Is there anybody out there?

Hello out there to anybody reading this! My name's Susane (like Susan, not Suzanne), I'm 29 years old and I currently live in Delaware though I usually consider Minnesota "home". I've been reading and lurking and posting on obesityhelp for several months and just had my surgery (lap rny) on 2/21/05. I'm doing really well, have encountered no problems or set-backs, and am at the part of my recovery where I'm eating and drinking well, but am generally exhausted and uber-moody. I teach in a high school, which is a surprise profession for me and all who know me. I never anticipated teaching and was on my way to live a poetic bohemian lifestyle in London when I took the job. Who knew it would be such a good fit! In truth, I wonder if it isn't a cosmic joke on my employers, though I've always worked well with young people. I write, I play music, I work with photography, I travel, and I spend time collecting interesting people to keep around me so I always have someone to be learning something from. I have two cats (Micah, a normal-sized orange tabby, and Claire, weighing in at a fluffy 36lbs) a dog (Caleb, golden-retriever/border collie high energy mix) and a partner (Jess, who's done a fabulous job of losing 70lbs on her own this year). I love to travel and spend a lot of time working with groups like Catholic Relief Services and Habitat for Humanity. I wanted this post to serve by way of introduction...and my hope is that other people who are "family" will respond with introductions of their own so maybe we can have a more active idea of who's glbt present and active on this board! I hope this note finds you well...and intimate stranger, I wish you peace! -Susane (SOO'zun, in case I muddled myself earlier)

Congratulations on joining the fold! I call Minnesota home as well. Welcome aboard. I'm glad to read that you're feeling good (albiet moody - trust me I've been there! This too shall pass). I'm around, I forget to post sometimes, but I'm watching. My profile is a longwinded tretise on WLS and has lots of pictures of me on the way down 209lbs. It found me well, and I hope you're continuing to be healthy and happy. ~Lara

Hey there Susane!! Melanie here .... Birmingham Alabama is where I call home. So very nice to meet ya!! I had my surgery January '04 so I'm just a little past my year mark now. I've done pretty well. Starting at a wopping 330lbs and resting comfortably now at 150lbs .... I have totally transformed over the last year. My partner Jennifer has lost over 70lbs herself this year. I've been very proud of her self-discipline. I am the "Everything Girl" at a small High-Line Automobile Dealership here in Birmingham. Not too glamorous but my bosses are "family" too and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. We all get along so well and have the best time. My daughter is a 3 year old Miniature Pinscher named Missy. She is such a spioled brat!! Its sad this board is not a little more active but I can't complain 'cause I'm not around as much as I should be either. So nice to meet ya and keep us updated on your progress!!! Mel-184

Hi, y'all. I'm new to this board, just beginning to consider surgery and in the process of investigating what surgeons are in the area, whether my insurance will cover it, etc. Wish me luck as I figure out what's right for me. I currently live in the metro Atlanta, GA area (moved here from Los Angeles 21 years ago), although my spouse and I are planning a move to Asheville, NC area. We're not sure when. Her job is expected to "die" over the next few months or a year, so we'll move when that happens. She's been with the company almost 30 years, so it's worth staying -- she'll get a good severance package! My interests are varied -- from angels (I communicate with them, and am a certified angel therapist), to motorcycles (we have a 100th anniversary Harley Electraglide Ultra Classic trike), to quilting (I'm starting my own business making quilted jackets, vests, etc.), to music, etc. I'm glad to know there's a L/G/B/T forum on this website, and definitely will be back. Take care, and I hope you'll be back, too! Dawna

Susane, I found myself back in school working torward a degree in elementary education a few years ago. I still don't quite know how the artist in me decided to conform. I took off a semester to have my surgery---I am down almost 95lbs and see the gym in my near future if I am to take off the last of this weight. I e-mailed an updated picture of me to WLS but I have not seen it posted yet. I guess I will give it a week or so. Nice to meet ya Kiersten