CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU.....

You know, as I sit here at work reading posts, looking over profiles, I see how many of you are still waiting word from Insurance companies to be approved.....I see how many of you are struggling with decisions about foods and proteins, and I see how many people have become a success story and I see people who are struggling to lose weight even after surgery. What it all comes down to is that we are ALL winners..........every one of us. No matter the waiting, no matter the decisions, no matter the struggles, no matter the battles we've had to fight, endure and ultimately win or lose. It doesn't matter where you are in your quest, whether it be pre op, making the decision to meet with a surgeon, post op, whatever. YOU ARE A WINNER. AND YOU ARE AWESOME. And, I want to take a moment to acknowledge each and every one of you here, no matter where you are, no matter what status or weight you are.....I acknowledge you and praise you for what you are doing. I congratulate you for making any changes to live longer, healthier lives. I applaud each of you for just being who you are. In the world we live in, so many are cold and fighting to survive, hungry and go without for so long.....I've seen horror stories from my friend who was in Iraq and just returned...photos of people and kids, starving. It wasn't until last weekend, at his homecoming party I attended, that I realized just how truly blessed WE all are. Just how fortunate WE --- US Citizens, truly are. Just how lucky we are to have what we have. And for that reason, and for you all ALL OF YOU...contribution to my life and the lives of so many here, I JUST WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOU FOR WHAT YOU WRITE, SAY, COMMUNICATE, DO, POST, ETC. For none of us could be as strong as we are without one another. God Bless you all, Stacey in Mount Pleasant, MI

What a positive and inspirational post! I also think we are stronger together. Thanks, Mary

Dear Stacey, I am new to the Boards, but I am 6.5 years post-op. I am doing great and have a wonderful group of Support People. Family and friends and my Support Group family too. I am a Support Group Leader and have been for 5 years. I worked as a Patient Counselor for Barix. I tell you all this because in all the years I have done this, with all of the people I have met, YOUR words of encouragement, validation, and truth have touched me more in one brief essay than most of what I have heard in all these years. Thank you for putting so much into perspective. For me and for all who happen upon your post. I hope everyone reads it. Together in the Journey, Shar