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

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

SF Pudding is good. I am actually going back to the "basics" since I've gained a little to many lbs for my liking. And the first thing I did was make some SF pudding. Also Cottage Cheese is good too. If you are not lactate intolarant. When I was advanced to the egg stage I was able to have some VERY lite miracle whip/mayo and very little enough to make the egg or tuna moist soI didnt choke. Good that you can drive again. Hope you are feeling better also!! love, Gala

Well went to the Dr. yesterday. I am down in weight. I can now drive again. (that is probably why Wal-mart stocks are down) I can start adding more foods now. I know that the Dr. suggested soft boiled eggs. Anyone have any other suggestions? What did you start with. My menu so far has been protein drink morning and evening, Cream of something soup for lunch and then a little custard for snacks. What did some others eat at this stage of the game? Barbara Hansen Vancouver WA

So very true dear Melody, what's the old saying we used to hear, something about the Church must be true, or the young missionaries would have destroyed it long ago! Linda in Texas