Roll Call

Absolutely come to the get-togehter! You are a pre-op -- nothing more official then the fact that you are researching the procedure and are on this board! We can't wait to meet you, and I'm sure you will find that it will be a great experience. BTW - Dr. Bell is wonderful! You will be in great hands with him. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -85 lbs.

Deanna: You are more than welcome to join us on 6/12. There should be a good mix of pre & post op people there. As well as families this time. We had our 1st get together back in March. I really learned a lot back in March and I am sure you will get a lot out of coming to this get together. Dr. Bell is great. He has monthly support group meetings at Yale. The next one is 6/8 from 6-7:30 if you are interested. It is in the Max Taffel room at Yale Hospital. I am still pre-op hoping to have surgery by the end of the summer. I would love to meet and talk to you too. I will be at the support group meeting as well as the get together. Let me know if you have any questions or just want to talk. Chryssie

I have had a very busy but fun weekend. Lots of outdoor time with the kiddos since the weather has been so nice. I have my first appointment with Dr. Aranow on Wednesday morning and am very excited to meet with him one on one. I have done most of the specialists already that I think he would want me to see before surgery. So I am hoping that I won't have to do too much more before I can be scheduled for surgery. I am usually not a patient person but the wait isn't seeming to bother me all that much for this. I am totally comitted to having it done but the wait gives me time to research even further and learn more about how I can use the surgery to it's fullest potential. I might try to attend the support meeting tomorrow night. I have to find out what time it is and whether my husband will be home from work in time to watch our children.

hi Eileen I will be attending Dr. Aranows meeting tonight. It's at seven...let me knowif you are going so we can meet angel

Hi Eileen, Just wanted to welcome you to the boards. Its always nice to see new people joining our ranks. Please feel free to stop by often and ask questions or just vent. We even like to just chat sometimes..... Please try to join us for the CT Get Together on June 12th in East Windsor. It should be alot of fun and I think you will find it very informative and helpful. Can't beat that combination!! Linda

Hi Everyone! Linda - You're such an asset to this board. I hope you know each and every one of us apprecuates your support and sharing of your journey. This is such a great way to see how everyone is doing! Things are good in the McPhee house, I finally broke through a 4-week plateau and lost five pounds, bringing the grand total to 121 pounds. Still have a ways to go but I feel fantastic and ok with the fact that the weight is slowing down. I won't be able to attend the next get-together, we're goign to the NJ shore that week. I wish we could, I'd love to see everyone again, and meet new friends. I'll keep my fingers crossed for good weather. Take care everyone!

Hi everyone, I'm catching up on reading posts. This time of year gets real busy for me. School is nearing an end and I get very involved with our 8th grade because I put together their yearbook, plus this year I am more involved because my youngest son will be graduating. Lots of fun stuff to do like making decorations and ceterpieces for their banquet. I am very close to entering the century club. Some days the scale says 2 more pounds and then I get a day like today and it says 4 more pounds, but regardless I'm getting close. I am feeling fantastic. It's amazing how you take your health for granted. A year ago I could never do what I am doing right now and I try to remind myself of that very often. I don't ever want to loose sight of what I have gone through because I don't ever want to return there again! I have found many more reasons to smile. My husband and I are together much more, (even if it means just grocery shopping) I couldn't do it 6 months ago. I have made it to all my boys baseball games and lacrosse games plus walked the track in between. I am struggling a bit with carbs these days. I all of a sudden seem to have more of an appetite. I'm trying to stay focused and doing all the things I need to do. By the way, I have heard plenty about June 12th but where was it decided for the location? Enjoy the week all! Carolyn

Hi Carolyn, Wow it is great to see your smiling face . Sounds like you are doing great and keeping very very busy. I hope you will be able to make it on the 12th. I would love to see in person how you are doing. We will be in East Windsor again. Kathy B. posted the directions. Let me know if you are coming and what you are bringing etc. It is going to be such fun!! Linda

Hi Debbie, First of all thank you so much for your kind words. They are very much appreciated . Sounds like things are really moving along for you. Don't get discouraged with those plateaus, they will and do happen but just keep working at it and the weight will go. I really don't believe any of that window of opportunity stuff. This is work and our tools will be useful for as long as we chose to work them. I am sorry you won't be able to make it on the 12th but I hope you and the family have a great time on the New Jersey Shore. That sounds like a great time and its always good to get away and relax. Take care and thanks for being here. Linda

Hi all, I'm looking forward to being on the losing side, then there will be so much more to talk about! Called Dr Bell's office today, it's been 2 weeks since paperwork was complete. Nothing yet, but I offered to wait and if I didn't hear anything in 2 more weeks, I'll call. The Med Asst (i think) assured me I would get a call and had no problem with me calling in 2 weeks, which I assume to mean, they will call me before that time. I must say, his office people have been very nice to me. On another note, went to an engagement party in NY yesterday, and I was not sure I would have a good time. Ya know how it is, now I REALLY see how big I am and so have a little anxiety about going out to functions.....BUT, I'm setting a good benchmark with my wife's relatives, so when I lose the weight, they will all have something to say to me! Well not that they didn't have words yesterday, it's just that sometimes converstion is hard, and one more thing, it is nice getting to know DW's side of the family more. Well wishes to Maggie, you are a big part of our encouragement here, don't forget about us. And Christine, do well and listen to the doc, ok? All for now, what did I just say? "Longing to be a loser" MikeMc P.S. I removed my last name from my profile.