Re: Happy re-birthday to me & to us

Hello family.. It was a year ago today that I was born into a whole new life. It's been an exciting year. Just as a baby reaches her first birthday, I too have made great strides since birth. As a newborn I was dependent on my family to meet my needs. My surgeon's "program" has a lot to be desired in terms of aftercare so I was pretty much on my own from the get go. My surgeon was compassionate and highly competent in this specialized field of surgery. I have no complaints concerning her at all. But, for 5 months I struggled without knowing really what to do for or with my new pouch. Poor baby!! Then I found my adoptive family at OH. Oh, they are all soo supportive and I suddenly felt safe and welcomed - sheltered from the people in the world who weren't very nice to people like me - FAT. I learned soo much from my new family - about what to eat, how to eat, and when to eat. My Aunt Tooter taught me the use of flax. That sure helped with a little problem I had!!!! I learned to sip, sip, sip so the water wouldn't come right back upon me. I learned how to keep moving even if I couldn't exercise. I learned the rules of my baby pouch. And, there was a special group of babies my exact same age that I have felt especially close to. I especially love these February "kids". They know exactly how I'm feeling. Someone always seems to have a question or observation that I have at the same time. I never feel alone or different. I barely know these people but I cry when they are sad. I celebrate when they report something special happening in their lives. Thank you all for being here for me. I don't speak up much but I am here. When the computer goes on in the morning it automatically goes to "Obesity Help February 2004 Surgery Date Message Board". I like to first check on how the other "kids" are doing. Thank you for sharing your lives with me this first year of my rebirth. I hope and pray for continued success for us all. Happy re-birthday to us. Paula

Happy re-birthday to you also, Paula. Your words are so true! This site, especially this February site, does seem like family. Its been a wonderful year, hasn't it! Take care, Wanda

Paula, Happy rebirthday to you too. I understand about the need to check up on our other Feb buddies each day. It is comforting to know others are in the same place as we are. Always so much support here and caring. Mary

Paula, Happy Re-Birthday to you. You've done so well. I enjoyed your post and your analogy. It's so true. I'm rather addicted to this site and checking in at least 5-6 times a day to see what's happening, who's up and who's down. My heart breaks when one of our brothers or sisters are hurting. I sing with joy for all the successes and celebrations. Congratulations. Denise