Congratulations on your approval. This is certainly a life changing operation. I know that I would do it again in a heart beat. My surgery was March 8, 2004 and as of yesterday I've lost 122#. I weigh less now than when I was in the 7th grade. What's new with me today? I was the room mother for my daughter's kindergarten easter party. (Spring break started today after school) There are 33 children in her kindergarten class and we painted hard boiled eggs. It went well and all had fun. No disasters even so I consider that a success. Come back often and chat with us. Melody

Here is a copy of a post that I posted on the Over 50 Forum (No I'm not over 50). Because I'm in kind of an off mood and not to interested in posting today I'm going to just cut and paste it. I might post more later. I'm just extremely tired and wore out today. Here goes it..... Update on my dad....I just talked to my mom more "in depth" 'than what I did last night. What a fiascal yesterday was. My poor dad. It sounds like he has been having these "uncontrollable" moments for a little while. Has even contacted his insurance agent to increase his life insurance. Failed tell my mom and so forth. He installs satillites for customers. My dad goes to a friends house he hasn't seen a while looks at some rocks and leaves on his lunch. Goes to the customers house. He then starts having uncontrollable head and arm movements. I guess his head was bobbing all over the place. He calls my mom and tells her and she then asks to speak to the lady (customer). I guess this lady was freeking out. And my dad was refusiing to let her call 911. Then my mom told her to call 911 and not let him leave on his own. My mom couldn't figure out what all the commotion was and why this lady was so hysterical. But as she said "as a nurse you know some people deal with stuff like this different ways and she has learned that over the last 30 yrs". Well, come to find out. This ladies father in law died in the middle of the night - in the house that my dad was at. And the coroner hadn't arrived yet. NO FREEKING WONDER she was freeking out. Poor thing. First her FIL dies and then my dad comes along having what appears to be a seizure. Well, the dr. doesn't think it was a "classic" seizure and isnt' sure why or what is causinig it. He sees neurologist Friday morning. My dad is very scared to say the least. He has told my mom 4-5 times since last night that he wants to go see his insurance agent today and increase his life insurance and they are not to say anything to Jon (insurance guy) about what happened yesterday. He is doing okay. Very weak and very tired and mostly scared. My mom called the friend whom he had lunch with to see what he htought of my dad and how things were when he was there. Dan told my mom that he was concerned about him because he had some very jerky movements but he didn't want to say anything to my dad to hurt his feelings or upset him. The have a permanent camp ground for their RV and the couple have become close friends w/my parents over the last few years. This friend of theirs called them around Christmas to tell them they weren't sending out Christmas cards this year because they wanted to call each of their friends personally. Vern (the owner) was dx with brain cancer at the end of the year. he has a very short time to live ect ect. I'm sure my dad is thinking the worst like that. However, it could be many of things. He is young. And for the most part been very healthy. I guess when my mom told me yesterday he had a seizure I didn't think about the "reasons why" this would happen. And the true reality is setting in. This is my step dad. I have never ever thought of him any different than my dad. He never treated me as anything other than his daughter. My first born - son was named after him. (kind of). HIs name is Brian and my little guy's name is Bryant. We wanted it a little different so that he would have his own idenity. So it is scary. I guess I never really thought about "their health" and having things go wrong - I always thought "when I'm much older, in my late 40's and 50's". Reality is - every day on this earth is a precious gift to each of us. And we can't take it for granted. Thanks again for listening. Gala

Hi Lynn Great news on getting your approval...wooo hoooo I had my surgery April 23, 2004 and have lost so far 83 pounds..yippee I still have a way to go and have been on a plateau for several weeks now but I'm so greatful that I've come as far as I have that even slowing down is ok. Take care and good luck with your upcoming ADVENTURE.. Alfie

Hey Daph- hang in there, sister. Seems awful that you have to wait, but use it to your advantage to see if you are ready to go solo. I don't know your situation, but if there is no abuse involved and it's just tough going with lots of problems spiraling out of control, then it may be a blessing in disguise. whatever the outcome, keep praying and know that answers to prayers aren't what we always want them to be. ((hugs)) lynn k

Hi Christy! I pop in to this board every once in awhile to see what's new with my brothers and sisters around the country. I live in Minnesota, land of the long winter (actually, it's not THAT bad) so hello to California. Hope the rain has let up a bit there. I am the only Mormon left in my family-my mother and 3 sisters have been excommunicated for various reasons, my sister who still claims to be a member doesn't believe "all that crap" about needing the priesthood in your life....my dad and stepmom and one other sister who were all members have all passed away. I am divorced, mom of 5 lovely children, 4 have grown up and moved away to Hawaii, and also left the church. So it's just me and my soon to be 11 year old. It is tough to keep trying-Satan has worked very hard on my family. My ex-husband was baptized, but never would accept the priesthood, and now claims he joined the church only because I made him do it, and he doesn't believe any of it. I am so glad I live in a wonderful ward that has been so loving and supportive. If it were not for the family I have in my ward, I would not be able to go on. I am still waiting for a date for WLS, just got word today that my insurance has approved me. I know that it is the right thing for me to do, and I am really looking forward to it, even though I am a wimp about pain. I will just keep repeating, "this too shall pass!!" welcome to this board-sometimes it is a little dead in here, but be persistant-a lot of us tend to cruise in and check for new posts here! -lynn k