Happy re-birthday to you, Linda. Mine is in a couple of days. I agree with you.....where are Louis' photos? Should we give him a hard time, or what? Enjoy your wonderful day! ~Laura

okay Louis, where are your pictures? As soon as you put yours up, i promise to put mine.....hope you're having a great day! Hugs Linda

Hi Tracey! Congrats on your 2 year anniversary! Keep up the good work, and take care of yourself during this stressful moment in your life. I am sorry to hear about your marriage.....In due time.....in God's time.....everything will work out and you will be blessed! Take care, Bernice.....................

Hi Denise, Happy re-birthday to you! I have missed seeing you on the boards, and wow, it sounds like you've had quite a run of it. I am so sorry that the surgery hasn't been absolutely wonderful for you. Your body has struggled, hasn't it? I am so sorry that you are having the issues that you are experiencing, and that your pancreas is putting on a show. I hope that whatever surgery you undergo next will be the magic bullet. You deserve that! In the midst of this less-than-perfect stuff, you look at the silver linings of the various clouds, and that is to be applauded. God will reward your attitude and tenacity. Like you say, He is good! I will pray for your healing and for the guidance of all the doctors involved with your upcoming operation(s). Please keep the August board informed...we do care and wish you the world! Take care, Kathryn

Two years ago today, I underwent Gastric Bypass. Seems like it was just yesterday- I wish I had that wonderful perfect story everyone has- The..I had this surgery, it changed my life, and I am at my goal weight...I am living happily ever after...But I can't. In fact, I am not even close to goal. I started this journey at a whopping 340 lbs- Just saying that makes me want to cringe. Looking at my pictures makes me ill-340 HUGE pounds. Today, I fluctuate between 240-248 lbs- give or take water days-Going from a 6X to a 2X which is A far cry from 340lbs- but not close to the 140-160 Goal I had..or that "size 8" I always envisioned myself in. In fact, On Friday, August 18th- I find out what surgical procedures I will undertake to fix what did not occur- The fact that I fall into the small percentile that does not have major success with their gastric bypass. To date, 2 years later, I still have vomitting, severe pain, and the inability to eat. 5 weeks ago, my PCP called me in after my quarterly visit and told me it was urgent that I get to his office right away...After 20 months of no medication, it seems that my pancreas decided to stop working. Long story short, I am now on insulin twice a day, as well as four pills to address my diabetes. In six weeks, thanks to the wonders of drugs, I have put on 10 lbs. Something I have avoided in 20 months- Depressed? Slightly... But Blessed none the less... Without Gastric Bypass- I could be dead, have had a stroke, or incapacitated. Without Gastric Bypass- my life would not be as enriched as it has been Without Gastric Bypass- Many whom I have befriended would not be in my life today. I am overall healthier, happier, and Blessed... Still a part of me wishes, that I could be like the norm- To be able to stand here and tell everyone that I met my goal, and that I have nothing left to fear... I have three surgical options being considered....And will know what the end decision will be on the 18th- I hope that with this decision, it will move me one step closer to my goal... Meanwhile, I will continue to be blessed- and keep on encouraging folks to take a step towards correcting their health. We all can not be poster children, but together we support the cause. much Denise