THANKS TO KATHY B.

Kathy, Thank you for a wonderful gathering party It helped me to decide to go ahead for RNY surgery without fear . Also my mom felt more less worried about me after meeting alot of interesting people at party. My mom can see why I want to go for Surgery and she will support me all the way and I do need yo0ur supports Maybe in the future I can help deaf people who needs to know about this surgery since I will be first deaf person from this group. God planned me to have surgery so I can help other deaf people to understand about RNY surgery. After talking with people at the party, I know I made the right decision to go head for this surgery and want to have more heathlier than where I am now. Thank you for being patience to talk with me. Kathy You did a great job and God is prouding of you Kathy K. of waterford

I'm so glad that you and your mom were able to go today. It was a pleasure meeting you both. I will certainly be here to help to support you along the way - and you will be in great hands with Dr. Bell. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau

Kathy, I decided to go Dr. A. in middletown after talking with people at your party. I hope you don t get mad because I chose Dr. A. because it is closer to my hometown. Thank you for your understanding Kathy K.

I second that Kathy! I had a great time and it was wonderful meeting everyone from around the state. I hope we can do it again soon in the future. I am happy to help anyone who needs it on your journey. Feel free to write to me anytime. Darlene

Kathy, I also want to chime in and say thank you for organizing this get together. It was so great to meet all of you!! I have to say though, that I hope we can update many of the pictures on this message board as all of you are so beautiful!!! Inside and out! I feel so fortunate to be a part of this incredible group of women (and men) from this group and am so grateful that I was able to meet you all in person! Thanks again Kathy......you are such a warm and wonderful person! love Cheryl

I feel very honored to be able to have met all of you. You are all why we had this get together! If you weren't all so wonderful, it would have never happened, and it wouldn't have been successful. We have a great thing going here in CT, and I'm proud to be a part of it. Kathy K. - you choose the doctor that you feel the most confident with. I would never be upset that you chose a different doctor than Dr. Bell. I understand that Dr. Aranow has a fabulous reputation as well, so I am certain that you will be in great hands. Dr. Bell is wonderful, and I am so thankful for his ability to give me this new life - but you need to be comfortable with your choice. Darlene - as always, it was great to see you today. You are looking fabulous! Cherly, I'm so delighted to have finally been able to meet you in person! I'm so glad you changed your plans and you were able to make it! Well everyone, what do we do next? Let's hear the suggestions, cause I know we all want to meet again - maybe in the summer? God Bless, Kathy

Kathy- I know someone already did this, but I would be happy to volunteer my home. I have a huge backyard and a screened in porch that would accomodate a lot of people. Plus I am sort of centrally located here in Burlington. So as long as it's not the middle of July I would LOVE to have you all over!! Pick a date like maybe the first weekend in August??? How does that sound to everyone??? I would also say to please invite people from your support groups as well and spouses and we'll have a cookout!

Kathy, Thanks you so much for taking the time to put this together. I think it was a great opportunity to meet some of the people I have gotten to know through this website. Cheryl... That sounds like a lot of fun to plan a summer picnic.

I'm echoing Kathy K's sentiments... It was so incredible to meet such a nice, compassionate, caring group of folks. My husband is very supportive, but as someone who's never been seriously overweight, his understanding of my pain and daily battles is limited. On Saturday, I felt as though I was at home with a bunch of sisters (and a couple brothers) who know exactly what I'm going through. Thank you to Kathy for putting it all together, and thanks to all of you post-ops who shared your experiences and your support. I know I've made the right decision, and I am so anxious to actually have the surgery. I know I won't be alone. I look forward to seeing you all again. Have a great day! Heather C.

Kathy, I enjoyed meeting you on Saturday. Your mother is such a sweetie and soo supportive of you. How lucky you both are to have each other. I found it so interesting that your handicap has not interfered with your decision to make this life changing decision. Believe me I think all of us at that meeting think that you are incredible and brave. You are doing something for yourself that is going to be so wonderful for your future. I am here to support you in any way I can. If you wish to attend a Monday night meeting just let me know and I will meet you at Middlesex Hosp. Hang in there Kathy. You've already made some great decisions.