Update/Message from Cesar's Family

I've copied two emails here so be sure to read both....... Tami, I got all your e-mails. I want to thank you and everyone at OH for all the support, prayers and good wishes you have given my family and I. we are so touched to know how many good friends Cesar had that loved him and supported him through this big decision. It is very comforting to know that he was not alone. There are no words to explain how thankful we are. Thank you! I can see that this group gave Cesar you sooo much love, support and understanding that I will always be thankful to you all and I know Cesar will too. In memory of Cesar I would like to tell you a few words that I hope you will always remember and I am sure Cesar would have said as well; "For those of you that have gone through this journey I want to say congratulations, don't give up and remember you are not alone. For those of you who are near your surgery date don't' let this scare you, don't give up and remember you are not alone." Tami, one last thing as you already know Cesar was like my big brother and he told me about his support group because he wanted me to make sure I contacted you when surgery was over and wanted me to give you all his updates, so that you could pass them along to everyone at OH. You will always be Cesar's angel and mine too. Love always, Awilda Tami, I am so sorry I did not get back to you. Again I want to thank you and everyone at OH for all your support and prayers. I hope that you were able to post my last e-mail at the website since I wanted everyone to read it. We did get the results. It was a heart attack. We are still trying to cope with Cesar's loss and I know that only God and time will heal our pain. It was nice to hear from you again. Thanks Awilda http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=L1110820131

Tami, Thanks for posting this. I didn't know Cesar, but from his profile and posts, he seemed like a sweet nice guy. Dr. Gellman also did my surgery 20 months ago and I had complications too. Thankfully, it has all turned out well for me. This was unfortunate, but it just shows that all those test that the doctor make us go through are done for a reason and it's still no guarantee that something can still go wrong. I lost my 43 year old sister to a heart problem a month after my surgery, so I know how Cesar's family is feeling. God and time may help the pain, but it will never go away completely. The Awilda's are in my prayers. Joanne

Thanks so much for letting us know about Cesar. That is so awful, I am so sorry. Like Joanne says, you have to do all of these test beforehand for a reason and that doesnt mean something will not go wrong. I did all of those tests and passed them all w/flying colors but I went into respirtory failure and my heart was pumping at 160. My husband said my eyes were rolling in the back of my head and I was gasping for air. What a sight to be seen. There were a few days that went by where no one was sure what my outcome would be. They let my 3 year old son come into the ICU to see me b/c they weren't sure I was going to make it(they never let young children in the ICU). I was not fully aware of this but I do remember some things. I had the feeling like I was flooding on water and I could not see anything but a bright light in my eyes. By the mercy of God to spare my son his mother I pulled through. I certianly do not want pity or mean to scare anyone but its a WLS reality and its out there and real. I just want to be normal again. Again I am so very sorry for Cesar family and his friends...they are in my prayers. I know how very hard it is to lose someone so suddenly who is loved so much. My oldest brother commited sucide a few years ago and I was heart broken for so long(and I still am) I know the pain and it hurts like heck. Tavia

Tamara, Hun thank you so much for posting this and I really did not know Cesar myself but knew he was not doing to good at the time, please pass on to his family that they are in my thoughts and prayers, I know loss is something that we really never get over but it just gets a little easier to live with as time goes by. Some days are better then others but we move foward and life does go on. ~hugs~ I think hearing this makes us all think about our own lives, well I know it does mine.... ~sighs~ It also confirm that we do really need to move forward and start taking care of ourselves. Cesar made a big move foward to better his life and for that his family should be proud. I wish you all well... Debra P