Hello December Crew!!!

Hello everyone, I have not been around much lately, I am enjoying my freedom...for those who do not know, I was bedridden for almost 10 years, and I mean totally bedridden. But since my surgery, I have lost a wopping 264 pounds. I have been driving now for about 6 months and boy I sure missed it. I am able to go to my 11 year old daughters volleyball games and do'n things with my 18 year old daughter (trying to make up for lost time). I still need a wheelchair, I haven't mastered walking yet...arthritis and degenerative joint disease still kinda keep me down. I just wanted to share my happiness with you all...I will try to post some photos. If I could, I would like to ask a favor of all of you...my 18 year old daughter has been dealing with severe depression for quite some time and is now on medication and doing better but about 4 weeks ago, when we where on vacation in Texas, her boyfriend of almost a year, Adam 21, chose to take his own life, I did not realize that he too suffered from depression. My daughter has just begun to deal with the loss, his parents chose to have no funeral or anything, and we do not know where he is buried, his parents are very very private people. ...If you are reading this, please say a prayer for my daughter Shayna that she will overcome this loss and also for Adam, that he is now at peace. Thanks, Julie Pre-op~550 Surgery wt. ~459 Current wt. ~ 286

Hi Julie, Wow your doing awesome!!! Happy to hear your driving again. Will keep your daughter in my prayers. That is so sad. Take care and thanks for the update. Diana 379/175/?

I am so saddened by your story. Please seek out bereavement counselling for Shayna. Go with her, if she wants support, but encourage her to go alone too. It is important that she deals with Adam's death. Perhaps through this horrible experience, some good can be reaped. I hope she learns just how precious life is and that suicide only hurts the ones who are left behind. Please, find her a bereavement group in your area. This is not something she should have to suffer through, alone. I was widowed at a young age and thought "I don't need the support groups".... but then I gained a ton of weight, developed high blood pressure and suffered horribly. Eventually, I took the good advice of someone wise and attended bereavement counselling. Now, I have my life back and I am able to truly appreciate how precious all life is. I sincerely encourage Shayna to do the same. Don't go it alone. There are others who share the pain. Many blessings to you, and your family. Karen G

Thank you both for your support...I know how devistating suicide can be...when I was 19, my ex-boyfriend also took his own life. Shayna does go to counseling. Thanks again, Julie

WOW Julie it's stories like yours that are truly inspiring! God bless ya hon.... I'll say and extra prayer for your daughter.... She may need to seek some counseling to help her get thru this time in her life... Just try to be there for her the best you can.... That's all a mom can do... I went thru a tough time dealing with depression and I still do even now... And I am glad I had my mom to talk to.... I'm happy to read how well you are doing! Take care!!!! Chelle

Julie, your doing so great on your weight loss and I'm happy that life is finally treating you well. I'm so sorry for your daughters loss and it's a shame that Adam's parents won't allow your daughter to visit his grave site. Sometimes that can help people get over the grieving period. Your all in my prayers. Hugs Donna

Hi Julie Good to hear an update on you. You have done wonderful! You will walk again. Let us know when it happens. Congratulations! Very sorry to hear about your daughter's boyfriend. That is so sad. Take Care, Kelly

Julie, I've been wondering where you were, I was really worried about you. I've been sending emails and they just keep getting returned. I'm so glad to hear that you are doing so well and doing all the things that you want to do. Congratulations on your weightloss, you are doing such an awesome job. I just know that you will be walking before you know it, so keep working on it. I"m so sorry to hear about Shayna's loss, she must be devestated with this. I agree with the others, you should get her some help to deal with her grief. Please keep us updated on how you are all doing. Your in my prayers. Take care, Loni

Hello Loni, Its good to hear from you!!! You look fantastic!!! Thank you everyone for all your support...and Shayna is in counseling already...thanks again for your concern and prayers. Julie Loni, my email is [email protected]