ok...Dr. Barba...and guess what guys...

I have made ALL of my appointments for this month except for the psych...only because I couldn't get in touch with them....I haven't gone to the 'seminar' with my husband yet...which is where you get the packet with all the dr's info....and what is required of you BEFORE you see the doctor....BUT...I received the info from 'an inside source-thanks sweetie'...I have an appt with: the cardiologist, the pulmonologist, and get this....Dr. Barba's office even let me make an appt. now with the dietition because I called them and explained that I have the info....just don't have it for the nutritionist.....they said...that is because she is in this office....and....ok...we'll transfer you...SO...when we go to the seminar next month on the third...I will be all set...I just have to 'jive' my surgery date with Jeromy my 16 year old son.....he's getting his tonsils out in May also.....at the outpatient center....can you believe that one. OH Staff Note: Edited at member's request.

Here's what I'm going to say about MOMO....I love her dearly. Yes, she can be abrasive and to the point (sometimes hurting people's feelings)...BUT, she means well and only states the truth. If you're slacking off, she lets you know it. Etc. She is a truly great person with flaws like we all do. As Jesus would say this week, let the first one without sin cast the first stone... Momo works her tail off for her family and for her causes. She is an extremely intelligent person and I admire her opinions and feelings on things greatly. She'd be the first one to give you the shirt off of her back if you were naked and without one. I know that her comments hurt many people's feelings when she was on here and I know that she will NOT come on here under a different alias and with a different pix. That's now how she is. You get what you see and read with her! All in all, I don't think the things she said were all that bad...just the truth... Ok, there's my 2 cents on the matter, since I've stayed out of it until now... Paula

Well, I'm kind of sorry she won't be coming back even under a different name...I think that would've given me a chance to get to know her..how can I say this...without ...any ..I am sorry, I am kind of slow this morning and cannot think of the word....not influences....what I am trying to say, is that IF I had the chance to speak to her without knowing who she was...maybe my opinion wouldn't already be swayed before I spoke...do you know what I am trying to say??

P.s. out of everybody on this board...when it comes to stonethrowing...I definitely would be the person that would have the stones thrown at.......

I think at one point in time or another, we all feel that way...BUT, it's all in how we act as a person and how we truly feel inside (beliefs, faith, love, etc) that really makes us who we are. Yes, I was a HUGE person at one time...there were times when I wasn't huge...and times when I've been very judgmental or others and times when I haven't been...Times when I have a HUGE mouth and don't know when to zip it and times when I realize that it's just not my business to say anything. We can all crawl up on the "proverbial cross" and feel like a martyr, but, where does that get us? Just deeper into our 'pity pot' and not helping ourselves to be a better and stronger person. I've learned through the years (I'm 43 and have been through it all, believe me, you don't want me to get started...) that I have to think before I speak, think how, {if I do speak} that it's not going to flame or harm someone's reputation and feelings, and most of all, am I going to come off as a complete a$$hole and embarrass myself when I do open my big fat mouth? To me, how I feel about myself and how I've treated people that day is most important. Life is too darn short to be negative and self pitying...We need to get on with life, live it to the fullest and be a good person without strings attached. Harping on why Dr Aranow won't do your surgery and flaming him won't get you your surgery any quicker with another surgeon. (Remember, surgeons are in a close fraternal type of mass, word gets around VERY quickly if someone puts down one of "their" own). You want to go into this surgery without any bitterness, angst and negativity on your brain. If you do, then you're not ready to start your life anew. Get rid of the emotional baggage so that you can get rid of the physical baggage on you... Again, my 2 cents worth! paula

ok

Paula, I just want to see that I just now visited your profile page and HOLY COW, you've done a tremendous job with your journey! You look fabulous. I weighed in a bit more than you just prior to surgery so I know what you were feeling then; I just wanted to say congratulations on your great success! Take care, Maureen

I was something of a "cow" now, wasn't I!!!!!!!!!! LOL LOL LOL Not sure how "holy" I was, though! Spiritual, yes, but holy? That can be questioned! I'm feeling great! Both physically and emotionally. Best thing I could have ever done for myself. Dr Aranow helped me to save myself and my life. As you know, it's not always a cake (bad pun, I know) walk and the grazing creeps up, etc. But, all in all, it's been a joy ride for me! Thanks for taking the time to see my befores and afters! I don't recognize myself! I didn't know I was THAT FAT until someone showed me a pix of myself! Gosh, what the heck was I doing to my body??? Phew, thank God that's over. Paula

Hijack.... The new profile picture looks FANTASTIC!!! Peter

Thank you Paula. I agree wholeheartedly with all you said about MoMo. MoMo rocks in my book. T.