Well I think I have posted on here once but I do come back once in a while to check out the other postings. I live in Chandler, AZ. and I just had my surgery on June 22, 2005. I have lost a total of 44 lbs so far...Yippie for me All I have to say is that I goofed this last Thursday and had about a handful of salted peanuts because I wanted something salty and crunchy so bad and boy did I pay for it. I spent 2 days in the bathroom.....and I don't think I have ever said so many prayers. I was doing so good on my soft foods but I am getting so sick of eating cottage cheese, yogurt and refried beans....I go back on Monday to see the doctor and the dietician and I hope and pray she will add more food to my diet. Let me know if anyone else had these kinds of issues....

I have just finshed watching the broadcast of President Hinckley's birthday and it was just fantastic! He is a pilar of strength for a world to behold. I have been entertained and edified by this man and I am proud to call him a prophet. He acknowledged his late wife Marjorie and I can't believe that he is only 95. I don't think he looks a day over 70. My testimony has been strengthend by the knowledge that he has the whole world on his shoulders. Donna

I am just 3 weeks Post Op, and of course I can't eat the way I used to, but instead of sticking to the liquid diet/pureed foods (got bored and sick of that!), I have eaten regualr foods, but just bites here and there and LOTS of chewing. I have thrown up before when my pouch couldn't handle it, but now I think I have gotten used to the discomfort rather than throw up all the time. Am I stretching my stomach because I can tolerate the sick/full feeling?

Dear Friends, Thank you so very much for your wise words of wisdom and scripture refrenceences. I just feel so over-whelmed right now. I am in a new job learning a massive amount of things (medically) for paper work, coding ect. My head is swirling around and around. I am the Activity Director for a Nursing Home in Montana with around 190 residents. I do daily assetments on them and their activity level. So I am feeling over-whelmed and I know that my faith is being tested and I feel it everyday. I pray for strength daily and throughout the day and evening as well. Sometimes I even go into the restroom just so I can say a silent prayer in the stall. I am hoping that the next few months will go bye quickly and that I will be able to have my blessings restored. I cant wait. Thanks again for yur words and prayers, always Kathy

Kathy this is a true test of your faith. If you want to remain worthy of a temple recommend than you CANNOT let this fester inside you. I was reading in the D&C last night, specifically D&C 98:23-26 23. "Now, I spea****o you concerning your families - if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neight seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded; 24. But if you bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you. 25. And again, if he shall smite you the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundredfold. 26. And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye h=bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold;" This is specifically talking to the saints in the early days who were having problems in Jackson County but we can liken these scriptures to ourselves too. Although no one is trying to "smite" you physically you can liken this scripture to your trials right now. If you bear your challenges well without contempt you will be blessed many times over. Hang in there Kathy. Melody