Hello everyone

Hi everyone~ I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself, as it seems proper to do since I feel like I know you all. For almost two months now I have been logging on EVERYDAY, reading what everyone has to say. I had my surgery on 7/20/05 and emotionally the first two months were hell for me! I stumbled on to this web site and it has been a god send for me! I feel so connected when I come on and am able to read all the obsticals and things that you all are overcoming and I feel so at home! I have been wanting to post for a while now but wasn't really sure what to say! But it hit me tonight when I had to work late and couldn't come right home and get on the internet and read all about you all! What I wanted to say was............Thank you all for making me feel sane again! Thank you for making me feel like all the emotions that I was having were normal and that I was not alone! I really feel like I know you all and I feel like I have to check everyday to make sure you are all doing well too. It really feels like a family here and I really needed it! I have a wonderful support system but as much as they all love me they are not going through this and do not fully understand all my emotions. So far I have lost 60 lbs and 10 inches around my waist! If it sounds like I am bragging................. I AM!!! But only because I feel like I can here and you will all support me so much! Sometimes I think, "60lbs man that is not very much!" Then I remember, it has only been a little over 2 months! I have never lost 60 lbs in my life! I should be overjoyed! It just seems like once you have the surgery you expect to wake up the next day and be skinny! Anyway, enough rambling! I just wanted to say thank you to you all and say that now that I have a voice on here you can bet I won't shut up! Thanks everyone~ Grace

Brag away! That's a wonderful accomplishment! Glad you're coming out of lurkdom, Grace. I really love the July board too, it sure does seem like family! Can't wait to see more posts from you!

It's nice to meet your Grace...Welcome to the family Like Michele said..."can't wait to see more posts from you"... See you around Mandie

Welcome to the family Grace, your progress is AWESOME ... Keep up the good work. Sue 273/261/201/150

Welcome and a BIG HELLO! I know what you mean. This is the only place I truly feel understood.

So glad you posted, Grace! I love this board too-- it is my support system! Please keep telling us about your life-- And on your success! Cheers- Andrea

Hi Grace! I love the July board too! I also have the feelings that I haven't really lost much. But, like you, when I really think about it I get blown away by how much I've lost! You are doing great and keep us updated on your progress! Tina

GRACE WELCOME !!!!!!!!! We all felt the same and go through quite a bit the same. That is why this is so good to have the support of others who ABSOLUTELY UNDERSTAND... I am sorry the first two months were not so well for you. Hopefully - now you will become charged with energy and excitement' 60lbs is INCREDIBLE... WONDERFUL and great accomplishment. Remember we have a new tool to help us conquer obesity. THE MAJORITY of the journey is how we handle the tool.. YOU HAVE ACHIEVED AN AWESOME goal and should be inspired. WE are all here. I know I can speak from experience - that WE ALL HELP EACH OTHER> God bless and continue on this journey with us!!!!Heck I have posted about everything: physical mental - spiritual and even ghastly bodily functions. ANYTHING goes. ANd we all know and experience pretty much the same. Everyone still holds their unique personality but the essence of journey is sharing with those who care- and understand.. HOPE TO HEAR YOU MORE!! PAttiann

Hi Grace and welcome to our family This is the only place I can really express myself on how I feel or what's going on in my life or even with my husband. There are a great number of people here *****ally care and understand what you are going through. Oh by the way 60lbs. lost is fantastic keep up the good work. If you ever want to talk one on one email me ok. Cheri

Grace, I had a very hard time, too, my first two months - but all of these great folks really helped me through my tough times. And I found out that everything going on with me was normal - even down to my strictures! I am not a "chatty Kathy" by any means, but I do post at least once every day or two, and I read DAILY! As much as I have support of my husband and family, it is just not the same as the support you get here. Everyone here knows exactly what I'm going through, and that means everything! If you have any questions or just want to chat, drop me a line any time! Darla