Weight loss

My name is Nan Crites and I have just joined the group. I am
scheduled to have my surgery on June 18th at Medical Center East. I
have been trying to get everything in the house that I think I will
need for when I come home from surgery. Does anyone have any
suggestions? Does anyone have a protien supplement they use, like
and have been successful with? What did you eat the first 30 days
after surgery? What other supplements would you suggest? Tell me
about you new life style and how it is going with you.
Love in Christ,
Nan Crites

Well I am finally waiting on insurance approval. I have been a little
nervous but I know our precious Lord will take care of everything. I
am reeady to be on the other side with all my new buds. PLease pray
for me.......
Love everybody
Mickie
280/Groovy Chic

Has anyone heard or seen Vicki. I know she had a revision last month
but we have not heard from her . I have a friend who is coming to the
meeting on Saturday who would really like to talk to her. My friend
Wanda has surgery about 20 years ago. The procedure did not work and
her Dr gave her some lame excuse. Anyway she is seeking a revision
and information. She is attenting the seminar in July and wants Dr.
Miles to do her surgery.
Mickie

Hey you guys, I have been reading where you are not tolerating food and drink well, and are weak. Please promise me that if it doesnt pass quickly and you arent feeling better really soon that you will call Dr Miles. I had the same problem and I thought it was normal and it would pass, but it didnt. SO, Dr Miles had me go for an endoscopy and I had immediate relief! So, it could be something as simple as that. But, please dont suffer unnecessarily. Take care of yourselves!

Love to all, and I hope to see you Saturday!

Christy Wells :)

Joy...I wish you could have seen the expression on my face when I
read your post! 78 lbs!!!!! That's sooooooo wonderful! Size XL is
as good as XS when all you could once wear was a 2XL or something
like that, huh? I'm so happy for you!!! You are such an
inspiration!
Have a wonderful day! Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Love
Connie

After taking a few weeks to let the muscles return to normal from the
City Stages Stretch, it's time to return to the infamous "Project" next
door. His divorce is now final, he has $10k cash in hand, and is ready
for me to start again, and since it's almost too hot to fish, I might as
well work. I've got several large picture windows to rebuild the
framework on, finish the center roof rebuild, tear the two side walls on
either side of the roof down to the studs and rebuild all of that, and a
ton of soffit and fascia to replace, and then off to the kitchen to rip
out everything down to the subfloor and rebuild.
And the guy next door to the guy next door to me (whew), came over
yesterday and told me he and his wife had ripped all of their carpet and
linoleum out of their upstairs, kitchen and stairway and they think they
have gotten in over their heads and want me to put down Pergo. So I
went and looked it over, and all I can say is DARN! I've never seen
such a jig saw puzzled, pieced together subfloor. It looks a lot like
the "roof job" where the roofer nailed on sheet metal patches. I wonder
if he also does subfloors??? Anyway... Another subfloor to rip up and
replace and a staircase to rebuild too. Maybe I'll have my camera back
from the repair shop by the time I get started on this new project so I
can share the progress.
Y'all keep your fingers crossed for me!
WES: You got those lights on your boat yet??? Fish all night, sleep
all day...
Tim.

PopTart....I've had a few rough days, nothing smells, looks or
tastes good. I'm pretty much having to make myself eat. Water and
s/f popsicles go down good, thats about it. I have been a bit weak
and nauseaous too, but I'm back at work today, and I'll be fine.
All the things you and Grandmaw Peg have been posting are exactly
how I'm doing with food also, and YES I would do it again!
Each day is a new experienc!! I told Joe last night (he was so
worried about me because for NO reason I just got sick and started
dry-heaving).......at Thanksgiving time....I will be 6 months out,
and hopefully will have lost a lot of the excess weight, plus I
should be able to eat a couple spoonfuls of Thanksgiving Dinner!
Right now it doesn't sound great, but I bet it will by then!
Take care...
Love to all....
Connie

I found a new word! So, to add verbal ammunition to all of my friends
out there, put this one in your hat and use it. And here's the url
where it, and others can be found:
http://www.quinion.com/words/turnsofphrase/tp-obe1.htm
Home page: http://www.quinion.com/words/index.htm
Tim.
OBESOGENIC
A strange-looking word, it comes from obese plus the ending -genic,
something tending to generate or create. It refers to conditions that
lead people to become excessively fat - a worrying trend in developed
countries, especially among young people, who are eating too much of the
wrong things and not taking enough exercise. The problem is variously
put down to social causes (too many sedentary pursuits available; fear
that the outdoors in cities is dangerous, leading to less cycling,
walking and running about) or to the results of our consumer lifestyle
(eating pre-prepared meals that contain excessive sugar and fats). The
term seems to have appeared in the last decade (the first example I can
find is from a British newspaper in 1996) and is not as yet mainstream,
though it is increasingly turning up in newspapers and medical journals.
Its opposite is not often called for, but if you need it, it's
leptogenic, leading to weight loss, from Greek leptos, thin, fine or
delicate.
Professor Wardle believes we are now living in an "obesogenic"
environment where it has become normal to eat lots of high-fat food,
spend hours watching TV and use the car instead of walking even short
distances.
[Independent on Sunday, Jan. 2002]
You can't say today's generation is greedier than before, or larger than
before; it's just the environment is conducive to gaining weight. We
live in an obesogenic environment, and it's a growing problem not just
in the UK but around the developed world.
[Birmingham Post, Mar. 2002]
World Wide Words is copyright © Michael Quinion, 1996-. All rights reserved.
Page created 25 May 2002.

Joy, no SOS needed now. I am so glad to talk to you again. Thanks for
noticing my great loss. :-) I feel wonderful. My boys (Bo, 10 and Eli, 3)
are trying to keep up with me now.
Arlene
-91 since 11-29-01

Just wanted to pass along a little tip. I have been trying the new
Fiber Supplement called Benefiber (purchased at Walmart). It is not
gritty like most and is totally tasteless. I mix it with my protein
shake each night. It has worked wonders for constipation and
irregularity.

I have not posted much lately but have been silently sitting and reading
your post at my little table back here close to the kitchen and bathroom
in our little virtual room of love, hugs and "warm fuzzies" (as Granmaw
Peg says).
I had the "filter on the 3rd and all went better than I expected. A few
days of soreness in the groin (ouch!, hurts just thinking about it) and
I was back to normal........(o.k., insert your own joke here!). Thanks
Rona, Tony & Catfish Robbins for being there!
As most know I had a surgery date of May 22 that was cancelled. Then a
week or so latter was assigned a new date of June 17th. The latest news
is as of June 10th ....... I am now back to NO DATE once again. Yes,
this one is cancelled now also. I try very hard to be a good sport
.........but I don't even wanna talk about it. ;(
Will update when I know more. Think I'll just go on vacation next week
and not even worry about when I will have a new date. Rather not have
one if it's just going to change AGAIN.
REMEMBER ME when you pray! The Lord is processing miracles in mine & my
families lives right now and will happen in HIS time! Which is always
right on time.
Chan <

Hey all...when again is the next meeting? I would like to meet you
all :) and being a new post-op I have SO many things to talk about lol
Melissa

Thanks for the Rada knives suggestion. I found lots of info on the web about them and how to use them for fund raising.

Arlene

Hi Gang,
Tonight at 8 pm on the Discovery channel there is a special report
called "Big as Life" - Obesity in America.
I am not sure what this will focus on, but it looks like it might be
good. This special also re-airs at 12:00 a.m. local B'Ham time.
Have a great evening.
Lisa

My kind of womin! Don't get mad, get EVEN!
Tim.
Something to think about:
A married couple are driving along a highway doing sixty mph, the wife
behind the wheel. Her husband suddenly looks over at her and says,
"Honey, I know we've been married for twenty years, but I want a
divorce."
The wife says nothing but slowly increases speed to seventy mph. He then
says, "I don't want you to try to talk me out of it, because I've been
having an affair with your best friend, and she's a better lover than
you are."
Again the wife stays quiet but speeds up as her anger increases. "I want
the house," he insists, pressing his luck.
Again the wife speeds up, to eighty mph.
He says, "I want the car, too," but she just drives faster and faster.
By now she's up to ninety mph. "All right," he said "I want the bank
accounts, and all the credit cards, too."
The wife slowly starts to veer toward a bridge overpass piling. This
makes him a bit nervous, so he says, "Isn't there anything you want?"
The wife says, "No, I've got everything I need."
"Oh, really," he says, "so what have you got??
Right before they slammed into the wall at a hundred mph, the wife
smiles and says:
"The airbag!" :)

Amy, thanks. I will do a search tomorrow and see what I can find. I'll let you know.

Arlene

Bombard all you want! Thanks for noticing the -90!

I am feeling better than I have felt in years. I am walking a lot and doing a lot of the farm work around here that Ihad let go before. It feels good to feel good enough to get out and do things that have been needing to get done. I did put off one thing recently that really did in the end fall in my favor. I gave up the first ride on the new horse. Kent took that ride and ended up on the ground three times. Seems the sedative had worn off by the time we got the new horse home. He has gone off to school for a month to learn some manners that will hold up without drugs.

I am eating lots of watermelon, and other melons too. I grilled crooked neck squash the other night and they were yummy. The cucumbers are growing like wildfire and I am eating them at the same rate that they are growing. I even had a cucumber sandwich the other day - one slice of bread, a little vinegar and creamcheese - what a good meal. I am trying to do one veggie meal a day and one with lots of meat for the protein because Ihave started to lose my hair. It is not gone to the extent that I need a wig, but it is noticable. I am just smiling and trying to draw the attention away for the top of my head.

Arlene

You knew that I would be back. :-)
My Thai son has gone home. We still miss him and he has called us every
three days to see that we are surviving without him. I caught Eli, 3,
talking to him like he was still here earlier today on the trampoline. When
I asked Eli what he was doing he told me that he missed Champ and just
wanted to pretend that he was still here playing with him.
You will keep losing. Just wait it out and keep to that diet that Dr. C
gave you - well, try anyway. Do you like salted peanuts? I found that
early on they made an excellent lunch which included a lot of protein in the
peanuts - - and so tasty. YOu are going to be feeling better and better.
It only gets better!
Yes, I am going to try to get to a meeting. No promises of when, but at
some point.
How about grilled chicken? That worked well for me even pan fried with
onions on top. I'll keep thinking.
Arlene

Granmaw, at the risk of causing a word war here I am going to tell you what
I have HEARD. I know that we would all be better without carbonated drinks
at all, but they are here and I love them. I have drank them since the
middle of the third month post op with no problem. I tried them again
because I needed the taste and the liquid content. I HEARD - from a good
source - that the ziploc bag is not a realistic test because it is
completely closed and our digestive system is open on both ends. Being
open - on both ends - allows for gas escape if needed. Now I am not saying
go overboard, but they sure are good and they help me to get in the liquid
that I need for hydration.
Arlene

Hey all :)
Wanted to let you know I am home from the Hospital. Came home around
2pm and the gas is the main problem I am having. Can ANYTHING help
that at all? I am trying to move as much as possible as well. I
feel full and I know its from the gas but I dont want to drink too
much and fill my pouch up to quickly either.
I guess just normal post-0p stuff...but I am home and going to take
it easy :) Just needed to sit up for a bit...
HUGS to all
Melissa

Didn't I see you somewhere last night, I believe you had a peanut in
your ear, no... That was me! I think Granmaw was asking about the next
Monday night meeting.
Tim.
PS: And if I forgot to tell you... You were looking great last night!

HI, let me ask an off topic question.

I am in charge of fund raising for my son's class trip to Washington, D. C. We have done car washes, magazine sales, Boston fern sales, etc. Can any of you tell me of any good fund raisers that you have heard of or used? I would appreciate the input.

Thanks in advance, Arlene

Hi, I have been away for awhile. The ending of school - the beginning of
summer has been hectic. I have been keeping up with all of you by reading
your posts. I have missed "talking" with you and hope to jump back into the
on-going conversation.
Arlene
-90 since 11-29-01

Here are some more pictures of my Grandson. These will be it until he gets a little older.
Shelby

Hi Guys, I found this poem by our beloved Mule and
thought you would all enjoy hearing his opinion of cop
out or easy way out. I am so thankful I saved his poems
and his picture so I can enjoy the memories. Love ya
all, Peggins 4-18-02; -35

Joy and I got invited to do the movie and a dinner thing with Wes, Lisa
and Chan and Felicia (No, they didn't brink Bark-Bark) tonight. And we
had planned on stopping in earlier in the day over at the "House of
Chan" before/after Joy's appt with Dr. Miles. But as we were heading
out the door to head over to Chan's they called from Dr. Miles office
and had to reschedule Joy's appt. All the talk about Chan made us
hungry for Chinese, so we went and nibbled on some Chinese up at the
Festival Center, and was heading to Chan and Felicia's when I discovered
that my pistol permit had expired, so we detoured by the Center Point
Courthouse to get that taken care of. By the time we got through there,
darned if it wasn't about time for us to be heading to the Sumit to meet
the Fearsome Foursome.
We had to run by the house so Joy could change into some pants in case
it was cold in the theatre which run us a little late (everywhere we
go). This time we arrived just on the cusp of "fashionably late" and
walked down the aisle as they dimmed the lights. We saw the comedy "Bad
Company" with Anthony Hopkins and Chris Rock which turned out better
than I had hoped for. Tony and Pam were there too, much to our pleasure.
After the movie, Wes and Lisa went to pick up "Fearless Leader" at the
other end of the Sumit and we all headed to Logans Roadhouse on 280. It
was my first time back there since I built the retaining wall between
Logans and the "Animal Motel" right before they opened, and the first
time I had ever been in a Logans that had electricity. Great place,
great food, great service (until Wes started "pinching")! Matter of
fact, I think everybody loved what they had ordered, I know I did! We
milled around inside having a good old time of it (until Wes started
throwing peanuts-can't take him anywhere). Then we all headed outside
and Wes showed us his new ultra light rod for catching those ultra light
fish he's so fond of. And then we all parted ways and scattered like
the wind.
So, what's the point of all of this? To let y'all see mine and Joy's
busy "social schedule"? Hardly. But rather to let others who wonder
about "life after WLS" and ask themselves those questions as to whether
they can still lead a "normal" life. Well, the answer is YES. There
were a total of 5 postop WLS patients out of the 9 of us. They were the
majority of our little group. And we had dinner and a movie just like
anyone else. But I bet we enjoyed it more! Until Wes and the peanuts
got aquatinted.
Tim.

We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.
Support Group Meeting
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2002
Time: 3:00PM - 6:00PM CDT (GMT-05:00)
This is our regular monthly meeting. We will be having a guest
speaker. Please contact facesofwls@... for information on
the speaker for this month.

This message was forwarded to you from ZDNet (http://www.zdnet.com) by
timsuggs@....
Comment from sender:
Hi WLS gang! Funny Guy Tim here... Here's a chance for us to give our opinions
in a national forum about the effectiveness of dieting vs. WLS and possibly
introduce 1000's of people to the wonders os WLS! Let's be SEEN!
Tim.
To print : Click here or Select File and then Print
from your browser's menu

Hi to all,
I talked with Laura's hubby tonight and she came thru her gallbladder surgery fine.. They moved her to room 674 .....Barry said she was doing ok... So please everyone keep her and her family in your prayers......She's been thru alot but lets hope and pray this is what helps her overcome all these problems....... Take care, Kristy

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS AS MUCH AS I DID.....
HUGS & LOVE,
AVIS M. DAVIS (AKA) POP TART
WLS SURGERY DATE -MAY 20TH. 2002

Kristy called me tonight and wanted me to pass this on to everyone.
Laura is going to have to have surgery in the morning to have her
gallbladder removed. Everyone please keep her in your prayers
tomorrow, she sure has been through alot. She is currently on the
8th floor in room 808.
Lisa

Hey, guys. I have to go no-mail on this group for the summer. I've got
so much to do and don't have time to read. I care a LOT, and I'll check
back in at least once if I can. I saw some of WLS patients in pre-op
yesterday at UAB (in clinical for nursing school), but I didn't have time to
see if any of them were any of you. One very lively lady on the end
reminded me of what our beloved 'grandmaw' might be like in person. I
thought of all of you. I'll be back. I promise. I'm going no-mail right
now, so if you send messages I won't get them. I'll check back on the
website to see some of the groups messages some time this summer.
HUGS!!!
Sandy
waiting for insuarance to change in January so I can 'apply' to have
WLS.

This morning I ate my concoction of scrambled egg....2 whites, 1
yolk, cooked soft in a skillet sprayed with PAM. I can only eat a
few bites of it ever....but today...I was hurting bad like
indigestion, but I didn't ever vomit, just hurt. Did I eat too
fast, not chew it up enough or what? I tried to think about if I
ate faster than usual and I don't think that I did....is it just a
bad day for egg or what?
I'm feeling a little better now...after about an hour I was able to
sip a little water, burp and now have the hiccups!
Thanks for any suggestions....
Connie

Has anyone heard from Chan? I know he was having a filter put in
Monday and I haven't heard anything about him. If anyone knows
please post.
Terri Hyatt

Here is a picture of Jordan and his Aunt Erica.
Shelby

Kristy,
Thanks so much! I was afraid to try the soda. I was afraid it might hurt me. I know it is gross but these are desperate times. Are you doing better with your BM's now?
Shelby

All I can say is UGH!!!!!
Melissa

Hi all - I know most of you have suggestions on what works best for
you regarding protein supplements. I am struggling to understand
the caloric value -vs- protein value of the supplements I have
tried. Can someone please tell me ONCE AGAIN what is a good rule of
thumb? Also...fat content, etc. I want to get the most protein for
calories, fat, carb, etc. right?
Thanks for the help!
Connie
Lap RNY
05/22/02
-28

Wow Amy,
You are great at putting things into words. I have just one question about the
"easy way out" comment. If the person who asks the "easy way out" question or
makes the "easy way out" comment is a family member or
friend..................why wouldn't they want us to take the easy way out if
there actually was one? I mean, if someone I love had to do something difficult
I would want them to do it the easiest way possible. I'll never understand why
the only honorable way to lose weight is by suffering. What's up with that? We
don't slam an alcoholic for going to AA.........we don't discourage cancer
patients from having chemo.........yet society bashes us for seeking help. I
guess it will always be one of life's great mysteries for me. But you can take
it to the bank and draw interest on it that I'm going to keep on doing
everything I can to change the public's perception of us. I just know that
someday life will be fair............I know I will live to see it.
Love to all,
Rona

Yeah, I had to pass on this one last night Granmaw, there just wasn't
enough nighttime left for me to take on the issues of stress poop. But
it's a hair before midnight now, so I'm getting an early start tonight.
And like BreamMan Wes say's "After WLS, NEVER trust a fart!" He's got
a funny story to tell about State Troopers and stress poop, but I
forgot, he's recuperating from a retaliatory catfish strike, another
funny story, I'll let him tell them both as soon as the swelling goes
down in his hands. I think he'll be fine with a little TLC from the
Lovely Lisa, and a little doggie snark from Bark-Bark. Doggie snark has
some utterly amazing medicinal properties!
OK, back to the stress poop issue. "Stress Poop" sounds like what I
usually have to show for my efforts after a brainstorming session. But
then I don't get paid by the idea either.
"Stress Poop" also sounds like what I have to show for 11 days of trying
to get Matt's car "crash" settled by the insurance company. They
finally accepted full liability today and claimed his car a total loss.
Neither of which took a rocket scientist to figure out, I mean duh,
car "A" traveling down the wrong side of the road, hits legally parked
car "B", I don't see a question of liability. And the fact that the
impact moved Matt's car, 2 car length's, and moved the engine 3 inches,
leaves little doubt in my mind that it's a total loss. Now that all of
this has been agreed upon, they have turned the claim over to their TLU
or Total Loss Unit for processing, so after 11 days of waiting, I get to
start all over again in the morning. And yes, I did call the TLU rep
today, FIVE times. I think I'll try to figure out how to use Granmaw
Peg's now infamous "stress poop" in a sentence tomorrow while talking to
the new claims rep. and see what that does for me.
Tim.
Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2002 13:22:30 EDT
From: Riverqueen77@...
Subject: Re: Pop Tart TO GRANMAW
OMG GRANMAW PEG DONT MAKE ME LAUGH PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. STRESS POOP--I
NEARLY FELL OUT OF THIS CHAIR WHICH BY THE WAY DOESNT STICK TO MY BUTT
ANYMORE WHEN I STAND UP..LOL
LOVE----POP TART
OPEN RNY MAY 20TH. 2002

And since it seems like I'm the only one up at this hour of the morning
to hear your plea for relief, I'm going to ignore being "diss'ed" and
offer my advice anyway. Let's see... How to make a woman have a bowel
movement??? I know it's in here somewhere... ok, no... that's bowl
prepping, hang on, it's here, I just have to find it in the Man's Big
Book of Womanly Magic. Bowl...Bowling...crap I'm going the wrong way!
OK, bowl...bow tie, bow saw...THERE IT IS! Bowel Movement-Woman,How to:
Tell her you want to marry her!
Well... darn Shelby! But I guess since it's an emergency... Will you
marry me?
Now, don't you feel better? Whew! What's that smell? Oh God! Quick
everybody - RUN!
OK, enough chuckling... I'll ask the nurse in the morning, I would ask
her now, but she's so asleep she'd probably mutter something like take
two omelets and call the Doctor in the morning. Probably wouldn't be a
bad idea to give the Doc's office a call in the morning and discuss it
with them either, and they can give you the scoop on laxatives (if
recommended at all), or changing your diet, or coming over to our house
for dinner. Joy's still using the smoke alarm as the dinner timer, so
we usually don't have a problem keeping thing in.
And if all else fails... Remember NCC 1701-D As it circles Uranus and
fights Klingons!
Tim.

Ask and ye shall receive... POOF! 1 Picture of a Burmese Mountain Dog
attached below. I think they are in the "working class" and typically
get about the size of a St. Bernard. I had never heard of them either
until we got the opportunity to get him from the breeder. The research
I dug up was very similar to a Lab, which was our last dog. Very loyal,
very protective.
And tell your Son congrats on his solo, I can't wait to take mine! Did
you say he was doing his training at Bessemer, or Shelby County Airport?
Tim.
Message: 7
Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2002 13:14:06 EDT
From: Riverqueen77@...
Subject: Re: Popped Tart...
NOW TIM I HAVE TO SEE A PICTURE OF REMINGTON. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A BURMESE
MT. DOG BEFORE. I DO THINK THAT IS ONE HECK OF A NOVEL WAY TO GET THE
UNDER
SIDE OF THE SOFA CLEANED OUT. LOL--DROOL AND ALL. BEATS HAVING TO BEND
OVER
AND DO IT YOURSELF.
<<<snip
OH YES MY OLDEST SON FINALLY SOLOED WITH HIS FLYING LESSONS. NEED LESS TO
SAY HE SENT ME THE ORDER BLANK IMMEDIATELY FOR HIS AVIATOR GLASSES. I
BETTER
NOT TELL DEAR OLD STEP DAD HOW MUCH THEY COST FOR A WHILE YET. HE MAY KICK
MY BOOTEE AND IT'S NOT QUITE WELL ENOUGH FOR ME TO RUN YET.......LOL
I LOVE YOU GUYS.......TAKE CARE EVERYONE!!
HUGS--POP TART

Here I am in dire need! I am staying veryyyyy constipated. I have not been able to have a bowel movement on my own since surgery. Any help will be appreciated. Except for Tim's comments! (LOL)
Things like I new she was full of ####!
Shelby

And he's got one of the wickedest beards I've seen since my biker days,
which in my book makes him cooler than cool! I'm so glad that Ronny
(Ronnie???) is that type of man and husband. I usually have a very low
opinion of my own gender, so it is a great pleasure when I meet someone
like Ronny. Kim Watson has a good one too! And it was a pleasure
meeting and fishing with Matt, although I did stick him in Wes's boat,
but I wasn't too sure of it's "sea worthiness" at that time. Still not
either.
Tim.
Message: 6
Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2002 13:01:26 EDT
From: Riverqueen77@...
Subject: Re: CHRISTY
CHRISTY--THAT SPOUSE OF MINE AMAZED ME. HE CAME EVERY DAY TO THE HOSPITAL
AND STAYED AND STAYED WITH ME. HE HELD ME WHILE I THREW UP AND WHEN I
CRIED.
I HAVE TO ADMIT I CAME HOME HELD HIM AS CLOSE AS I COULD AND TOLD HIM
THAT
THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT HIM. HE IS MY ANCHOR AND MY
ROCK WITHOUT HIM I AM ONLY HALF A PERSON.
LOVE AVIS

Avis, I'm still kicking myself everyday for not being able to go meet
Granmaw Peg and show her the kind of support that is common around this
here barnyard. But don't laugh too hard, cause I already got half of
your stall rented out to Roner to store all the stuff she and Wade
couldn't carry up the elevator to their new digs. So slide yor butt to
the left a little, please, and no chewing on the divan!
You better re-read that last line you typed below... You've met Joy,
you know her head is big enough, so don't encourage her <grin
thought with the WLS, maybe her head would actually shrink a little too,
but no, she may be dropping weight, but the head is still just as big.
But then when you treat your husband as wonderful as she does me, you
deserve a big head and a big hug (which is I'm sure what you meant to type).
Tom. (Oops, I meant Tim. See I do make mistakes too)
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2002 12:41:01 EDT
From: Riverqueen77@...
Subject: Re: TIM
OH TIM I HAVE SAT HERE AND LAUGHED TILL I HAVE MADE MYSELF SICK. A SMALLER
FEEDER BUCKET AND STALL FOR GRANMAW PEG REALLY GOT ME GOING.
IM SO SORRY YOU HAVE BEEN SO SICK. OMG THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN THE
THROWING UP BLUES. RUB MY HEAD, RUB MY BACK, SING TO ME ANYTHING BUT
MAKE IT
GO AWAY IS RIGHT. IM SO GLAD TO SEE YOU ARE BACK TO YOUR SWEET, LOVABLE
AND
MISCHEVIOUS LITTLE SELF.
TAKE CARE DEAR FRIEND AND GIVE THAT SWEET LITTLE RED HEAD OF YOURS A GREAT
BIG HEAD FROM OLE POP TART HERE.....
LOVE AND HUGS---POP TART
OPEN RNY--MAY 20TH. 2002

Hey guys :)
Well, I figure in 48 hrs I will be on the table or getting ready to
be there. I am excited, nervous(a good nervous) and looking forward
to being on the other side. I had a moment yesterday where I sorta
broke down, but I know why and I dealt with it...I am much better now
and won't let anything keep me from this now. I am going to pre-
register at the hospital today(yipee, more blood drawn) and get
things together tonight.
Here is my information for anyone wishing to have it :)
Karena Melissa Marbut (i go by Melissa but they insist on having my
first name on there *grin*)
Carraway Methodist Hospital
Dr. DeWitt
HUGS to you all, those who have given me the inspiration to continue
on with this and encouraged me when I got discouraged through the
approval process and for those who offer your experiences every day.
Thank too to "V" who talked with me about her experience saturday
night :)
Melissa
WLS Lap RNY June 6

Hi Gang, Tim the Dominator here. Don't you just love it! I have a
prayer request for our group for a friend of mine and Joy's that is
having back surgery today at Health South. His name is Pat Gallagher
and is the Youth director for the YMCA. He is great friends with Dr.
Miles Mom, small world huh? Joy and I have been trying to get him to
come to some of our Faces support meetings so he could see the wonders
of WLS for himself, and soon as he gets over the back surgery, we may
just have to drag him to a meeting. Thanks!
Tim.

Avis Marie! Good to see your fingers are working again. We all thought
they might have been to busy fishing to do any typing. Joy and I so
enjoyed meeting and seeing you while you were at MCE. We're both sorry
we didn't get to come and see you more. And glad your feeling better,
even if it is one day at a time. Sweets, that's how the rest of us have
to take them, so, everybody scoot to the left a little and make room for
Avis cause we're all in the same boat on that one.
We enjoyed meeting your Husband too! A really neat guy. Can't wait to
do some fishing and tale telling with the two of y'all when you feel up
to it. I got Scooby snacks for Boo-Boo too! We might even have to
bring Remington, our new Burmese Mountain Dog puppy down there to show
him how the big dogs live, love and drool. He's in his teething stage
right now and nothing is safe in the house. But at least we're getting
things cleaned out from under the couch, one chewed up item at a time.
And you better show your pretty face at some the meetings soon so the
rest of the "yard" gets to see your precious smile and see's a Pot Tart
that has popped. We may need to think about changing your name to a
Mini Pop Tart as the months roll by and you see the new you emerge.
Take care and let Joy and I know if you need anything.
Tim.
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2002 23:40:59 EDT
From: Riverqueen77@...
Subject: Re: Pop Tart checking in
[Unable to display image]HEY DEAR FRIENDS I THOUGHT IT WAS PAST TIME FOR
ME TO CHECK IN WITH YOU. IM
STILL HERE, HANGING IN THERE TAKING ONE DAY AT A TIME. MATTER OF FACT I
SEE
GRANMAW PEG AND CONNIE POSTING HOW MUCH WEIGHT THEY LOST ALREADY THATS
FANTASTIC. AS FOR ME WHO KNOWS? ALL I KNEW WHEN I WAS AT MY 9 DAY POST OP
VISIT WAS WHERE IS THE CLOSEST TABLE AND LET ME LAY DOWN....MY DAUGHTER
SAID
DONT YOU WONT TO KNOW HOW MUCH YOU HAVE LOST? I SAID BB I DONT CARE I JUST
NEED TO LAY DOWN AND GET THESE STAPLES, SUTURES AND PLASTIC ROLLS OUT OF ME.
YES OPEN RNY WITH A HERNIA SURGERY IS NOT EASY..WOULD I DO IT AGAIN?? I
TOLD
MY HUSBAND THE 3RD. DAY IN THE HOSPITAL, YES-WITHOUT QUESTION. BECAUSE ONE
DAY THIS PAIN WILL STOP, I WILL NOT BE SO TIRED ALL THE TIME AND I WILL
FEEL
GOOD AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE DREADED DUMPING ONCE AND I WILL NEVER EAT
SPINACH
OF ANY FORM AGAIN. LOL--OTHER THAN THAT, I HAVE NOT THROWN UP SINCE I HAVE
BEEN HOME. I CAN EAT JUST ABOUT ANYTHING. WATER I DRINK ALL DAY AND NIGHT
LONG. I KEEP IT BY MY BED AND WHEREVER IM SITTING ALL THE TIME. WATER
IS MY
FRIEND.....OH ONE THING FOR SURE HAVING HAD IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME MY
ENTIRE LIFE I WAS VERY SURPRISED TO EXPERIENCE GOING TO THE BATHROOM
ALL DAY
LONG. THAT WAS NEW FOR ME....SO THAT IS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO HAVE A REGULAR
BM????LOL IT MAY BE A GROTESQUE SUBJECT TO SOME BUT FOR SOMEONE WHO NEVER
HAD BOWEL MOVEMENTS IT IS A PHENOMENAL THING....LOL THANK YOU DR. MILES!!!!
THANKS TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO CAME BY AND SAW ME AT THE HOSPITAL EVEN
THOUGH I
WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN I DONT REMEMBER TALKING TO TWO OF YOU..IM SORRY...I
TREASURED MY CARDS AND MY DAILY VISITS FROM CONNIE. SHE CAME TO MY ROOM
ALL SMILES AND GAVE ME HOPE THAT THERE WAS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE
TUNNEL...PUSHING HER OWN IV POLE AND HOLDING HER TUMMY SHE URGED ME
ON...AND
I LOVE HER FOR IT. CHRISTY THANK YOU FOR THE ANGEL PEN AND STATUE I
LOVE IT
AND KEEP IT CLOSE BY ME TO REMIND ME OF THE SPECIAL FRIENDS I HAVE MADE
THROUGH FACES...WES AND LISA, TIM AND JOY I LOVE YOU ALL. YOUR CARDS
WILL BE
A PART OF MY LIFE AS LONG AS IM A PART OF THIS EARTH. THEY ARE SO
SPECIAL TO
ME JUST AS YOU ALL ARE.
ONE THING I DO WANT TO SAY EVERYONE ABOUT MULE. WE ALL LOVE HIM AND
MISS HIM
WE ALWAYS WILL. PLEASE REMEMBER DR. MILES TOO. I ASKED HIS STAFF LAST
THURSDAY HOW HE WAS DEALING WITH MULES PASSING? THEY SAID IT HAS BEEN
VERY
HARD ON HIM, AND THAT HE THINKS OF DAVE EVERY DAY. DR. MILES ISNT USED TO
LOSING ANY ONE EVER....PLEASE REMEMBER HIM IN YOUR PRAYERS TOO ALONG WITH
DAVE AND HIS DEAR FAMILY.
I LOVE YOU ALL AND HOPE TO BE AT A MEETING SOON. PLEASE REMEMBER ME IN
YOUR
PRAYERS. THIS ROAD OF HEALING IS A LONG ONE FOR ME. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY
HARD SURGERY TO ENDURE AND TO RECOVER FROM AND I NEED YOUR PRAYERS TO
SEE IT
THROUGH.........
LOVE AND HUGS--POP TART
OPEN RNY WITH HERNIA REMOVAL
MAY 20TH. 2002 DR. MILES

I felt like a lump of coal that night Granmaw not a jewel! But now that
things have...er...ahh... passed, I feel much better. And yes, having
my sweet redhead by my side made it a lot better. I'm a big baby when
it comes to being sick. Pain, no problem, I can block that channel, but
sick, OMG, I just want to curl up in someone's lap and be petted and
have my head rubbed until I pass out. I hate doing anything when I'm
sick, it even makes curling up in someone's lap not fun, but it do help!
So, enough about me, I know how I'm doing, and Sean Connery is loosing
ground every single minute! I just hope I don't pass him! So what
about YOU? How you doing Granmaw?? Is the other side of the fence
treating you properly. If not, you just let me know, and I'll run
around to the other side and change the picture to suit ya.
We've already ordered you a smaller stall here at the barnyard, and a
smaller feed bucket, and I placed the order for your big water bucket
today, so it should arrive in time for your move to smaller quarters. I
have a nice "loft" stall with a great view all picked out fer yur
approval.
I hope your feeling well and as each day ticks by, you feel stronger,
healthier and happier and LOVED! Because you are, by all us here in the
"yard".
Tim.
Barnyard Commando at large!
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2002 18:48:04 EDT
From: peghrd@...
Subject: Re: Thank you ChanMan!
TIMMY, DARLIN', YOU ARE A JEWEL OF GREAT VALUE. I'M SO SORRY THAT
YOU WERE SICK. I READ YOUR JOKES BEFORE I READ THE E-MAIL ABOUT
YOUR BOUT WITH FOOD POISONING, OR WHATEVER IT WAS. I'M NOT
SURPRISED THAT JOY SAT WITH YOU. THATS THE KIND OF WONDERFUL
ANGEL THAT SHE IS, AND SHE LOVES YOU THE MOSTEST! TAKE CARE OF
YOURSELF! WE LOVE YOU AND NEED YOU. HUGS & kISSES, GRANMAW PEG

Hi Kim! Was it you that passed along the update on Dr. Kittenger's wife
Joyce??? If so, any idea how she's doing lately? You done any fishing
lately? Tell Matt I said Hi!
Also, anyone got any updates on who has my vote for Red Tornado # 3,
Nikkia Craig. Haven't heard a word from her and wanted to see how Poo
was doing.
Tim.

I am a Granny! He was born @ 8:15 06/03/02. He weighed 8 lb. and 7 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. His name is Jordan Blake, he is one of the most beautiful and perfect gifts from God. I wanted to share this wonderful news with my WLS family.
Shelby

Hey Shelby, Congratulations on your new Grandbaby! I know you are excited, although you sure dont look old enough to be a Granny! Anyway, I am tickled for you and I am proud you are safely on the other side. I hope you are doing well. Let me know if you need anything.

Love, Christy Wells :)

Hey you guys, my little girl, Brittany and I were out shopping Friday when she found a penny lying on the pavement. I couldnt help but think it was from Dave! I was saddened and shocked by his passing. I didnt even know what to say, so I really havent even posted. But, when I saw that penny, I looked to the sky and smiled.

We love you and miss you Dave! And I love all of you guys, even though I dont post often to show it.

You guys take care and keep on smiling. Like some of you have already said, we all have a guardian angel watching over us now.

Love, Christy Wells :)

Someone please tell me how to respond to someone telling me that the
surgery I am having is a cop out. I told this person at work that I
really needed their support. They replied "I think it a a big cop
out, Why don't you just lose the weight on your own, you have done
it before, you're taking the easy way out."..... I tell you I don't
know whether to show out or just ignore them. This really hurts my
feelings. The idea is I am trying to better my future health. This
again makes me feel like I am looked at as lazy and cannot suceed on
my own.
NEED SOME LOVING,
MICKIE
WAITING FOR INSURANCE APPROVAL/SURGERY DATE

I thought that since the May 27 meeting was cancelled...that it was
decided to reschedule that meeting for tonite? Is this correct?
Connie

Hi all! I'm back at work today and although busy, spending my lunch
time trying to catch up with all the posts here! This place hasn't
changed a bit! I LOVE IT!!
I am now 12 days post op....so far, I've been remarkably fortunate!
I have a good amount of energy, (still get tired quickly and refuse
to push myself), I have had NO dumping only 2 brief
nausea 'moments', I didn't vomit, just felt I was about to. I have
made it a point to get OUT of the house for a bit every single day
although I might only walk to the mailbox and back or ride to the
movie store and walk around in there, but I haven't been staying
inside at all! Thanks to all of you for your prayers and thoughts.
It has been a great comfort to me to know that everyone was and
still are praying and 'cheering' for me! The Lord has truly been
good to me!
OH! I went to Dr. Miles to get staples out on Thursday, May 30th!
I have LOST <drum roll............
it! I guess about 10 of those pounds probably came off on the bowel
prep day, but who cares, they are GONE forever!
Love to all,
Connie
LAP RNY 05/22/02
-23 lbs.

Hey guys
I have lost 94 pounds in 5 months if i could just loose 6 more pound
i will hit my hundred pound mark by my six month anniversery.

Hi ,
I just talked with Chris and she is doing good..... If she tolerates soft foods in the morning he will let her go home!!!!!!!! She says hello to all....
Kristy

Hi All,
Just popping in to say hello...I've been up to
Illinois this past week with my youngest daughter and
my granddaugter from New Mexico....My nephew graduated
from high school...It has been a busy month with the
wedding, getting the grandbaby for a month, AND
travelling to Illinois by car...I love to drive
!!..But, I praise God for having all the energy to do
all this, and go back to work on Monday !!
But, I do have a few words to say...I really was sad
to hear of Mule's passing...I havent had the pleasure
of meeting any of you yet, but Mule mentioned my name
in his "thank you" letter, and that felt sooo good,
even though he didn't know me....It really touched
me....and I know he's in heaven watching down on all
of us....
Tim, sorry to hear about your bout of
sickness...you've really had a time of it with all
that city stages building and now this food poisoning
or allergy...
I'm so happy to hear about all these recoveries...how
well everyone is recuperating....their ups and
downs....and I'm looking forward to mine, too !!
Chan, you're three days ahead of me....We might be in
at the same time !!! We can do a "high 5" in the
hallways as we do our moving about ....is it a deal?
Talk to you all soon....I'm in the background, but
never too far...:)
Nancy

Hope everyone had a great day today!!!!!!!!
I just talked with Syliva Odom just a while ago ( Dave's wife) and she said to tell everyone that they are doing ok ....She really is a nice lady!!!!! I' was in contact with her everyday and after the funeral I wanted to let her rest and didnt want to hound her with phone calls so I waited a few days to call cause I knew it would be very emotional.. And it was.......I told her of all the WONDERFUL FACES members that had been praying for them and will continue to pray for them .... You people are the BEST!!!!!! We talked about the new grandchild due in August and there daughter was going to name him something else and after Dave's passing she's going to name him DAVID!!!! :) ANd yes we cried on that moment too.................This has been the worst week of my life .....I talked with Wes & Rona too and this has been my GRAZER week too..... sorry Lisa... :) Rona sounded so good!!!! Keep up the good work Rona!!!!! Ok you too WES!!!!!! We cant leave WADE or
LISA out!!!!!!!! Anyways folks I've got Sylvia's address if anyone wants it e-mail me and I'll pass it along.............. Thanks Wes and Lisa and Laura C and Michelle H for all your support this week........ Dave is surely missed!!! BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!
Chan good luck tommorow and your in my prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love to you all, Have a good week Kristy

Hi Gang! My oldest Son needs a new set of tires for his Jeep tomorrow,
(33x12.5x15) and I was wondering if any of us worked in the tire
business? I'd much rather give my money to one of us than to the first
place we run across a set. Thanks!
Tim.

Chan! That was sweet! Well, you know what happens when the humor level
drops? You can see the bottom of the toilet, and it ain't a pretty
sight. Kinda like me last night trying to keep my butt on the toilet,
and my head in the bathtub so I didn't miss at either end. I promise
you all there was nothing pretty about it. And my dear sweet wife, she
did things for me I wouldn't have asked a nurse to do for anyone. She
sat in the floor with me and held my hand for over an hour, then got up
this morning and worked her usual 12 hour shift. I Love You Joy!
I was so sick last night, I sent one of the kids to the garage to find
the duct tape so I could secure both ends to their respective targets.
When I got where I could focus again, I was relieved to see the light at
the end of the tunnel still burning. Joy and I have kinda figured out
that it appears that I have a wheat allergy. So I have been cutting way
down on the bread, pasta, and so on. Must have been that frozen pizza I
ate that turned on me and attacked. I'll never turn my back on a frozen
pizza again!
OK, no "level 5" jokes after the 17th! You got a deal Chan. I'm still
trying to figure out how I'm going to get Doc Miles to autoclave a
fishing rod holder so I can stick it on your bed in the recovery room.
If there's a will...There is a way!
And I got to take a moment to thank all of you wonderful people, for
being mine and Joy's friends. I know there's only a handful of you that
we have had the time to meet and spend time with, but a finer bunch of
folks there never was. Joy and I talk about our first support group
meeting often, and how wonderful it is to watch you all, as the frowns
that we once saw, turn to smiles, as you see yourselves in the new
light. Thank you all for letting Joy and I share that smile with you.
It's close to 1:am, so I better call it a night so I can rise to the
task of joke collecting tomorrow.
And just for the record... When it comes to partners when I was a cop,
I always chose a woman, because:
Females drive better under stress than men.
Handle all stressful situations better than men.
Are more meticulous when writing reports.
Are better at remembering details (who/what/when/where).
And I always got to take more and longer potty breaks.
Sorry guys.
Tim.
Thanks Chan!
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2002 09:00:36 -0500 (CDT)
From: WastingTimeOnLine@...
Subject: A Cheer for Tim!
Tim,
Just wanted to tell you how glad we are that you are posting like your
old self. The humor level dropped some during that "big" neighbor's
project & City Stages.
You bring a warm smile to faces of faces of WLS. I just wanted to let
you know how appreciated and loved you are. Keep posting and post
often. Just try not to be too funny after the 17th for a while.....give
me time to heal........lol.
O.K., on three a group cheer for Tim and all his wisdom, love &
humor.....
1-2-3....hip, hip hooray......hip, hip, hooray......
now all together now!
Tim's a jolly-good-fellow
.....................................................
Tim's a jolly-good fellooooow, for nobody can deny!
Stay funny, loving & POSTING!
Chan

A: It takes all day for the messages to be posted?
B: He glows in the dark from the new suntan?
C: He misses Church on Sunday citing "fishermans elbow"?
D: He's the only one at Logan's Roadhouse that smells like cricket goo?
E: He "squishes" when he walks by you?
F: Waves at everyone on the way home to work the kinks out of his elbow?
G: Has enough suntan oil on his body for 500 salads?
H: Has enough suntan oil on that he now has the drag coefficient of 0?
I: Has a smile that will last two or three days, and sunburned gums?
How to tell when Tim isn't having a good day fishing:
A: Get's sick and throws up for two hours the night before?
B: Works on the "the project" all day?
C: Has nightmares about a freak tsunami wave the night before.
D: Has enough suntan oil on his body for 1000 salads? Solar=MCfish.
E: Waves at no one, timedly pretends stick is a fishing rod?
F: Practices casting "technique" while hammering?
G: Thinks of ways to turn toolbelt into Super Hero fishing utility belt?
H: Secretly computes superglue needed to glue Wes's boat to trailer?
I: Goes to WalMart to see if they have better trolling motor than Wes's?
Well, I don't know where Wes, Liser and Bark-Bark have run off to
today, but I hope their catching fish! Or maybe just snugling under a
shady pine tree. They have my permission for either.
Tim.

ANGEL UPDATE!!!!
CHRIS IS DOING MUCH BETTER!!!!! I TALKED WITH HER FAMILY THIS MORN AND THEY SAID SHES DOING GOOD.... JUST SLOW PROCESS..... HANG IN THERE CHRIS!!!! I'LL UPDATE MORE LATER KRISTY

I saw Chris this morning, she looks great. She is tolerating a clear
liquid diet. Plans for discharge on Monday. She sends her love to all.
Joy

the program through UCLA you are on a liquid diet for 6 weeks, broth, protein drinks, clear liquids, and popcicles. having a struggle due to hunger and this is only 10 days out. anyone have any suggestions since i have 4 1/2 weeks to go could use some help thanks,
Laura
5/22/02
open rny
Dr Sawicki

Tim,
Just wanted to tell you how glad we are that you are posting like your
old self. The humor level dropped some during that "big" neighbor's
project & City Stages.
You bring a warm smile to faces of faces of WLS. I just wanted to let
you know how appreciated and loved you are. Keep posting and post
often. Just try not to be too funny after the 17th for a while.....give
me time to heal........lol.
O.K., on three a group cheer for Tim and all his wisdom, love &
humor.....
1-2-3....hip, hip hooray......hip, hip, hooray......
now all together now!
Tim's a jolly-good-fellow
.....................................................
Tim's a jolly-good fellooooow, for nobody can deny!
Stay funny, loving & POSTING!
Chan

ANGEL UPDATE::::
JUST TALKED WITH CHRIS' AUNT KAREN AND SHE SAID SH EWSA DOING GOOD BUT RUNNING THE TEMP AGAIN TONIGHT JUST LIKE LAST NIGHT ... BUT THEY SAID THINGS WERE OK....... IT MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH TAKING OUT THAT GALLBLADDER.... OH WELL I WILL UPDATE YOU ALL TOMMOROW... HANG IN THERE CHRIS !!!!!! WELCOME TO THE LOSER'S SIDE :) LOVE TO ALL KRISTY

Hi all my dear and wonderful friends. I pray you are all doing well.
Connie and Granmaw Peg I love you and am thinking of you both. I was
not prepared to hear of our dear Mule's passing. I still cant
believe it. When I got my computer back this past Tuesday, the first
thing that popped up was a hello Mule had left me saying " Hello
Darlin". Oh how much it meant to me and yet how much it hurt me. I
will have to remember Mule as the wonderful,kind and hilarious man
that he was. I loved those big ole Mule Hugs he gave too...My
prayers are with his wife,children and so many of his fellow officers
that my husband Ronny met while they were all waiting to visit with
Mule.
I thank God for knowing Mule and I thank God for each and every one
of you I have come to know and love here in our community. What a
wonderful and unique bunch of people you all are.
Thanks for all your support, your cards, your visits they all meant
so much to me....Im still having some trouble getting around but each
day get's a little easier. Thanks for remembering me in your prayers.
Hugs & Love--Avis ( POP TART )

Uh Oh...I feel a healing coming on... Dragging out the mini soapbox...
And I'm sure that I've said this before, but due to some recent
conversations that have taken place elsewhere besides this group, I feel
a need to do a little AM Soapboxing.
Everybody here realizes this is a WLS support group, right? Not a MCE
support group, not a Dr. Miles support group, RIGHT???
There are plenty of people here that have used other surgeons from all
over for their WLS. And there are plenty of people here that have used
other hospitals for their WLS. The common thread here is WLS, NOT
surgeon, NOT hospital. Joy and I have been a part of this group for
about 8 months now (guessing), and I have never seen anyone either in
this egroup or at any of the actual meetings attempt to steer anyone
toward ANY particular hospital/surgeon, or not support anyones decision
to utilize the services of any particular hospital/surgeon.
Doctor Miles was the surgeon of choice for Joy and I, and just like you
(who ever you are), it was researched, and researched, AND researched
some more until we made a choice. We did the same painstaking research
on MCE too. It was a decision that we both were very comfortable with
going into it, and extremely satisfied with coming out of it. And I for
one would like to thank MCE for all they do for us as a WLS support
group. And Dr. Miles too, although he's never been to any of the
meetings that Joy and I have attended (mostly the Monday meetings). I
think the fact that he comes to some of our meetings is wonderful. And
I got to say that that has to be a tough room to play to. I mean he
comes to the meetings to answer pre-op questions (mostly I suppose) on
his own time, for free, for US (YOU!), but at the same time he has
sitting in the audience, his toughest critics, former patients.
Well, I don't know of any lawyer, banker, real estate broker, Doctor, or
any other profession that will stand before that kind of crowd and
answer questions. He definitely scores a 100 in my book for
professionalism.
And you can call it advertising, marketing, farming, or whatever you
want to. I call it support, before, during and after. And I know for a
fact it's only available at MCE. Is all of this about money, sure it
is, everything is. Just like your bank, your grocery store and your
corner gas station is all about money. The medical profession is no
different from any other profession, they have a "product" and it takes
money to make all of the little wheels turn.
When the little old lady at Sam's is handing out the free samples of
tuna salad on a cracker, you don't think they're doing it to help you
meet your RDA of tuna do you? Of course not, they're doing it in hopes
that you will like their product and will purchase it. Same thing with
MCE and Dr. Miles. And if you feel that little old lady tricked you
into buying a 20lb bucket of tuna salad because of you saw it, tried it
and liked it, then you my friend are the reason that psych evals are now
required for hangnail removal.
And if Sam's sought out someone who knew tuna salad inside out, knew
every little difference between tuna salads, ate, drank and lived tuna
salad every single day, could answer every question you could possibly
ever have about tuna salad AND could be 100% dead on, balls accurate
with each and every answer to your tuna salad questions, to be that
little old lady handing out the samples, then she would be a little
short redheaded old lady with a healthy chest named Rona. I can't think
of anyone better suited to the task of talking barriatric surgery than
Rona, and I am glad that MCE saw that too and hired her. And she's a
lot better looking than the little old lady at Sam's (and that tuna
smell doesn't get all over you when you shake hands with Rona too).
So, with all of that being said, if any of you feel pressured or steered
towards MCE or Doctor Miles and would care to comment, I'd love to hear
it, publicly, or privately (timsuggs@...).
Tim. The usually funny guy.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm taking a
break from the computer this weekend. I've got lots
going on tomorrow with my daughter's graduation. I
find myself thinking about this surgery 24/7, and I
have GOT to stop it--for a few days, anyway!
My little adopted grandbaby will spend the night with
me tomorrow night and I'm going to spend the day with
her Saturday. Sunday will be church and Monday will be
a holiday with LOTS of cleaning!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! :-)
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala

Hi all!!!
Went to Chris today and she is doing well.....She was up sitting in the chair.....Her temp has gone!!!! Horray!!!!!!! She's just having some gas pains which all of us post-ops know that normal.. So she will get better.. She's supposed to get her Cath out today.. And then her NG tube tommorow..... Then she can move more than she can now... She also had her gall bladder out as well.. So keep her in your thoughts .. Kristy

To all my faces family,
Some may not know already, but I did get another surgery date scheduled. It
is still Doc Miles, MCE but now June 17. Just thought I would pass that along. I
will also go this Monday 6/3/02 for a filter. I hope to have this done as an
out-patient but was told that I may have to stay overnight for observation.
Take care & Wishes of Wellness to all,
Chan

If any of you talk to her again, remind her she's suppose to be putting
another fishing chair next to hers for ME. And I got fresh milk bones
for Boo-Boo too-too.
Tim.
Message: 20
Date: Wed, 29 May 2002 21:22:36 EDT
From: MsShelbyG@...
Subject: Re: Avis
Hi everyone,
Avis's computer is down. She is doing better everyday. I was to tell
everyone
that but with Mule's passing I forgot.
Shelby

Hi Everyone,
I was just going back and updating my web page when I run across an
entry to my guestbook that I had forgotten about. Here it is ...
Guest's Name: Dave Odom
Guest's Home Page: Don't Have One
Date Signed: Fri May 10 21:35:33 2002
Referred By:
Hey Chan I enjoyed your site I am looking forward to keeping up with
all the progress. I know it is a bummer but I am really proud of Doc
Miles thinking about you first instead of like a new Mercedes lol. I can
not help you on the tech side like Pinky and Wes but I am your biggest
fan. BE SURE and say a little prayer for me Tuesday morning.
Mule May 14th
As I run across this entry again and read again where he said "I am
looking forward to keeping up with all the progress" I really think he
still will from Heaven.
Just wanted to share this, It kinda made me smile like he was telling me
this once again.
Love to all my WLS family.
Chan

Hi Darryl! Tim the funny guy here. And no, I'm not trolling for "new
material" so, the funny mode has been turned off. And I won't beat
around the bush either, I am curious why you have decided to postpone
your surgery? And of course, it may be for reasons that you choose not
to open up for a public discussion, and I will certainly respect that
too. If you'd care to assign a generic category like "current health"
or "financial" or just plain old "unsure" then that's ok too.
And of course you don't owe me or anyone else in this group an answer
for your decision, and I don't think there's anyone here that wouldn't
respect anybody's decision to postpone/change/delay their WLS. So even
no answer will be fine, or if you'd prefer, I'd be more than happy to
have you email me privately (timsuggs@...). I'm simply
curious, that's all.
Tim.
Message: 8
Date: Wed, 29 May 2002 15:45:23 -0000
From: "eagleone29" <eagleone29@...
Subject: Posponed
Hello, guys I hope all is as well as can be.
I wanted everyone to know that I have postponed my surgery for now. I
was scheduled for 5/30/02. I will do it later in the year.
Darryl

Please remember Don Bradford in your prayers he is having WLS tomorrow.
Thank you,
Shelby

Here's a big group hug for you Kristy! Keep up the faith sweetie!
You're a precious friend.
((((((( GROUP HUG )))))))))
Love,
Rona

Hello all. Sorry that I haven't posted lately, but I have been keeping up with each of you.

Kristy, Please let Chris know that she is in my prayers.

Granmaw, Keep that chin up! We love you!

Rona, I hear that you look fabulous! Take care of that new body!

Linda, How are you feeling? I hope that your hernia surgery went well.

Laura, Hang in there! You remain in my prayers.

Avis, Keep up the good work!

Tim, Ease up on the chick slams. (o:

Regarding Dave, I had previous plans and was unable to attend his services. As it turns out, I go to church with one of his daughter's sister in law. The one that is expecting. Small world. I know that Sylvia and the family feel the love and prayers that we are sending their way.

On a final note... I had my initial consult today with Dr Schmitt. Woo Hoo!! Now the waiting game begins. I assured Deborah that this would be the quickest insurance approval that she's ever had!

I'm so excited, I want to do it yesterday.

Take care,

Kim V

Hi to all,
Just got off the phone with Chris' Aunt and she said that she's running a temp and in alot of pain.. So please keep her in you thoughts and prayers.. Im going to sit with her in the am and when I get back I'll post and let you all know the update..... Love kristy

Hi everyone ,
Chris Thomason is on the other side now!!!!! Just got off the phone with her family and they said she got into her room at 3 pm so its been a long day for her.... SHe is sleeping she said....She had it done open...... She said things are looking really good so far....... Anyways keep her in your prayers.... I will post around 7 pm tonight when i call again..... Kristy

Hi Everybody!
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am getting better every day. I find that I can get up and move around for about 3 or 4 hours before I'm ready for a nap. I still have lots of swelling and bruising but no pain to speak of. "They" are still very large but the plastic surgeon promises me it's just lots of swelling. I've taken to calling them "the girls". For example, "The girls" and I spent the morning at MCE and now "the girls" are exhausted and aching and headed for a nap. ha ha Who knew that this type of surgery would affect the brain?
Thank you all so much for your support and continued emails through this surgery experience. I'm so proud of how you rallied around Dave's family too. Anyone would be proud and honored to call you "friends". Your kindness has made this journey much easier. I hope to be back at work soon. I've been out to eat several times and went to Brandon's graduation last night. Whew - I never knew just sitting in a church pew for 2 1/2 hours could be so exhausting.
Tim and Joy it was so funny to hear you shouting at us and see you waving as we went into the 11th Ave. Grill. We felt famous!!!
Well, guys - I just stopped by to say I miss you and can't wait to see you soon.
Love,
Rona

Hello, guys I hope all is as well as can be.
I wanted everyone to know that I have postponed my surgery for now. I
was scheduled for 5/30/02. I will do it later in the year.
Darryl

Now I know that a lot of the wimmin are gonna move me to the #1 spot on
their hit list for this one, but y'all all know how I really feel about
wimmin (I usually start with the head, then work my way down). So with
a lot of tongue in cheek, here's a quick tribute to WIMMIN DRIVERS! Oh,
and BTW, the comments on the photo's are not mine, so no whining!
Tim.

Hi ,
Chris Thomason is still in surgery this morning!!!! She thought she would go in the operating room at 7- 7:30 and her daughter said she didnt go in until 8:30 so I will post more later Kristy

Hi Karen! Avis and her Husband told Joy and I that their computer went
on a suicidal rampage just before she left for her surgery and
sacrificed itself to the lightning gods during a storm. So, she should
be still trying to teach her Mr. Coffee HTML and email etiquette. The
last time ours went down, the only thing that kept me from going insane
(more) was having the TV remote to click on. Maybe someone here has her
number and can give her a call to check on her.
And I've thrown two pictures on here for your enlightenment.
The first is my solution for having to leave the computer for "The Call
of Nature" at home.
And the second, is the same little problem solver for when your at work.
PLUS, it increases your overall productivity for all of you that work
for slave drivers.
Tim.
Message: 17
Date: Tue, 28 May 2002 19:29:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Karen G." <want2bslim@...
Subject: Avis
Has anyone heard anything from Avis or heard how she's doing?
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala

First let me say thanks for keeping Dave's family in your prayers!!!!
Laura Colley is still not feeling well please lets keep her in your prayers alot!!!!! Chris Thomason is having her WLS in the morning with Dr.Glystien at UAB she has to be at 5:30 as soon as I know something I will post .. I'm her Angel!!!!! Very stressful job!!!! So please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers...... I know we can count on you all..... You know we have one great group!!! I wanna thank you Wes amd Lisa & Laura Colley I dont know where I'd be this week without you 3!!!!!!Its so hard losing a friend !!!! But I think we have a 3 Guardian Angel 's upstairs watching over us !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Laura Colley hang in there we can make it !!!!!!! You've just got to get well yourself!!!!!!!
Lets not forget our FEARLESS Leader Rona keep her in your prayers too............. We love you Rona!!!
Love to all Kristy

Peg,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love ya,
Shelby

Has anyone heard anything from Avis or heard how she's doing?
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala

Wednesday Chris is having her surgery at UAB. She said she sould be
out of recovery by 1:00pm. Lets keep her in our prayers....Be a big
Loser Chris.....

Hi guys, just checking on you three and making sure ya'll are doing
ok. I know Granmaw Peg, Shelby and Peggins are doing well because I
see their posts frequently. Christine T.-I wish you the best tomorrow.
If I am at work I will check on you!
Love,
Joy

Well guys
A few of us from F.A.C.E.S. went to Oneonta, Alabama last night and
I'll tell you one thing, "The Mule" had touched a lot of peoples lives.
There was an ever flowing line of people going in and coming out way
before we got there and long after we left. As I made my way through the
line, the closer I got I noticed a closed casket draped with "Old
Glory". I'm kinda glad it was closed. I never saw old "Mule" when he
wasn't smiling and coming out with something funny and I'll always
cherish that and remember him that way. Sylvia and his children were
lined up in front. The first one I got to was Sylvia (his wife of 27
years). As I hugged her neck, before I had a chance to say a word she
said, and I quote " Don't let this discourage you from having your
surgery." I was amazed that even in her time of truest sorrow she was
thinking about me. That's just the way that family is. I may be 600+ but
I'll tell ya that brought a tear to this ole' boys eye. I told her how
sorry I was about his passing and she thanked me. As I passed on by
after consoling his children, I noticed a table set up with many happy
pictures of Dave, Dave and family & Dave and friends. Belive it or not
there was even a picture of Dave on a mule, or it may have been a horse
I really don't know, but it's fun to wonder. If you didn't know, Dave
was a law man. So there were many of his brothers of blue there. One
posted on each side of him and a line of them on each side as you exited
the parlor. There was a write up about Dave in the Gadsden Times
newspaper I would like to relay to you as follows........
THE GADSDEN TIMES
Monday. May 27, 2002
Around the State: Oneonta
Deputy Police Chief dies after surgery
Dave Odom, 49, the Chief credited with
transforming the Oneonta Police from a department riddled with
controversy to a professional tactical unit, died Saturday night shortly
before 9 pm in a Birmingham hospital.
Deputy Chief Odom had undergone stomach surgery at Medical Center
East less than two weeks ago but had come home to recuperate.
He reportedly became ill on Thursday and underwent emergency surgery
later that day. It was not immediately known if his death was linked to
his first surgery.
Odom was hired as a Oneonta officer in July of 1985 after having worked
with the Mountain Brook and Birmingham police departments and the
Jefferson County Sheriffs Department.
He was promoted to Oneonta Chief in May 1986.
I would like to close by thanking Dave for every smile he brought to my
face and every day he made a little brighter. Dave, I will always
cherrish your memory and I know that your in Heaven looking down. Maybe
even being our "Guardian Angel" . God Speed Mule, We'll see you again
One Glorious Day!
Your Friend,
Chan

Oh we're very thankful for that. He does just sit in his car listening
to the radio while waiting on people (usually his Brother), so it's a
wonder he wasn't in it. We popped (more like pried open) the hood on
his car when we went over there this afternoon and the engine has been
turned sideways about 3 inches to boot. We still don't know what
happened??? We should be able to get the wreck report tomorrow, so
maybe that will fill in some of the blanks. This could be the silver
lining we've been looking for in the cloud that has hung over his quest
for Jeep.
Tim.
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 27 May 2002 10:04:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Karen G." <want2bslim@...
Subject: Re: 5am ramblings...
Tim, thank goodness Matt wasn't in the car when it was
hit!!!!!! Poor kid, glad he's okay besides his knee.
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala

As Joy and I were returning this morning from taking pictures of Matt's
wrecked car we were cruising through 5pts South and there was a group of
four crossing the road way up ahead of us. As we got closer I noticed
it was a younger couple with an older couple, probably sneaking in a
little M-Day lunch at the 11th Ave. Grill. As we got closer, I saw the
younger guy giving the older lady a nice big hug that was so sweet.
Then I saw the redhead! And y'all know me and redheads, absolutely the
most gorgeous creatures on the face of the earth! So I had to look, as
I got closer, I blinked a couple of times so I could see better and
darned if that redhead wasn't ole "Fearless Leader" herself! And Wade,
and Roner's parents too. Well, Joy and I started acting like we was
born in Leeds and started hollering and waving like she was famous or
something. I think they finally saw, and recognized us (we're almost
famous you know).
Rona looked GREAT and it was so nice to see her and Wade out strutting
around town. Joy and I had eaten at the 11th Ave Grill for dinner a few
nights ago and I really liked it. I had their Oriental Grilled Chicken
Salad and Joy had the Smoked Chicken and Cheese Quesedilla. Wasn't too
expensive either, $18.00 I think. We had to park down by the library
though and walk past a few of the "pierced and tattooed" victims that
hang out on the corner.
AND WHILE I'M TYPING...
There was six people that snuck up to Logan Martin Lake the other day
and got a pontoon boat and had a ball fishing and cruising the lake all
day long. Now I'm not going to spill the beans and tell y'all who it
was, but their initials were Wes and Lisa Robbins, Chan the Man and
Felicia Wood, and #1 Red Tornado and The Funny Man. We all had a ball!
My knee and hip was still throbbing from my City Stages workout so I
wasn't in the mood for fishing much, but I did manage a good top coat on
my tan! I just hung out on the rear sundeck during most of the riding
and fishing and watched 5 of the most wonderful people I know have a
ball. Due to an unexpected appearance of Neptune the Sea God, my trusty
digital camera did not survive the trip, so Wes was quickly designated
the "official photog" for the outing. BTW, where's all them pictures
you took Wes???
We all split the costs and it wound up only costing us a little over
$50. a couple for a day of fun and fishing. And yes, they have real
fish at Logan Martin, and lot's of them too. I think they caught around
40 or so Bream. I didn't catch a thing the few times I tried. If any
of y'all want to give it a try, accept nothing less than a 24 foot
pontoon boat!
Of course I can't speak for Wes and Lisa, Chan and Felicia, but Joy and
I had so much fun. It was so cool to watch Wes as he piloted the boat,
I kept waiting for the lines from "Overboard" to come rolling out of his
mouth... "Women adore me, and I'm a God at sea". But, the words never
came, maybe he never saw the movie??? It was good seeing Chan out and
about and enjoying life, and catching fish!
Who wants to go next?
Tim.

Peg my sweetness. I owe you a huge apology, first, I couldn't make it
to your surgery cause I was toting blocks and steel at City Stages. But
Joy (your Angel and mine) did give me the updates as they happened, so I
was sure you were in good hands. And here's your official "WOOHOO" from
me for being on the other side with the rest of them losers. I hope
your doing/feeling well and dropping those pounds like a banker drops
bad "paper".
Apology #2: You've made several sweet comments about several of my past
posts and I was either in a hurry trying to leave when I read them, or
was simply to pooped to write anything in return. So a BIG THANK YOU
for all your kind comments.
See everybody, I got cooth. Almost housebroken too!
Tim.

Shucks Melissa! Joy and I would have been most happy to give you a
ride, but I didn't see your message the first time until about 6pm
Monday. We live on the backside of Eastwood Mall, up the hill, two
ridges over from Beacon Drive. I get my group messages via the daily
digest, so I don't receive them until about 25 pile up.
Tim.
Message: 22
Date: Mon, 27 May 2002 14:46:54 -0000
From: "sweetmelisssa" <sweetmelisssa@...
Subject: OFFF Topic and perhaps a favor for an upcoming buddy
Hey all:)
I am Melissa and I post...sometimes LOL I am in a bit of a pickle
and I am not sure if anyone can help me...I live off of Crestwood
Blvd down from Century Plaza and desparately need a ride to work...I
work about 10 mins from my house, on 280 there at the traffic light
past the Zoo exit...We are getting our car fixed today and
well...seems today I need a bit of a ride there *sheepish smile*...If
anyone was in the area and didn't mind I would be ever so
greatful...my number and I dont mind posting it here...is 592-6875
for anyone able...
Thank you in advance...I need to be there at 11am.
Melissa

Hi Sandy and thanks for yours and all the others for their kind words
about my letter to Dave. He will indeed be missed around here, and in
mine and Joy's hearts.
Tim.
Message: 19
Date: Sun, 26 May 2002 21:56:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: Sandy Grimes <sandragrimes@...
Subject: Re: Dave will be missed...

What might be the reason they do an Open RNY versus a Lap procedure
once they get you on the table?
Melissa

Just got off the phone with the funeral home. Visitation tonight from 6 to 9 at Lemley funiral home, just off Hwy 75 at the South end of Oneonta. Funeral tomorrow at Oneonta First Baptist Church( right behind the Courthouse) at 2pm. Visitation there from 1 to 2. Burial at Antiock (sp) cemetery just off 231 South outside of town.(go 75 North to red light at 231. Turn right,go 231 South to Max Glaze Wrecker Service (on the right), turn left, cemetery is on the hill. All our love and prayers go to Sylvia and the family, Lynda and Rickie Davis

HELLO!!!!
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DAVE !!!!
HE WILL BE AT LEMELY (SP) CHAPEL IN ONEONTA FROM 6-9 P.M. TONIGHT AND THE SERVICE WILL BE TUESDAY AT 2 P.M. AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ONEONTA.......KRISTY

Hey all:)
I am Melissa and I post...sometimes LOL I am in a bit of a pickle
and I am not sure if anyone can help me...I live off of Crestwood
Blvd down from Century Plaza and desparately need a ride to work...I
work about 10 mins from my house, on 280 there at the traffic light
past the Zoo exit...We are getting our car fixed today and
well...seems today I need a bit of a ride there *sheepish smile*...If
anyone was in the area and didn't mind I would be ever so
greatful...my number and I dont mind posting it here...is 592-6875
for anyone able...
Thank you in advance...I need to be there at 11am.
Melissa

Good Morning! I'm having one of my "vampire nights" and can't sleep,
so, since Joy won't let me bite on her, looks like y'all are the
victims. After I picked her up from UAB last night, we got home, and
just got stripped out of our clothes when the phone rang. It was our
oldest Son, Wes. Matt had spent the night over at Wes's apartment on
Southside, and they had been off roading all day. When they returned,
they discovered a Buick Century had parked itself IN Matt's car. Wes
has a small parking lot, and it was full, so Matt had parked down on the
street. Sometime during the day Sunday while they were gone, a Buick
Century had crossed over into the wrong side of the road and had managed
to hit Matt's car head on, driving it back a good 20 feet from where it
had been parked, legally parked thank heavens. I'm guessing somewhere
around 30mph, no skid marks, and hit so squarely that I'm surprised
there wasn't survey stakes.
I'm guessing it will be a "total", with around $3000.00 worth of damage
to his car, and with what looks to be more damage to the other car.
Anybody got any tips on negotiating with the insurance companies for the
most money???
And it looks like Sunday just wasn't Matt's day, because after we got
back from looking at the wreck, he and Wes headed off to a friends house
and about the time Joy and I pulled our clothes off again, the phone
rings again. This time he said there was blood involved. Seems he had
rammed his knee into the seat release lever in Wes's Jeep and had cut a
pretty mean gash into it. So they called it a night and Wes dropped him
off for Joy and I to do a little "home surgery 101". He had a nice flap
of skin cut loose from his kneecap area, and it probably could have used
about 10 stitches or so but he has this aversion towards needles, so Joy
cleaned and closed it as best as possible. It won't be as "pretty" of a
heal as it would have been with stitches, but he needed a new battle
scar to make his girlfriend pamper him a little.
Oh, and before I forget it... HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! I hope each of you
get to enjoy the day with your loved ones!
Tim.

I agree with you, but a lot of my depression was caused
by a situation I was in that is now over. We have had
custody of my two stepsons for almost 7 years. The
youngest one had ALOT of behavior problems and caused
difficulty on a daily basis. He went to live with his
mom about 2 months ago. I don't mean to sound cruel--I
love this child dearly and went through heck for him.
I know I did everything in my power to try to help him,
but our lives have been soooooooo much easier since
he's been gone, especially mine.
Anyway, I talked to my doctor about it when I saw her
last and we agreed that I could probably come off the
anti-depressant. We also talked about how many people
go through a depression after WLS, and it would
probably be better to wait until after surgery to stop
the med completely. If I feel myself needing to up the
dose, it won't be a problem to call her and get it
taken care of. I've been through it enough that I will
definitely call if I need to.
Thanks for the concern for me, though! :-)
=====
Karen
AIM: Kareninala