Greetings Pennsylvania,

I haven't checked in here in eons.  My old laptop crashed in August, and I didn't replace it till October.  Then, I'm sometimes barely on it, because my grandchildren and church keep me busy.  Except for the wicked weather, and the three feet of snow that has accumulated on my yard since Christmas, I love it here in Michigan.  It has only gotten above 30 degrees twice since the holidays, so the snow just gets deeper and deeper.

In August, I had my gall bladder out, and I'm so grateful for that.  Then, I did return to PA over the holidays.  A few weeks ago, I traded in my 11 year old Honda Civic, with 155,000 miles on it, for a 2012 Toyota Camry, with a warranty taking it to 90,000.  My three grandchildren were getting to big to fit in the Civic's back seat together.  I love my new wheels, because it's loaded with technology.

I'm in the process of getting training to be a docent at the zoo here.  Docents are volunteer educators, who help with group tours, and classroom animal lessons.

I hope my friends in PA are well.  I miss the Barix support group meetings.  I did see Dr. Marymor in July, when I was back there for a visit.

Hugs to all.

Trish

I researched the hospitals in Philly prior to choosing Barix.  Obesity Help had patient reviews of the hospitals providing bariatric surgery, and the reviews of the regular hospitals were not flattering in the least.  Barix is entirely different.  All of the surgeons do one thing, bariatric surgery.  The entire staff specializes in the care and needs of bariatric patients before, during and after. 

Another huge difference, which I learned from observing my sister since her lap band surgery at Jeanes Hospital several years ago.  Barix provides nutritionists, which are included at each of my post-op visits, no extra charge. 

I love Dr. Marymor, and appreciate that upon discharge he game me his cell phone number, in case I had a problem, which I did a couple of times.  I'm seven years post-op, and now live in Michigan, but I still make my annual appointments at Barix with him, when I visit my family in Bucks County.

Barix has three different support groups every month.  One pre-op, one post-op, and a Saturday meeting for both.  A nutritionist is available at every one of them for questions or concerns.

I could be mistaken, but I don't think such specialized care at any other facility in the area.

Hey PA Peeps,

I did not fall off the face of the earth living here in Michigan.  I just accidentally killed my laptop, and couldn't replace it till a couple of weeks ago.

I tried, mostly in vain, to post on the Over Fifty Forum, from my iPhone, but it was such a hassle, I didn't bother trying to check in here, or the Christianity forums.

I did post a rather lengthy reply to Jan, on her recent post, so check that out.

Hugs,

Trish

Congratulations!!!  That is awesome.  I'm still working toward getting to my goal weight.  Since November, I've lost most of my 45 pound regain.  It's been hard lately, coz I'm waiting for gall bladder surgery at the end of the month.

Again, keep up the good work.  You're a great example to the newcomers.

Hugs,

Trish

Hi Lynn,

Sorry I missed your surgiversary.  Sounds like you're doing great.  I haven't reached goal, and am not beating myself up over it, because my orthopedic issues keep me off my feet a lot, and I just can't afford a membership at the YMCA right now.  

Keep up the great work.

Hugs,

Trish

Congratulations, and Happy Surgiversary, Donna.  I know the gratitude you speak of.  I feel that way every Summer.  My first consult with Dr. Marymor was on June 1st seven years ago.  My surgery was August 28th.  I am extremely grateful for all I have because of my surgery, not just the weight loss.

Keep up the great work.

Hugs,

Trish

Congratulations and Happy Surgiversary,  

That is awesome.  Being self-aware, and acknowledging changes that need to be made to get back on track is fantastic.  

God bless.

Hugs,

Trish

Hi Bridget,

Welcome to the PA board, and to the life of pre=WLS.  I had mine done almost 7 years ago.  My first consultation was June 1, 2006.  I don't regret having had this surgery, and wouldn't change a thing.

I am also on Facebook, with my full name, Patricia Anne Reilly.  I'm originally from Bucks County, PA, but moved to Michigan in February, to live near my daughter, and her family.

I hope you'll feel free to ask questions, and the regulars will gladly reply.

Hugs,

Trish

Good Morning PA,

It's a rainy, April day, here in Michigan.  I have a few things on my agenda today, babysitting my youngest grandson, and some grocery shopping.  

Sunday, we had his first birthday party.  My daughter planned a theme party, based on a children's book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," with all the decorations, and food, based on it.  The highlight was when Franklin got to taste, and eat a huge hunk of chocolate cake, with chocolate frosting.  By the time he was done, he had frosting all over his face, in his ears and hair.  It was priceless.

Yesterday, my son and his wife flew back to New York, and my sister flew home to Philadelphia.  She lives in Levittown.

I hope everyone has a terrific day.

Huggles,

Trish

Good for you!!!  That is awesome news.  I'm so happy for you.  You'll be fantastic.

Hugs,

Trish

Hi Laureen,
I loved your Facebook posts while you were in Florida. I am right there with you on the 'experiencing all life has to offer.' I had my surgery in '06. The next year, my daughter gave me my first grandchild, and my son got married. Now that I live near my grandchildren, I'm loving life like I never could have weighing over 300 pounds.

I am very grateful for Dr. Maymor, the staff at Barix, and all the people who used to post here then. I wish the PA forum were active like it once was.

Now that I live in Michigan, I am about 90 minutes from Ypsilanti where there is a Barix. I intend to go there for my annual visits. My sister asked me why I just don't find a bariatric surgeon closer. She doesn't understand us Barix Babies.

Hugs,
Trish

I am not familiar with either surgery either.  I was interested in the Lap Band or RNY, and after meeting with Dr. Marymor at Barix, I went with RNY.  I am very happy with it, and just love Dr. Marymor.  

Good Luck,

Trish

Good Morning PA,

Sorry I failed to post yesterday.  I'm having problems with my keyboard on my laptop has become tempermental, and sometimes I just give up and don't post at all.  

I am loving life here in Michigan.  I see my Munchkins several times a week.  Yesterday, I took my first real walk with Utley, and stopped by my daughter's to say "Hi," to the kids.  We took a 45 minute walk.  Colleen's house is a ten minute walk, or two minute drive.  Today, my new church is holding a huge Easter Egg Hunt for the whole community.  A month ago, they informed the congregation they had over 1000 plastic eggs to fill.  I bought twelve bags of candy for the youth group to fill the eggs with.  The congregation donates the eggs and candy. 

Tomorrow, my daughter is hosting a small, Easter dinner.   It will be her family, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, and me.  I'm making au gratin potatoes, sweet potatoes and a vegetable tray.  I bought Isabel and Lincoln craft projects for us to work on with me.  For Frankie, I bought some clothes.  Lincoln's hand-me-downs are the wrong season, so I got him some short sleeve outfits the next size up.  

I hope everyone has a blessed weekend, no matter what you celebrate.

Hugs,

Trish