CALLING KEN AND MICHAEL, DAMMIT

Ok, gentlemen...stand up and be counted - or stay behind your rocks and keep us women folk up at night worrying about you both. Seriously, check in, ok? Mike, I think about you almost every day and even more so now that we both approach our anniversary date together - please, please share...And Ken, whose beautiful, sexy, sultry voice did you hear over the phone when you were in the hospital recovering from your TT??? I couldn't wait to update our Board on your recovery then, and I can't wait to hear from you now. Come on guys, we need you! Maureen

Yup, I still worry about them too!! Where are you guys!! PLEASE check-in Ladybug Marilyn

I am so sorry. I wish I could offer up some excuse that would make sense, but the bottom line is that I left you guys. You were all there for me when I needed you and now as I cruise along, I have left you guys. Not that I believe for a minute you need me, but just that I should be here on occasion. It is ironic that I check in now, but what it really is due to having time as I getting over two surgeries. I woke up a couple of weeks ago in a pool of blood. I went to the ER and was told I needed to make an appointment for surgery. I contacted the Dr. who did my WLS, and the next day I was in his office. As it turned out I had a fistual. The good news about it was I have been dealing with my hernia for years, but not wanting to do anything about it due to having a lifting restriction. So, I had surgery last week, and I have to say, and this was confirmed by my Dr. , the anal fistual surgery is the most painful surgery I have ever had. The hernia is nothing, but I feel like I have been every convicts prison ***** I can't believe the pain. It finally let up somewhat today. And even worse, it screws with my workouts. I know that seems trivial, but I have real fears of gaining weight if I can't work out. I once again am in training to run a half marathon in July of this year and I also plan on doing a couple of sprint triathlons. The beauty of the sprint series is my wife wants to take part and a fellow deputy has a great way to involve kids that we plan on doing this year. A sprint triathlon is usually a 600 to 1000 meter swim, 7 to 8 mile ride, and 5K run. We decided one of my twins can do the swim, one will do the ride and my oldest can do the 5K. It will be a great family adventure. I just popped on so I haven't even checked in. Thanks for thinking of me, I'm sure the reason I headed over here again was because of your thoughts and concerns. I hope all of you are well. I'll try to do better about checking in.

Ken, I'm so sorry about your pain! Is the anal fistula directly related to the gastric bypass surgery? I hope the worst of it is over for you and it will just get better from here on out. Your level of physical fitness, especially in terms of how you have engaged your entire family, is absolutely inspiring. What a story. I hope you will stop in periodically to update us and share photos. In the meantime, always remember that as long as this board is active, you have a place to go to for support or just to vent. Heal quickly, my friend. Reenie

I'm still here too! Sorry about abandoning all of you, there's no excuse for it , so I won't insult you by making one. I've posted an update which will explain some of what's going on in Mike world. I'll try to do better at staying in touch in the future. Mike