When you're feeling down...

I know a lot of us are going through some ups and downs right now, but I was on the main message board and read about this girl, Jennifer O., who just passed away (from cancer -- here's her profile: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=O1024075523) and it made me so grateful for the life that I have after reading everything she went through. She was only 28 years old and had a 4 year old little boy and a husband that I'm sure must be suffering for her loss right now. She had a really rough time after her gastric bypass surgery and I was in tears reading what she went through and it made all my problems seem so small and insignificant. So I just wanted to say, I'm very grateful for the life that I have, even with it's minor ups and downs and my heart goes out to her family. Hugs to all of you, Vi

Vi, You are so right. This poor, poor woman went through so much suffering and heartache; I too was in tears too reading her story. These kinds of stories were the exact reason I put off this surgery for so long. Sometimes there ARE severe complications, and I agree with Jessica in that the medical community is far from knowing what all this surgery can do to a person. Still, it works so well for some, there is just no way of knowing if you'll be a survivor or not. Scary. Would I do it again? I honestly don't know at this point. My little bouts of nausea and dumping seem so small in comparisons to Jessica's problems. Although her death was from breast cancer, I have to doubt that her severely compromised system made it much much worse. My heart goes out to her family and friends who has to live with the loss of their daughter, mother, wife, and friend. ~Nonna

I read Jessie's profile when the news came out that she'd passed away. I cried as I read about her constant suffering and pain. She continued on for a long time, trying to make the best of it and trying to be a mommy to her little boy. She will be my lifelong inspiration for pressing on and living my life and loving my husband and babies no matter how bad it gets right until the very end. Thankfully, she is in heaven now and suffering no more. My heart hurts for her family. Hugs, Cheryl

I just read the website of Jennifer O. I can't stop crying. She went through so much since her surgery, but she was still able to deal with problems that arose as best as she could. I feel bad for her husband but more for her son Zeke, who will never grow up with a mother, just the memories that he's had for the past few years of her. I know that she will be in his heart forever. My condolances go out to her family , never forget the memories that you had of Jennie and let them live in your hearts forever. With Deepest Sympathy, Lisa Jacobs