Hi Barbara. We are medically advised NOT to fast a true fast after we have this surgery. It's like a diabetic. They can't observe a full, true fast either. We can however, observe the spirit of the fast. We can minimize the amount we consume, but we must have our vitamines, our water and our protein. We can still observe the spirit of the fast with prayer, meditation, and thinking of Christ and the reason for the fast. Good luck with your insurance company. I wish insurances would get a clue and realize it would save them a lot more money to pay for the surgery than to pay for all the co-morbidity problems that obesity causes. Have a great year in 2006. Melody started at 266-148 pounds lost- now at 118 lbs

I haven't had the surgery just yet, but I was wondering...Are you able to fast after having this surgery? I am so ready to have this done. I am in the process of waiting to hear from my insurance co. I was informed that I need to not get my hopes up because my BMI is only 41 & the insurance Co. would like to see it at 50 before they do much accepting & paying. So PLEASE, pray for me! I need all those on my side as I can get! I was trying to sit through sacrament meeting today, and for the first time I realized why I get so grouchy during the service! The pews are awful! I feel like I have about 2" clearance past my butt to balance me on the pew! It cuts the circulation off to the back of my legs. And forget crossing my legs at the knees. That went out the window long ago. I actually dream of the day I can do that again! Thanks for lending and ear! _Barbara

I'm not sure if what I'm feeling is just seasonal blues or lack of confidence. I've posted before about being the YW President. I really want things to go well for the girls in my Ward. I let them plan activities and stuff, for the most part they are active in meetings and stuff, but I just feel like I'm disconnected. I've tried to work it out....I mean when I'm with other teens, they think I'm pretty cool. But I get this nagging feeling that they just don't think I'm all that fun. Maybe I'm trying too hard or because I'm in authority they can't be themselves. I've also thought that perhaps my age (53 years) is a factor. Maybe they just think I'm old. I don't really want to be a "friend" role in their lives because that isn't my role, but I see them joke around with younger women in the Ward and yet they treat me differently and more distant. I'm beginning to think that they would prefer to have someone more hip...which believe me, I truly am pretty hip. I teach school and I know and see a lot of what they are all going through in the real world of youth. When I was first called, they couldn't believe that I would hike up mountains with them or wade into an ice cold river (which I did) or ventured into a dark skinny cave on a whim. At that time, the girls told me that they couldn't believe that I was willing to do some kind of crazy things. When my own kids were teens, they always brought their friends home because I was motherly but in no way uptight. I truly am not an uptight person about things. My kid's friends liked coming to our home because they thought I was funny and cool. So, I don't how to reach these girls. There is a couple of the girls that really like being around me, but its bugging me that I'm not reaching some of the others. I know I'm rambling here and I apologize for that. I don't think I'm really clear, but I'm trying to figure this whole thing out. Thank you for letting me vent. Merry Christmas to you all. I'm so grateful for our Savior's love and the opportunity to celebrate his life. Christy

Hello Kristi I am new to this board, and excited to find out there was a place for us "mormonisms". I had surgery Nov 1st, but it sounds like I am having it pretty easy compared to your experience. I am sure a blessing is just what you need. Take care Pam Crescent City, CA 265/234/125

Kathy I can honestly say that I know how you feel. I found out that my daughter is smoking and it broke my heart. She said that it was a way of rebelling and I have to admit, it got my attention, but I have to understand that she is now an adult and she is responsible for her own choices in her life. We can only do so much and we have to give them the rope and let them do with it what they will. My dd is 18 and I know that I taught her well, it is up to her to make her life work for her. I will remember you in my prayers always. Donna