Weight Loss Surgery Forums

OH Inspirations Featuring Charlotte Carlile

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Just three days after undergoing RNY surgery with Dr. Hosein N.M.I. Yasrebi in 2002, Charlotte Carlile, better known to OH members as Charlie, learned that her husband Ron had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Through out her husband?s illness and her early post-op days, Charlie would come home almost every night from the hospital and post on OH. Despite her personal struggles, she continued to reach out to OH members and to encourage and support the community she had grown to love. Additionally, her surgery support pages are reflective of the outpouring of love and support that she received during her trying times and for that, she is forever grateful. Sadly, Ron passed away seven weeks after his diagnosis. He would not be there to cheer on Charlie?s weight loss successes, to encourage her to stay on track, and to support her through out her WLS journey. Still, Charlie would never be alone and without support. In her darkest hours, OH members embraced Charlie, but it was Charlie who continued to be the true inspiration. Her strength, courage and desire to help others in the midst of her loss never wavered. Charlie=inspiration?just ask any OH member who has come to know her through her nightly postings and profile blogs. Members like Laurie (Username NHSSkinnygirl) who says, ?I met Charlie on the cruise back in January and I have to say, she is so real, straight up and the most helpful friend to all of us. She is there every night, to encourage all of us to be accountable, good or bad for what we eat each day. I really miss her when she has to pass the torch from time to time, as she is so upbeat and funny. We all need to laugh and she sure helps all of us keep life in perspective.? And member Gena (Username saguarosue) says ?My day is not complete with out Charlie?s post every night.?
Those of you who have come to meet Charlie online won?t be surprised to know that she is very humble and gracious. ?There are so many on OH who are inspiring to me,? she says, ?and not just old post ops, but new post ops also. I gain so much in support from them and learn so much every day. Some of these newer patients are knowledgeable and do so much research, it amazes me. I am still learning about nutrition and supplements from them. It is hard for me to see myself as an inspiration to others. I struggle every day to keep this all under control and by being on OH and sharing my life, it helps ME stay focused. If I can help someone else by being there every day, then nothing pleases me more.?

Visit Charlie on ObesityHelp.com at http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/charlie/

January 2009