When I had surgery in July I was kept in the hospital an extra 2 days because I had problems w/my bladder and wasn't able to pee. For those who were around at that time may or may not remember that as soon as I walked in the door I went into the bathroom and peed on my "own" for the first time in 5 days. And I also had a raging bladder infection from being cath'd so many times. Well over the last 3 months I have continued to have some problems. I believe I have had a total of 4 bladder infections since my surgery. If I pee more than 2 times a day it is a miracle and something to celebrate. Over the last few weeks however it has gotten bad again. Last week my dr. told me to bring in a urine sample. But I wasn't able to do so because I was not able to "go" when they were either open or it was convienient for me to take to them. So today I made an appt. for myself and my sick 2 yr old. I drank 40 oz of water and protein shake in LESS than 2 hours. Let me tell you my little pouch was feeling it. But I figured I was going to be able to pee come h_ or high water.... I was able to go just a little bit while I was there. Nothing like I should have after having had that much of intake. There was a ton of blood in my urine sample and Mary kept saying that over and over and over. If she said it 1 time she said it 15 = no joke. So now they are going to do 2 different tests on that, then I have to go in and be cathed. And she is referring me to a urologist I beleive she said. Interesting how co-morbids lay dormant before surgery (any type of surgery) and then the stress and such brings them out. Who knows this case may be different. Gala

Hi Billie - insurances can be really hard and discouraging. A piece of advice I have for you about anything you have to document for your surgery - Be very honest but accentuate the negative. For example if you are asked if you need help getting dressed. You don't say "no" - you answer honestly and accentuate the negative saying something like "I can no longer wear anything with a zipper in the back because I can't reach around and zip it up" or "I can no longer wear shoes with shoelaces because I can't bend over to tie my shoes". Things such as that. Again I want to stress that you need to be honest, you just need to accentuate the negative. Many insurance companies want a documented account of any weight loss attempt. Make sure you document the name of the diet you are on (or have been on), how long you are on the diet and any results from that diet. Be sure to docuemtn what kind of weight gain occurs when you stop the diet. Document if your activity level has stayed the same and yet the weight still was gained back. Good luck. Pray about things and see what kind of answer you get. It will happen if it was meant to be. Melody

Oh Gala, I just wrote you a LONG letter here and my computer crashed it! I am so MAD!!! I have to run to work, but I have some things I'd like to share with you about my divorce and twins and the support I received from others. I was going through a divorce with my first husband when I was pregnent with twins. He served me with divorce papers the morning of their birth, with his request for full custody, all holidays, limited visitation from me. I sat and read it and couldn't breathe, I went into full labor and it ruined my perfectly planned birth plan. At one point I had gone to the temple, very large with the twins in me, and as I looked about and noticed all the loving couples I was devestated my marriage was ending. I cried and cried through the entire session. In the celestial room I received a very direct revelation that if I raised my kids in the gospel and stayed close to the Lord my ex would have no power or influence over us. It's been a true promise. In 10 years he has never visited the twins nor requested to see them. He pays $900 a month support, and it is taken from his pay by the state so we have no contact. He has legal rights to see the kids, he just doesn't. So in essence, he went from wanting full control, to never even seeing them. I nursed them until they were two years old......he couldn't have overnight visits as long as they nursed, but it wasn't ever an issue. I'm thrilled, though I can't understand how he could possibly pass up a moment with these two angels. I opened a full time day care in my home and for 5 years tended kids so I could raise my babies until they went to school full time. I was always blessed with enough money, and we weren't rich, but we didn't starve. Occasionally I had help from the Bishop's storehouse, but not too much. The ward supported me emotionally, always helping me with the kids and giving me a break if I needed it. I think you should call your Aunt and tell her your mom mentioned her troubles, and that you wanted to help her if you could. Believe me, she would probably LOVE having someone to talk with who would understand the feelings of betrayal, hurt, self doubt. I doubt she would be offended by your concern and out reach of love. I just know that the Lord will watch over us, and bless us. We just have to be patient and true to His commandments. Think about how you love your kids, and would do ANYTHING to ease their troubles. The Lord loves us even more and He will and does bless us with what we need to find comfort and ease. I had no idea I would ever find Kevin, and he's a wonderful father to my kids....and they adore him beyond measure. I know this time is so hard for you. I went through two divorces, and my second was especially hard. My husband decided 2 years into our marriage that he didn't want to raise my kids. What was I supposed to do, leave them on the corner? We got along fine, he just couldn't tolerate little kids in the house chattering, laughing, watching kids cartoons. So we divorced and I will always love him deeply, but I tuck it away. I am much happier with a man who adores my kids, knows all the Pokemon names, makes lego ships with my son and will also help discipline when needed. Though I've gone through deep trials with my divorces, the Lord always opened a door to a brighter world and a better life. I just had to live my best in the gospel principles. I am so upset I lost my first post to you. It was much better worded, but know that I do care about your trials, and I would love to help you any way I can. Your sister in the gospel, Tracey

It is interesting that mine came out like it did. I tried to do the colors the same. But it didn't "click" right and I did it fast. It was for fun anyways. I'm feeling a bit better - today anyway. Things for me are up in the air and I don't like that. I am coming to the slow realization that I am a "control" freak in my own way. Meaning - I need to feel control over my life and when I don't have that the over so prominant depression in my life surfaces 10 fold... See my post and you will get what I am talking about. Gala

Hi ladies, Just thought I'd share some of what's going on with me. It helps to get it out and I would bet some of you have gone through the same thing. The basic problem; I don't know if I am going to be approved for surgery. My insurance company is very strict and I went to a class on Thursday night and of the people there I probably had the least weight related problems. I am 5'9" and weigh 270 lbs. but I am pretty physically fit and I don't really have comorbidities yet except arthritis in my knee. I have a HUGE history of diabetes in my family so it is just a matter of time. So I feel the surgery is really for me. AND, I really don't want to wait till I have diabetes and heart disease and I am really unhealthy!!! That just doesn't sound right! Why wait? I don't understand why the insurance will let you get totally unhealthy before they help! It is frustrating! I have recently (in the past couple of months) lost 14 pounds with out changing any of my eating habits. I just increased my walking from 3-4 days a week at 3 miles, to 5-6 days a week at 4 miles. While this sounds cool, I think it gives me a false sense of security that "I can loose this weight." Been there, done that, gained it all plus! The good thing about this is that if they don't approve me for the surgery then I have some motivation. But I've been through this before, I can loose a little, but not nearly enough to be close to where I need to be. I really need to contact my PCP to see where I stand. If I have PCOS (I got all the tests done last week) then I have more of a case for surgery, otherwise it is going to be really difficult! Anyway, I am feeling frustrated, so I thought I'd share! I hate this waiting game! Well, on a good note, I am really looking forward to conference! By this time (the time I am writing this) some of you have already seen the whole first session! I can't wait! Have a good Saturday everyone! I'm glad to have a place to share my frusterations. Thanks everyone. Billie