Mount Obesity, One Year Ago

Congratulations on your anniversary Paul.  Your analogy was awesome - very heart-felt and touching.  Thank you so much for putting into words what we all feel as we travel on this journey.  I've had so many people tell me how "brave" I am for having surgery, and it has really caught me off guard - but, as I think about the process we go through to reach that "Point of No Return" - it truly is a courageous act to continue on the journey. Thank you so much for lighting the trail for those of us following behind you. Chuck

Chuck, The Wizard of Oz gave the Cowardly Lion a metal for “Courage”.  Does being willing to go under the knife require courage?  Certainly, but I think of it more as a common sense decision.  If us fat guys want to restore our health and improve our lives, we have to get our weight under control. The only option left for us is WLS.  I was scared sh*tless, but I had to do something.  You’ve already crossed the “Point of No Return” and you’re doing great.  Keep it up.

Gentlemen, I intended to answer you all individually, but I’m at home with a slow dial-up connection so I’ll send my replies in mass. Dan, I have always appreciated your ability to brighten my day with your humor.  There have been a few days at work that have been less than pleasant for me… until I read your joke for the day, then I smiled.  For this I thank you.  I know some days have been tough for you and I pray that God, and the doctors, will remove your pain and let you live your life with comfort. Marcel, How has post-WSL life been for you?  I hope you haven’t had any more stuck pills, or anything else either.  I’m no expert on lap band, but I suspect the feeling of being “stuck” is no different for you than what us RNY guys’ have experienced.  We’ve all been there. Joe, I bet you’re a guy that likes to talk a lot.  I say that only because you post a lot, and I like it.  Keep it up, as there are many brothers up the trail from us that need our support.  They will thank you and so do I.  Congratulations on your 10 K run.  The pictures on your profile are great. DD, You are less than two weeks away from the “Point of No Return”, and I can tell than you are committed to the journey and won’t turn back.  I have no doubt that you will be able to navigate the rest of the trail with no problems.  You definitely have the “Right Stuff” to make the journey.  Good luck to you on the 18^th. Panhead,  Aren’t grandchildren wonderful!  I think they are God’s reward to us for putting up with all those years of raising their parents… just kidding.  I love them too.  One of the pleasures Mrs. G I have is to make “old fashioned popcorn” (non-microwave) and watch a good movie with our two granddaughters, ages 5 and 2.  The last one was “Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang”, which I had never seen before.  It’s a pretty darn good family movie that everyone can enjoy. Doug, When you first appeared in the locker room with your “No Dumping” avatar, I figured you were a man of wisdom, with a sense of humor similar to mine.  I really enjoy your philosophical dissertations and wish I could do as well… sometimes I can, but it takes a few beers first. Brian, I’m happy to hear that May 15^th will be your new birthday.  Everything will go well for you.  I’m sorry I couldn’t have coffee with you and Doug last Saturday.  Our bedroom was undergoing major re-construction and we were “camping” in the living room.  Mrs. G wanted to get the project finished, and so did I.  We got it done and were able to move back into the bedroom on Sunday.  We’ll have to try to get together again before your surgery.  How about next Saturday, April 14^th? Dave, FART means Fabulous, Awesome, Remarkable, Terrific; or something to that effect.  It’s our Men’s version the WOW moment that you’ll encounter wherever ladies are present.  Any good husband knows that women don’t fart… they blame it on the dog.  How are you doing after these first couple of weeks?  Are you drinking your water and getting your walking in?  You better or I’ll towel snap you. Preacher Bob,  You have been a delight to know ever since you started your journey.  You also have the “Right Stuff” to find your way on the WLS trail.  I know that you are at a fork in the road and have tough decision to make.  I have no doubt that you will decide to do whatever is right for you.  Whether it is banding or RNY, either one will work if you want it to.  Have a wonderful Easter.

Congratulations, brother.

Way to go Paul! I've watched you transform over the past year and you've done an excellent job at it. I haven't been on the board that much lately but I try to check in as much as possible. Keep up the great work and may YOUR Lantern burn bright...