Ben article

Hi everyone, As some of you know, last year I wrote an article on our friend Ben. It was right before and after his surgery (and even during, as I got to be in the operating room... what an experience). Anyhow, we ran a follow-up story now that he's a little over a year out and it ran Sunday so I thought I'd share the link. It's not all pretty and it's not news to all of you, as you've lived it yourselves, but since it's about Ben, I thought I'd pass along the link. (Please ignore the glaring grammatical error... there was a last minute copy change and I didn't get a chance to read it over after the editor put a quote back in after first taking it out. Big oops.) I also wrote a sidebar/first person column to accompany it. I think it was incredible of Ben to open up his life and experiences, as we all know, it isn't an easy thing to do but his honesty and upfrontedness (is that a word???) will help those who come after us to make better informed decisions... Here's the link to Ben's story: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/aug/05/standing-proud-05/ and here's mine: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/aug/05/its-easier-not-uncomplicated-says-writer -who-lived/

Very cool Becca. You look great and sound so darned emotionally healthy. And you're right who cares if it is "the easy way out"? It worked period and that's what matters. I am happy for ya! Sparky

Thanks Sparkster Hows stuff up north? And when are we west coast people doing the Tahoe thing?

Thanks for sharing Ben and Becca I haven't read them yet but will.. I wanted to share these pics of Ben too.. of course they are on his profile.. but he looks awesome.. look at that touch of gray http://www.obesityhelp.com/photos/uzone,photos/action,gallery/albumId,441/curPhoto,126329/ http://www.obesityhelp.com/photos/uzone,photos/action,gallery/albumId,441/curPhoto,126329/ of course your HOTT too Becca.. http://www.obesityhelp.com/photos/uzone,photos/action,gallery/albumId,1311/curPhoto,122771 / OH.. BTW... if you were in the surgery room.. does that mean you saw BEN nekkie.. ohhhh do tell...

Hahahaha I got to see Ben in the presurgery room with the hospital gown on and then we (there was a photographer and videographer from the paper there as well) stayed out of the operating room until he was draped. I was surprised to see an inflatable looking plastic thing over his arms and chest when we came in... I guess it's something they put on to keep the body warm but I never knew they used it. They must have done the same for me because it was the same surgeon at the same hospital but I must have been out of it by the time they put it on me. Watching the surgery was amazing though... even though it was a bit like watching it on the Discovery Channel or something because even the surgeon is watching on "tv."

Incredible, inspiring, inspirational....WOW...thank you for sharing both stories...I loved them both... CONGRATULATIONS Ben and Becca....you have done incredible and look fantastic..... THANK YOU AGAIN!!!! Annie

Thanks Annie! You're pretty inspirational yourself. So what's the day countdown now?

awwww, thanks....19 days and counting...woooo hoooo...woooo hoooo!

Okay.. I read both articles and they are wonderful but knowing and caring so much for both subjects may have a part in thatyou and Ben have done fabulous.. and Ben.. I hope you're winning on the transfer addiction.. I know it sucks sometimes.. It's your journey, make the most of it hunyou can always join us on the Addictons Board if you wanna.. it's for those of us who don't wanna use.. and it helps us supporting others who don't wanna use I'm proud of both of yous

Thank you Rhonda I hope all's well in Kentucky today