Friends and Colleagues...news from the pews

All the tests are done, healthy as a horse but big as one too!   My surgeon's office is setting me up in some sort of a class, where a nutritionist, a surgeon, a fitness guru, and a pyschologist will talk.  From here I'll go on a two week pre surgery prep and then drumroll please: a date.  It's been a long journey. My blood glucose is still high.  To combat this I took a leave of absence from my position as minister (stress you know) to get this under control.  It was way sad for me to box up my pulpit trash and face not getting into the pulpit for the first time in 23 years outside of a couple of Sundays vacation time, different here.  Grief set in a bit.  Okay, I bawled like a baby in my church's sanctuary, OKAY!  Geez... I stand prepared for the worst WLS surgery can be, my anxiety level is low but I trust it'll start hitting all time highs soon.  I look forward to the time when I can use all this information and reflections in my own story, and this connects us, as religions connect us in our pursuit of God's Will, so does this WLS connect us as men to brothers fighting for the right to live without the boundaries of obesity.  Geez, I must've caught something from GoToMan as I also dive into the deeper part of being....Hee hee hee. BobM.

great news.  Ad of yesterday i am a looser!!  Keep us posted.

Bob, Don’t Let grieving or Anxiety get too tight a grip on you. A whole future of “Bob on a planet with Less Gravity” awaits you. And it really is sweet. Just like driving, keep your eyes further down the road And the steering will automatically be smother and the potholes Won’t seem as much of a problem. Highway Miles.  They are always easier on the car. Same with us. Many good thoughts and Prayers out for you. Best Wishes- Dx

 

Bob, I am glad for you that your "date" is getting closer to a reality. I hope your time away from the piupit will be as postive as it can be and your  blood glucose levels get back down to an acceptable level. It is easy to say relax, that things will be alright, and they most likely will be. Many of us have been through the WLS with great results and a few are up and on thier feet and going home the next day. I was up walking myself that evening and while I had some minor bleeding, it took care of itself after the first day and I took a few extra days in the hospital just because I liked the fact that I finally had the remote control all to myself . The funny part is that living on liquids andf puree foods was far more of a challenge than the WLS itself. My recomendation for that stage is to learn to love jello mixed with Unjury and extra blended chicken salad and those day will pass soon enough as well. After those stages it all about learning how to bend over and tie your shoes the easy way again and all the fun stuff that you forgot made living easier. Then you will be off fly fishing and enjoying the wonders of a fresh bite of fish protein like Jake expereinced a few weeks ago. Best of luck Herb

Congrats Bob!  Big decision to take a leave from the pulpit. My father was a minister for 20 years when he retired from the church. It was a tough decision for him, but the right one. You will be back up there when the time is right.  You are so close to the start line. Congrats on your perseverance. -Dan

That is wonderful news!  I seem to be only a few steps ahead of you.  I have my pre-op tomorrow (500 mile round trip) and my surgery is scheduled for July 17th.   You are truly correct, it has been a long journey. . .     P.s.  I'll keep you in my prayers.   (Dr, Michael Ray, Chaplin, USAF, retired.)

I also have a 500 mile round trip to my surgery, that return home will be a biotch I think but with the drugs it may not be too bad. bobM

Are they picking on ministers?  Seems like people of the cloth have to always drive long ways... Glad to know I'm not alone and in good company. Mike

You two guys are two of the COOLEST ministers I've ever known!!!