UPDATE ON LEVI

 Levi is home now and taking it easy.  Sipping on chicken broth. His surgery went well. No complications whatsoever. I am so proud of him.  This was such a major hurdle for him.  Thank you to everyone for their support and concern. I read him the messages he received. I believe the messages really lifted his spirits even more.       I met people who were negative about the surgery and one lady who had sugery and felt this website was a waste of time (she was very critical and had said she had never viewed it ) But I believe the surgery will better my husband's health and I have read lots of information and read the questions and answers on this website and I think this is a great website and I have I told others about it. Everyone is supportive of each other, honest and sincere about what they are going through.     People,even some celebrities, say that this is an easy way out for people who want to lose weight. But I don't believe this is an easy way out. Because it takes hard work and perserverance with all the hoops and hurdles you have to go through. The surgery is only a tool to better one's self. Thanks to everyone for their encouragement, prayers  and support.                                                                     God Bless                                                               Tanya Benjamin

Thanks for the update Tanya.  I'm so glad to hear Levi made it through with flying colors.  Please wish him well for me. Take care. Ellen

Tanya- Levi is blessed to have you in his life. Thanks so much for keeping us updated with his progress- I'm glad he's home. Remind him to sip, walk, rest, sip, walk, rest..... I  SOOOO agree with you- this is not the easy way- its an HONEST way to face our obesity and gain tools to battle it successfully for better health! Please send him my thoughts and prayers and a big ole' welcome to the loser's bench! God bless you both! Sheila

Hi Tanya - We have all been anxious to hear the good news. Keeping you both in prayer. Give my best to Levi. Seems like a very kind and gentle man. My best to you both, Mary Ann

Welcome Home, Levi! Glad to hear it went smoothly. As far as the negative people go... let them wallow in their own pity. There is always someone who isn't educated on a subject, yet they still know it all. Most don't know that they make this surgery a last effort. LAST effort! Some of us fight months and years to have this to save our lives. Don't let anyone discourage you for fighting for your life or your family's. Be proud of the hard work and effort you have put forth. And share it on THIS site!  It's only as useful and you want it to be! Do we always agree here? No. Do we all have different stories and happenings? Yes, and that's what makes this site so useful!  Personally, I came to this site to hear the good and the bad. How can that not be helpful? Some people...

Tanya, I have not been on here for very long but I have enjoyed reading your husband's posts. I have been watching all day for an update on him. So glad to hear he is doing well. I will continue to pray for his swift recovery from the surgery and a healthy new beginning. Beth

I hope Levi continues to heal. He is blessed to have an careing and understanding partner. Who cares what other people think we all have to do what is right for outselves. God Bless Myrtis

I am also glad to hear Levi is doing well.  I was wondering about him earlier and am so glad you posted this.  Thanks! 

Tanya and Levi, God bless you both!  Thank you for touching base with us.  Levi has come to mean a great deal to us. God has a wonderful, loving way of dealing with negativity and critics and judgmental people.  I know.  I used to be one of those who thought that people who sought out WLS were weak-willed and were looking for the easy way out.  But God blessed me with enough "lessons in humility" to learn that I have no business judging others.  And when I forget that loving gift, God blesses me with the ability to walk in the shoes of the people I have been criticizing.  That has helped me to empathize rather than criticize, Today I am very grateful that such a wonderful tool exists on this earth.  And I am very grateful also for this wonderful website and the wonderful people on it! Big hugs to you and Levi! Suzanne

Glad to hear that all went well for Levi.  Please let him know that he continues to be in our prayers!! Hugs, Donna