Tracey, I love it when you talk about your wild spirit. Don't ever let "her" get away, just keep it a little tame. I haven't had surgery, but have raging harmones. I didn't realize till a few months ago that I suffered from PMS. Now it makes so much more sense to me. I don't feel like I'm loosing my mind once a month! Anyway, good to hear from ya.

Hi, I am very happy for you! It is so wonderful to feel good and to have faith also. I am a bit shaky with my church going right now, but I DO have faith in the Lord and I know the Church is True and that the Savior Loves me and want me to succeed in life and be happy! I know he love every one of us no matter what our size is. I just need to learn to love myself and get back to going to church regularly! Thanks for your post Robin G DS surgery scheduled 10/26/04

Hi, I am 13 months out and tried to fast recently and found I could not make up the water and protein intake and was sick from it. I currently drink a protein shake on Sunday morning and drink water until dinner then have a normal meal. This seems to keep the pouch happy and I don't feel terrible. As time goes on, I do intend to modify my intake to be able to fast properly but right now I must do what will not make me ill. Of course I do a lot better now that the diabetes is under control. With three oral meds and Insulin shots, fasting was out of the question. Gordon

Well, my name is Donna and I am married to a wonderful man who is also a member. We were sealed in the ST. Louis Temple last year and we are fine. I have two children from my first marriage. Daughter Vicki is 17 and a Senior in high school. Son Josh is 14 and a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood and in the 8th grade. He is ADHD, PTSD and depression. A lot for a young man to have to handle. I am the Sunday School Secretary and The teach improvement teacher for the Relief Society. I was baptized at 18 and I have been active off and on over the years. I took it seriously when I had my first baby. I have cerebral palsy and so it was a blessing to have one child let alone two. I had surgery 8 weeks ago and I feel very good now. I have lost about 50 lbs. and I am healing well. I am going to college where I am studying Criminal Justice. I have a very busy schedule and I love it! Donna

My doctors do not want me to fast unless it is for a blood test and even then not for a minute longer than is necessary. If we go to long with out wanter, it is very difficult to catch back up since we can't drink as much as before. I do the spirit of the fast. I try to not take anything in that is not absolutely necessary. Nothing treat like or very fancy. Just basic food. I was always told, when I was younger, that nursing and pregnant women should not fast but still hold to the spirit of the fast. The same with children. I try to subscribe to that. I do the same with children. I always have treats in my bag for the children every Sunday. Except for fast Sunday. I don't give them any on that day. They still come and say hello and give me my hugs but no longer expect candy or treats. (I am known as the candy lady in my ward and the word goes out to all the newbies!) lol It is a tough job but someone has to do it. When there is a child who can't have candy, I find out from the parents what I can bring them. They then know they are loved! I try to know each child by name and feel it is important for children to know they are each an important member of the ward. Sorry for rambling. Grins, Kaye