TOMANIP....

I just wanted to let everyone know that I was able to meet our very own Tomanip last night and her husband. She is a total sweetheart. I just happened to be in her neck of the woods yesterday so we got together and chatted some over a cup of coffee at the good ole Waffle House. If nothing else it helped her get her mind off of worrying about her surgery for an hour or so. I so enjoy being able to meet the people from this site that are going through or have already gone through the same experiences that I am. I have made some of the most wonderful friends from this site, you all know who you are... There are still many that I have not met, but hope to some day. Please everyone show our wonderful Tomanip all the love and support that we have within us the next few days as she goes through her change to a skinnier healthier person. I could tell that her hubby has a lot of doubts about this surgery and how much in the end it will be a lifesaver for her, but in time I am sure he will realize that she made the right choice. As with any surgery, there are always ups and downs, but with God on her side, and all of us in the corner praying and rooting for her, she will be another success story. I can say, that I, like Tammy and many others had a VERY rough beginning and I asked myself many many times why did I put myself through this because I was so sick I thought I was dying. However, here I sit today, almost 10 months post op and I have met my doctors goal and I feel outstanding (most days), I still have my down days, but not as many as I had prior to surgery. I can eat just about anything these days in much smaller portions but I still am able to enjoy my favorite foods. For all of you pre op people, the first couple of months will not be easy, but life will return to fairly normal and you will feel so much better when that weight starts melting away. This year has been a rough one for me, with the surgery, and the sickness, my MIL almost died, Hurricane Katrina took my home and my belongings, so trust me, I am ready for 2006... There are brighter days ahead... The rebuilding on the coast has begun, and three of our casinos are reopening this week, all you casino people, need to come down and visit now!! More things are opening here daily and finally a sense of normalcy in the town.. I love you all, and I can't wait to see everyone again soon! Happy Holidays! Rhonda Lap RNY 03/01/05 240/125

I am sooo jealous that you got to meet her !!! I am thrilled for Vel. She has been a real trooper waiting. And like you said, some of us have had a rough start on this journey. I hope & pray that hers is not one to add to that list !!! I know the year has been VERY HARD on you & your family. Next year has to be better. Who knows, you may win the Lottery !!! Wouldn't that be great ? Buy me something really nice ok ? But I do love ya & think the world of you. Your a sweetie from way back there. And The Good Lord knows you've been understanding & very good to me. Here I am almost 3 months out & I can finally say that......... I can see why I would consider having WLS. I'm not always asking "What the HELLO have I done to myself?" And that is a long distance from where I was in the beginning. I'm working really hard on gettin to the point to say it was all worth it. And I am getting closer to that point everyday. I go to the doctor Thursday.... So I should have my 1st report to turn in. I've been holding out with my numbers so far !!! Plus, I'm not a scale junkie. YET THAT IS. Love ya & Merry Christmas, Tammy

Don't be jealous Tammy... I was just lucky, I happened to be in the area and called her up and we had a very nice visit. My sister lives in Ft Walton Beach which is only about 30 miles from Milton, so it just worked out that way... I had to take my son over there so he could meet my other sister to go home with her that way he has a few extra days with his dad and my family. We will be leaving to go there on Thursday night. I am very happy for Vel too, and I pray that she has a very easy going and painless recovery. You have had a very rough time with your surgery and I am so very happy that you are doing better now. Things will only get better for you from here on out. I can't wait to hear the results from your doctor. I heard through the grapevine that your weight loss is VERY noticable.. I am sure that you are very proud of that. You deserve it very much. Be sure to post those numbers when you get back, you have every right to brag.. Love you too, and Merry Christmas to you too hon... Rhonda

I'll probably post them Will you have internet while your gone ? My appointment isn't until 2:00 Thursday & we plan on doing some shopping while in Jackson. So... it may be a little late when we get back. However I'm hoping to leave early that morning & shop before my appointment. If that works out, I won't be late getting the "offical" report posted. You know we lost our K-Mart a while back & if I am anywhere near one, I'm gonna hit it. So Thank God we are gonna have a house sitter that day. I just don't think my Pom's could "hold it" that long. My weight loss is more noticeable than I thought. You'll have to look at the pictures on my profile page or my www link. My parents were like at the difference in the pictures. They knew that it was a big change, but when you see it side by side it does make you take a second look & pick up your chin. Well, it did me that way. But that's me. I couldn't really tell. Y'all have a very safe & happy trip home for Christmas. Tammy

WOW GIRL!! You really can tell a big difference. I am so proud of you! Be sure to keep those pictures, so you will be able to remember "the old Tammy" because you are going to look in the mirror one day and say whoooaaaa who is that person??? I know I still have to do a double take sometimes when I walk past the mirror. What a ten months make. I will have internet access until Monday, but then we will be at my MIL's and she does not "let" me get on her computer. (we won't go there....) But I will be back home on Thursday, so I will get caught up. You can call me on my cell (228)365-7846... Take Care and VERY Merry Christmas.. Love, Rhonda 240/125

I wanna meet Tomanip too!!!!! I loves you anyhow!! Smoochies ARlies