Hello to you, too. Hopefully you'll get everything in order and you'll have your surgery soon. I just had mine done on the 9th of this month and I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to know that's over and done and that I'm beginning a brand new life.

As a volunteer clown, participating in functions to help children, I often ride one of those silly little bikes where my knees are above the handle bars. As a chubby clown I had problems riding them. As a slim downed clown the small bikes are much easier although I prefer my carbon frame, Kestrel Road Bike now. Now that I am almost to my goal I plan to spend the next ten years riding my bike in events across the USA. The plan is to ride in five events each year which will give me whole USA after ten years. There are many bike rides sponsored annually by worthy charitable organizations. Riding my bike will allow me to help others while helping myself maintain my newfound slimness. I wanted to commit to this on the state forums as a reminder to myself that the surgery is only the first step; a life-style change is imperative if I want to maintain. I intend to do that on my bike. Kim

Well, Loretta, I guess it depends what the progression is where you're at. I had three visits with a dietitian, did a three month logged diet plan that she reviewed each month, the psych evaluation, and then the pre surgery tests and orientation. It is an uber pain in the ass to "hurry up and wait" because it took me a year and a half to get to my surgery date but that was ok because I had plenty of time to prepare emotionally and mentally. You'll also have to start testing protein drinks and finding a good chewable or liquid vitamin and start incorporating them into your diet now. I found the best one at Walmart and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg and has 46 grams of protein and tastes good. Some of the more expensive ones remind me of drinking sludge...blah! Hope this helps and feel free to contact me if ya want to ;)

Hi all, I'm gonna throw this out there, I know it is short notice and that many of you are too far away to make it. But here goes. Tomorrow morning at 8:30 I am meeting a couple of the locals up my way for coffee in Rothsay. 15 miles north of Fergus Falls on I-94 or about 30 miles South of Fargo Moorhead on I-94. It is the truckstop right off the interstate. I am new to this and would like to meet some people, my wife had RNY two years ago in Park Rapids and I am scheduled for May 15th. I am sorry for late notice and all, just kinda threw it together. If not this time maybe another time. Hope you can join. Brian p.s. if you want more info PM me and I'll get you my contact info.

Congratulations Brian!! I know you were wearing a smile all day!! I hope I have the same luck when my turn comes! ~nancy