Hi Y'all & THANKS!

Thanks, Judy.

Hi Marilyn, Welcome! This is the best site ever!  I have Tricare Prime too.  They approved me pretty fast because of all the co-morbidities.  Just some problems with the surgeon having a place to work.  I'm going to go see him tomorrow morning, so we'll see what's going to happen next. Again, welcome.

Hi Azreggie and thanks for the welcome. I was surprised how quickly Tricare Prime approved me. I have also been surprised by how positive many people have been when I told them I'm having the surgery -- I was a bit embarrased that I couldn't do it any other way and thought that's how they might reply, but so far that hasn't happened. You sound like you've stocked your hope chest are are ready to start this amazing transformation. Please keep us posted, and I would appreciate it you think of anything that is particularly helpful while in the hospital and during recovery. Your big day is coming so soon now -- my very best wishes. Marilyln

Hi Marilyn, A great big welcome from me over here in the Atlantic Region of the country!  So glad you decided to join our group of supportive, nurturing and fun loving people!  I've been hanging around with these folks since late July and they have helped me through all my stages from the when am I getting my date stage, to the early post-op days and it's here I come for the majority of my support as I continue to slowly wind my way to living healthy!  I am a slow loser, but I am also considered a "light weight", and the truth is, while I sometimes get nervous that I will not succeed at this either, overall what I've gained in the last 5+ months is the energy level that I have not seen since my late 20s and through my mid-30s, I move better, feel better and my confidence level is soaring.  It's certainly a roller coaster ride, but one that I'd take a dozen times for the benefits I've gotten thusfar! Again, welcome and I wish you a wonderful jouney towards healthy living!    

Hi Laureen. I sent a reply to you this morning, but I seem to have sent it to the wrong place because I don't see it here. Sorry if this is a duplicate. I appreciate your welcome. You do look like you're living healthy and well. I think 50+ pounds in 5 months is amazing, especially because you are so healthy. Love the Elvis image -- you know, I live in Elvis territory. Since your surgery was so recent, do you have any advice for the hospital and recovery period? My stress test is tomorrow and I see the surgeon next Tuesday. I anticipate surgery within the next 6 weeks. Marilyn

Aloha Marilyn from your OFF sister in Hawaii,

We are so delighted to have you join us in this little family! I can't believe I've been around here for way more than two years, and I still come in every day and read, reflect and learn from all my sisters and brothers. And I laugh! And I cry! And I am puzzled until I figure out why something worked for one person and not another.

This is a LIVING place...a GROWING place....a LOVING place!

You are on the brink of experiencing one of life's most amazing gifts, and we are so excited to be on your ride with you. Come back often and share anything and everything.

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

Thanks Karen -- how encouraging. I love the concept, "one of life's most amazing gifts." I am experiencing some apprehension just now, but the notes I've received from OFF members have been so positive. You all look healthy and have such rich lives -- so I believe I can do it too. Marilyn

Hey Marilyn...we are all so glad you decided to join us. I am sure you will have plenty of good to share with us as well.  Hang on for the wild ride!!!  Hugs, connie d

Thanks Connie. Love the "wilde ride" graphic. What have some of your wild moments been? Marilyn

Hi Marilyn....yes this has been a wild ride....woot woot!!! The weight loss and going down in sizes faster then I could buy them was a fun part of the ride. I buy a couple pairs in one size and a couple weeks later they are too big. I do ALOT of thrift store shopping. I just bought some size 6 pants a couple weeks ago and my friend told me on Easter that now they are starting to look too loose. YEEEEHHHAAAWWW!! It is fun! I am thrilled with the fact that my high blood pressure, acid reflux and yes, my diabetes is gone!! No more pills for any of that!! This was the main reason for deciding on this surgery. Peoples reactions to the weight loss is fun too. I run into people I haven't seen since surgery and they don't even recognize me...have to tell them who I am. We laugh about that!! I have soooooo much energy and am so happy and ready for just about anything right now. My grandchildren just love it!! I have Arthiritis and Fibromyalgia and have had many problems with my knees. I was about ready to be put in a wheel chair. I have very little pain anymore....when I do I can get over it quickly. I walk 3 miles a day do some other exercises and love it!! That I never thought would ever happen. The list goes on and on...... I wish the very best for you...enjoy the ride it is a wild one!!! Hugs, connie d