Truly blessed

Sorry to rain on everybody's parade but.......... Did you know that we have had 2 OH members pass away this week from complications due to their weight loss surgery? John in AZ had a major leak that went unresolved for three days. By the time they found it, his organs had shut down and he had developed a flesh eating bacteria that eventually killed him. Kenneth from Missouri died last week after 10 months of complications due to his wls. He would have been one of us.....a July baby. I bring this up to remind us of the chance that we took to better our lives. These men took the same gamble and lost. These stories make me so grateful to be here today and to have been given this life changing opportunity and to have survived it. It also keeps my actions in check. It makes me more accountable because I feel sooo blessed to have come through this experience unscathed (knock on wood). Okay!! Think happy thoughts now!! Like ME........in a bikini! Oh wait! I said happy, not scary! Think of pink butterflies or naked chicks.....whatever pops your cork! C

chickie, chickie.. You are so right.. we have been blessed.. lets raise our glasses high to these two men and remember them in our prayers tonight.. peace mo

Mo, Dahling.........It doesn't surprise me one bit that you would reply to this post. You understand people and their ups and downs so well and always offer kind words of support. I now this isn't really like raising our glasses but......... !That's the best I can do. C

I read this post yesterday, and the reason I didn't respond is because I have been feeling so yucky that it scares me that I will end up like one of those poor guys!! That's the honest truth! I have spent a good portion of the time since having surgery being sick, and I know there are at least a couple others here too that have. So, my dear Chan, I think you hit too close to home and I clicked right on out. It's not that I don't care. Regardless, no matter all the troubles I've had, I am still very grateful and would do it again. This recent bout with my gallbladder was the first time I ever regretted having surgery... but now that I'm getting better and I see that it wasn't even WLS related (well, not really anyway) it makes it easier. I am thrilled with my weight loss, but it hasn't been an easy road by a long shot and there have been many scary episodes. When you're not even sure you're gonna be ok, it makes it hard to commiserate, you know? But I do and my heart goes out to the families of those 2 gentlemen. Whatever pops your cork- I like that! You're so original! Love you! Michele

Michele, I read your reply about 4 hours ago and it's all I have thought about this morning. You're correct.....a few of us HAVE indeed had a more difficult time than others. You. Jess, Teresa Grooms (remember her?) and probably some others that I am unaware of have suffered more than the rest of us. Strangely........when I wrote this post, the message I was trying to convey was this: If you choose to be an advocate for wls.......tell the whole truth. I have run into a few folks lately either in person or on this site (not our board) who sugar coat this surgery. My father-in-law is the worst by far! He had a stroke in the months prior to his wls, had serious heart problems and high blood pressure. I was honestly surprised that he made it through surgery. He was a light weight and lost all of his weight within the first 6-7 months. He did this without exercise and he "cheated" a hell of a lot. He walks around giving half-truths about this surgery (because he doesn't know any better, I suppose) and he tells everyone how fabulous it is. I always correct him or elaborate on his "facts". He is such a cheerleader for this surgery, which is fine, but he has had no problems and does not go to support groups nor is he a member of any on-line groups either. He has had no experience with any others who HAVE had trouble. I have! I see the stories of these two men, I see the troubles we have had on our board, I read the memorial page and it makes me very cautious to be an advocate for this surgery. If I talk about it......I give the whole truth! The good, the bad and the ugly. Michele, I'm so glad that you are feeling better! You are such an asset to this board and I just love ya! Malibu

I was just talking about feeling so blessed to my mother-in-love the other day. My heart really does go out to the families of those 2 men. I thank God everyday that I cam through this with no complications. I pray for everyone else that your journeys would be as wonderfully care free as mine has been. Michele G....I will continue to lift you up as well that you continue to feel better. Hope you are all feeling blessed today. Nickie

Reading it kinda scared me. I have been sick almost the whole time. 10 months. I'm scared! I feel like crying. It took my doctor 10 months to find a blockage. Thank God that was all it was. I pray for all of you. God bless amy

Oh Amy, I'm so sorry you're scared. I know what it's like. Thank goodness your doctor finally found a blockage (took long enough though- geez!) and I hope you're on the road to recovery and will be feeling much better! Michele

C- Thanks for sharing-- I am raising my sparkling water in toast to their memories. Thanks for posting.

May God bless them and their families! And each and every one of you and yours.