Hi I know it's been awhile since you posted but I came across it and thought I would see how you're doing. I'm in Christiansburg.

Oh my goodness.It sounds as if you have had a dreadful time. Weight loss has probably been lower on the list of things to concentrate on than you expected. Four surgeries in ten days and all that time in the hospital. I am so sorry.

Are you out of work since you are wondering about how to live on 1/2 your salary till you can get SS? We are looking for alternative to staying in our home. My husband had a stroke almost 5 yrs ago and our property is way too much work for me to keep up. We spend way too much on paying for help.This past week we were in Pigeon Forge Tn and not for the first time found how happy some people are in a large camper or small park model (if you know what that is). Place we were at charges $480 a month if you live there. That includes electric, water  sewer, wifi and cable. Might be something to consider. I expect you want to stay near your son now you are going to be a grandma. Not sure if there is anything like that where you are. There are some places on the lakes on the VA/NC border we might check out. We have one grand child in Blacksburg. We love her dearly but don't see much of here and are not very close (sadly) to our children.

Which surgery did you have by the way? I had a plication the simplest of them all which was what I wanted. Caring for my husband and having no help I had to be up and running asap and losing slowly was not a problem. I had it done in Mexico and was up and walking all over town inside 36 hrs. Was never in any pain and just felt mildly tired for 2-3 weeks as I healed.

Do keep in touch. I am glad that at least you are recovering now..

So sorry. Somehow I never got a notification that you had replied and never got back here. I truly apologize. So how are you doing now? Did you get that job interview and possibly the job?

How did your surgery go and how is the weight loss going? You must be at least 6-8 weeks past your surgery by now and hopefully back feeling good.

My husband is my biggest supporter as well. I wish  he was the cook LOL! He makes sure I eat but does not comment or question the amounts I eat. He just wants to be sure I have eaten! I usually just adjust what I am making for him and for a friend who eats with us. I will eat mostly protein and sometimes change the veggies to something less carby.

Do write and let me know how you are doing and I promise to visit and look for a reply from you if nothing show up to tell me you have sent one. I hope your journey is progressing in the bast possible way.

Thanks, PonderosaQ. My surgery date is set for the 26th of this month! I have been following the doctor's instructions to eat under 1200 calories, no sugar, few carbs and even less fat. So far, so good. I've lost 10 pounds. Starting Sunday I go to a liquid pre-op diet. I meet with my surgeon and Nutritionist for the last pre-op meetings. I'm excited and a little nervous. More than anything, once the weight is gone I never, ever, want to gain it back. I think a support group would really help me with this... thankfully, my husband has been awesome and as the primary cook in the household is learning to change his methods. He worries that I'm starving, but I'm really not. I think sugar and carbs really are addictive and now that they have been out of my system for a while, I don't even really crave them... BUT, I also haven't had to deal with anything really stressful these last couple of months.

I have a job interview next week (I hope -- they are still trying to get the interview panel together) and I'm afraid they will have the interviews the same week of the surgery and I won't be able to go. If they wait until I'm in my second week, there is a better chance I can make it as my hubby will drive... So, if there is stress (other than just my current job as a probation officer), getting ready for a job interview for a promotion is probably it right now.

Since I quit drinking and got the caffeine out of my system, my mind seems much clearer. I'm getting more headaches, but they are also slowing down a bit.

Thankfully, I quit smoking over 10 years ago....

So many changes!