This post was written by Sharon Neva.......... I do not know exactly what to tell you or how to say it. Knowing this moment would come, does not make it any easier. Our beloved Momma Angel has been taken to her rest--her long journey is over. Her 2 daughters and their husbands, the hospital chaplain, and her own minister were there (he just happened to be dropping someone off at the hsp) Those that she left behind were- her husband, Butch; 2 daughter, 2 son, 10 grandchildren; several foster children, many relatives; and many friends- including her AMOS family. Her daughter, Rebecca, wanted me to pass along that she got the first packet with all the MB posts and Paula's surgery page and she spent all night reading those messages to Momma Angel. The family didn't know how much she was loved by all of us and they comforted the family so much. She was so thankful that she could read them and let Momma Angel know just how much she was loved. Becky said that Paula did smile while she was reading them. The words that you posted meant the world to the family. Rebecca said that you all have become "little angels" to the family. A memorial will be held Sunday. If you are in the MI area and would like to attend, please email me for the information. If you would like to send a card or do something for the family email me for details of the families wishes. During the time of her illness, there have been countless tributes and expressions of affection and respect. How do we explain the number of posts? Because of her unselfish giving, perseverance, kindness, compassion, and her ability to make all OH members that she encountered, however fleeting, to feel special and loved. Momma Angel was the first person to reach out to most of you when you signed up to OH. She came along when many of you needed her the most, a time when you were feeling alone and scared of the journey ahead of you. She gave many the faith of the possibility to achieve their goals. Now is our chance to say thank you to Momma Angel for the way she brightened our lives, even through her own pain and adversity. She made it her life's ambition to make sure each and every member knew that they were not alone and that someone cared. Join me and promise Momma Angel that we will carry on her mission and keep her dream alive. As we post our thoughts, we come here to mourn, but also to give thanks, to remember what a difference her life meant, and to celebrate the person Momma Angel was, and all she gave to so many ObesityHelp members. Sharon Neva

Hi all... Kricket wanted me to let you all know she came through her plastic surgery just fine... Her surgeon told her she won't recognize herself... she told the Doc that was just fine by her... grin... she hasn't lost her sense of humor. She is in recovery now... surgery started at 1:30 and was done by 7:00 ... so just about what the doctor told her to expect. Thanks for all your well wishes... Kricket was overwhelmed by all of your wishes. Blessings to you all, Chellie

Hi all... Kricket is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday morning... Would you all please take a moment and wish Kricket a safe journey and a speedy recovery as she moves on to her next milestone...Plastic Surgery! The link to her page is: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/status.phtml?N=:o)954561787 Thanks you all... I know she appreciates all the support you guys give her! Chellie

Come join Dr. Simpsons chat scheduled for 4pm pst, 7 eastern. Look forward to seeing you there. Thanks, Larry Irvin Member Services Manager

Hello, Many of you have asked..how am I now.. would I do it again.. etc...? I was terrified to have surgery. When the doctor made it to the hospital, she looked at me.. checked the chart and said, "let's go" She could see the terror and did me a favor by knocking me out ASAP. It was very painful, very difficult at first, but after about a week, I was feeling better every day. I had my major, "Oh my God what did I do?!" cry. As I was losing, I was wanting to do more. The first month I was literally exhausted. I wanted to do more, but my body wanted to sleep. It was still healing. The more I lost, the happier I was that I did do the surgery. I hadn't found AMOS until I was about 4 weeks post op. I had no clue what was going on. I didn't know it was called an RNY, or what distal and proximal were. My surgeon quickly explained, but I still didn't understand. I learned a lot from AMOS. When I first found the site I mainly lurked in the chat room learning all I could. They also had a doctor come in for live Q&A sessions. I read a lot there and asked a few questions of my own. I was a slow loser. Not losing much for a year, but then losing quite a lot again, after three years was it? You can read my disappointments and depression as I thought, this is it, I'm one it won't work for, I'll always be MO. When I started losing again, I started to do things like take my younger son to the park. Go down the slide w/ him on my lap. Go up the playground equipment, right behind him. Things I'd only seen other parents do when he was two. Him and I have been bike riding together, last year... after he taught himself to ride a bike. And when him and I race.. you bet I win! Something I only dreamed of w/ my older son. My teen... we were shooting hoops together. Both my boys, I can go to their schools and sit in their desks.. and not take the desks w/ me when I go to stand up. I don't have to be afraid and want to leave right away. I don't have to fear that I'm a total embarrassment to them. I'm in school. I'm working, for AMOS, plus a few of my own clients. I can bend over and tie my shoes. I can fit into bathroom stalls.. and take care of my own hygiene while in there. I'm not bawling out of total frustration. Friends and I remember when I couldn't fit behind booths, when my rear couldn't fit on stools. I see myself walk towards a glass door, or walk by a store window and realize, "That's ME and I look OKAY!" After almost five years, I STILL don't drink with my meals. I drink before, but then always wait, out of habit for that 45 mins. I don't like hamburgers or greasy foods much. I do drink diet pop, but I haven't like sugared pop since before I was 16. And when my surgeon found out I was drinking diet tea.. she still informed me.. "take all the liquid out of sugared pop and you have half a can of sugar." YUCK! My friends still hear me say, "I've gotta have my protein." I have never done this w/ powders or bars. I've done it w/ cottage cheese, tuna (13 grams per serving each), meats.. cheese (but not in excess). I have done a protein bar on occasion when I'm in a hurry, but usually, it's beef jerky, turkey jerky (I love to make that myself), thinly sliced chicken.... I'm always thinking of protein. I do have chocolate at times (a neighbor who's about to have an RNY caught me w/ two Hershey Kisses last week). I will order the apple crisp w/ caramel, but then, most of it goes to a friend or my kids. If I want to taste it, I let myself taste it. If I eat too much, I still get sick. I don't dump as I used to, but I will get real tired and have diarrhea when I've indulged too much. Sometimes I'm "blessed" w/ the pain that goes w/ it, but not often. When I eat that one bite too many, I want to roll up and die. And after five years out, the amount I can eat, is usually about 3/4th a Sandwich. Sometimes, just half and the other half goes to a friend. The years I've been here, I've heard of many revisions from VBG to RNY. I've been asked if RNY is reversible. Honestly, why would you want to reverse weight loss? I want this to be permanent. I don't ever want to go back to the way I was. Back then, I asked myself, "when will it end? When I'm 400#, 500# or more?" I was terrified. I can't make decisions for you. This is totally up to you. I'm having Plastic Surgery on the 9th of June to remove excess skin form stomach and upper legs and thighs. Again, I'm terrified of the pain. But, that too will pass. This was the best thing I could have done for myself. If this is the route you choose, I do honestly believe that this is the best thing you'll ever do for you. Good luck and love ya all! :kiss: