thinking I need this extra help on the weight issue and for my health. There are still things I need to be able to do with improved health and mobility. I find it admirable the way you have dealt with a very difficult time in this couples life, as well as the way you are coping with your own issues. I pray that you will CONTINUE to have the spirit with you, Linda in Texas

Joyce, what a wonderful missionary experience you were blessed to be part of. Obviously you live your life in such a way that you exude a spirit of the gospel about you that people might not understand but they know they like it and want your strength and your testimony to see them through tough times. I'm sorry that you lost a friend but am proud of you for "being There" spiritually as well as physically for that family. Isn't it wonderful that your husband has the power to give those "mormon blessings". Melody

Joyce, I am sorry for your loss and also for your friends families loss. I will keep you in my prayers. I lost my brotherinlaw in a plane crash 3 weeks ago so I know what you are going through. I have had a tough time dealing with it and it is only through the gospel that I have found dome solace. Love Lynn

Wow, Yes that is unsettling for recent post-ops too. Good for you for bring there for them. How are you suppsed to know if you have a leak? Barbara Vanoucer WA