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

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

I had reached 4 pounds from my goal in mid March - (149 pounds) kept it off for a week and right now I am at 159 pounds - I keep gaining and loosing the same 5-10 pounds over and over - WHY you may be asking...head hunger and carb demons....argh the battle we all must face and conquer if we are going to make it....I am in a size 4 or 6 - I don't know why I am that small at 155 pounds but that is where I am...carb demons - I hate them - just say no....

Hi-My name is Martha Dunn. I am completing my doctoral degree at Antioch New England Graduate School. My dissertation research project explores post bariatric surgery behavior, struggles and needs. If you have 10-15 minutes to complete the survey, it would be a big help to me. Also, if you have friends who've also had the surgery and could forward this message to them, that would be great. More in-depth details are on the link that follows and thank you in advance. Martha http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=60661940436

Soon, you'll have to follow in my tire tracks ! LOL The weather is cold and rainy here today. Maybe tomorrow might be better. I got out for about 1/2 hour ride yesterday, but it was quite cold. Summer.... I NEED summer ! LOL Thanks Karen G