Overdue update ~ kinda long.......

Hi Everyone, It seems like it's been such a long time since I posted anything on the TN message board. I've had lots of wonderful things happening in my life that I'm so grateful for: The first thing is that my oldest son, graduated from UTM Magn *** Laude on May 13! He is now the official holder of a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Information Systems. After 11 years of homeschooling him and his brother, God has answered our prayers and now we are praying that He will give him direction in finding a job (hopefully somewhere nearby). But wherever the Lord leads, that's where he will go. The second thing is that I should hear any day now that I will be approved by my insurance company for the lapband surgery! Last Friday they requested a "multidisciplinary program" for dietary requirements pre-op and post-op. "Roy" at the insurance office said that it is the last thing requested right before approval. Yahoooo!!! I called today and they received the fax from my surgeon's office late Friday afternoon and said I should be expecting a phone call by Wednesday or Thursday!!! The third thing is that I've been cutting out breads, pasta, pastries, potatoes, and sweets from my diet since Dec., '05 and have lost a total of 32 lbs. to date!! I know what has me so pumped and motivated is that I know whatever I lose now will help me get closer to my goal once I have the surgery and the lap band is a tool that will not only help me lose more, but to keep it off for good!! I could go on and on with other blessings God has given me these past few months, but those are the really big ones for now! Anyone else want to share how He has blessed you recently? Melodie 297/265/160

Hi Melodie Sounds like you are off to a great start. Congradulations on the weightloss. That sounds great. Cons on having your son graduate from College. That's a great milestone. Yes, God has helped me ways that I don't know where to start. I quit taking my chemo a week ago. Today all my bloodwork including the potassium were all in normal ranges. My PCP was very impressed, that I haven't taken my chemo for a week, nor had I taken any potassium supplements, just got it from my food and it was actually up in the normal range. Blood counts were all normal. He has really blessed me with all this. Keep us posted as to the approval and getting your date. May God travel with you on this journey. Love kathy

It's just great to hear that you're doing so well, Kathy!! You've been down a long, hard road and I'm so happy that things are looking up for you! God is sooooo good!! Love, Melodie 297/265/160

congrats! Wow, I can only imagine getting the kids through college. You are doing great, getting yourself ready for surgery by taking positive steps. Good for you. No, really it is good for you. Glad to see your having a great month. Keep us informed. Beth B. in TN lap RNY 8/1/05 319/277/162/150 peak/surgery/current/goal

Thank you Beth...you're doing great too and looking good! Just look at that! You're almost to your goal!!! Melodie 297/265/160

Magn *** Laude, wow! I know you're proud of him!! It sounds like you've already gotten your head where it needs to be to succeed. Good for you! God has blessed me with a smooth recovery from surgery. I have had no problems at all. I left the hospital off of all (3 different) diabetes medications and my PCP cut my cholesterol medication in half at 2 months post-op. I can now sit on my husband's lap to cuddle and not worry about hurting him. In fact, we can cuddle and he tells me how skinny I'm getting. Our kids say we act like newlyweds. Susan 284/270/217/135

Wow, Susan....that's a major blessing hearing your husband tell you that you're getting skinny! It' really wonderful knowing that not only is your health improving, but your marriage sounds like it's rock solid! What a great testimony you are giving to your kids! Keep up the great work! You're down almost 70 lbs.!!!! Melodie 297/265/160

Hi Melodie, I'll tell you how God has blessed me.....I had my surgery on May 2nd. I have recovered with NO issues at all. I didn't even take the morphine while I was in the hospital b/c I didn't have the "amazing pain" that some people talk about. I didn't even use the dorlatab pain med when I got home either. I've been able to sleep in my bed with no discomfort. My incisions healed without infection or problems. I was scared to death to have the procedure done but I had faith and trust in God that he would bring me through and he did just what he said!!!!! I am truly blessed. I have lost 33lbs already and I look forward to running around with my kids and husband this summer. I AM BLESSED!!!!!! Okay......who's next??? Toi SW:242 CW:209 GW:150 Surgery Date: 5/2/06 Lap RNY Dr. David Dyer (Centennial Medical Ctr)

You are blessed Toi! You've rebounded so well from your surgery and with no pain meds ~ wow, that's awesome! It's true that when we ask in faith believing, He answers our prayers! Thanks for sharing your awesome testimony!! You're doing great! Melodie 297/265/160