So sorry that you have had issues, but it sounds like you are on the road to recovery.  I hope that the rest of your journey is uneventful!!  Welcome home and welcome to the losers bench.

I had my surgery Oct 11th with some complications. I had internal bleeding in the pouch which led to low blood count and eventually a blood transfusion. If you haven't had your surgery yet, It might be good to collect two pints of your own blood just in case. Anyway this all led to bad anemia and between all this an extra long stay at the hospital and a very difficult recovery.  I am happy to report I am feeling much better after I got rid of nausea and bloating.  I started taking pain meds with one cracker and boy what a lifesaver for me. I am finally able to walk downstairs to make my own meals and sit and watch t.v. Whoo hoo.  It was tough but I made it through. Now here's to losing some poundage!

Check out how I'm going to mark my 2nd surgery anniversery!!!!   www.coloradorelay.com      I will be attempting this crazy race with some gals from work and their friends. 12 ladys in all 24 hours 170 miles 4 mountain passes. Its not until sept 08 but its my next major goal. everyone on the team we formed has different running abilities and our goal is to have fun and finish. I was alittle worried and wanted to make sure they new my lack of running history. Even the gals I don't know are so supportive of the weight loss and my training. We hope to plan a couple of 5k together before hand to break me in a bit  HAHAHA..  Amy P.S. We are team "Mental in the mountains"

I am working on a holiday project for Marine Recruits who are sick or injured and having to spend time in Medical Rehab Platoon. Many of the recruits don't know if they will get sent home or they will get to see their dream come true. Below is a letter if you can read it and help out that would be great. Thanks, Jenn I am with a group call Marine Moms Online (MMO). We are an Internet support group for thousands of families of the Marine Corps. Each holiday season we turn our attention to sick and injured recruits at the Training Depots in both San Diego and Parris Island . These young men and women, approx 750, have been removed from regular training and will be in the Special Training Company (STC) over the holiday season. On Christmas morning MMO delivers a patriotic holiday stocking to each of these recruits. The stockings are filled with items that have been donated from various sources. In the stockings the recruits receive phone cards, envelopes, stamps, note pads and pens. But the key "gift" in this stocking is a bundle of letters that we collect from children all over the country. Last year each recruit had 12 letters in their stocking. That is over 8000 letters! Our goal is to bring cheer to these special recruits on Christmas Day and to show them how much we support them and stand behind their determination to become a United States Marine. And you can be part of that impact - in a very simple way! Would you please help by collecting letters and/or drawings from children of all ages? The subject can be patriotic, holiday wishes, or even a simple thank you for serving our county. It can be from schools, Sunday schools, clubs, and just your own kids. The end result is letters. However you decide is the best way for your class or school to participate is greatly appreciated. Following are simple guidelines for the letters. - Notes, letter, pictures and cards accepted. - Salutation should be "Dear Recruit" - Envelope for each letter/drawing is not necessary - send it all in one package to the address below. - NO personal return addresses. - Mark the back of each note with a classroom sticker or stamp with the school address, if they desire possible responses from recruits. Please mail your letters to arrive by December 5, 2007 to this address: MMO Holiday Project c/o The Avery’s

2403 West Sunnyside Ave Visalia CA 93277

Thanks in advance for your support of our project. We can make the Christmas season just a little better for these recruits who SO desire to serve our country. Sincerely, Jennifer Avery P.S. You can view photos from past visits at this website: http://marinemomvisits.com

Welcome and it is normal to be scared.  This is a great website to come to to learn and to vent.