Weight loss

WELL TODAY WAS THE DAY I HAD MY DRS. APPOINTMENT TO HOPEFULLY GET MY
SURGERY DATE. AND I DID !! WOO HOO! IT IS FOR DECEMBER THE 5TH. BUT
HE SAID HE IS HOPING TO HAVE SOME OPENINGS COME OPEN NEXT MONTH AND
HE WILL MOVE ME UP IF HE DOES. I AM SO EXCITED AND NERVOUS AT THE
SAME TIME . IT IS FINALLY GONNA HAPPEN AND I AM FINALLY GONNA HAVE
THE CHANCE TO GET HEALTHY, HAPPY, SKINNY AND BE ABLE TO PLAY WITH MY
KIDS, FIT INTO COASTER RIDES AND CONCERT HALL SEATS JUST TO NAME A
FEW. THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND I WILL BE AT THE MEETING SATURDAY
AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE IT WILL BE MY FIRST ONE AND I
ACTUALLY HAVE A SURGERY DATE!! CAN YOU TELL I AM EXCITED I HAVE BEEN
WAITING FOR A YEAR SO I AM ELATED! LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL, RENEE

Chan,
Just wanted to wish you good luck tommorow.... I've said a million prayers for you and yoru family and even put on on our prayer list at Church!!!! Your in good hands with Dr. Miles and the GOOD LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck to you!!!!!! See you on the other side!!!
Kristy Brooks

According to the Farmer's Almanac...
October 2002
1st-3rd. Fair, cold; frosts invade parts of the Southeast. 4th-7th.
Heavy rain for the Gulf States. Wet Tennessee Valley. 8th-11th. Another
frost threat as it turns fair and colder. 12th-15th. Showery, then fair,
windy. 16th-19th. A pleasant spell of weather. 20th-23rd. Rain moves in,
quickly clears away, then fair and cold conditions. 24th-27th. Showers
initially, then turning fair and cold. 28th-31st. An unseasonably chilly
spell of weather coincides with Halloween.
So... It looks like we might need to bring the umbrella's, eh? Either
way, rain or shine, I'm sure it will still be a blast.
Don't forget to bring your $10.00 to the next meeting and give it to
either Wes or Tim. I am so looking forward to this, might even be able
to entice ChanMan into a little roundball?
Tim.

Hi, guys. I don't have Chan's addy in my address book! Would someone send
it to
me so that I can wish him well? Thank you, Granmaw Peg (peghrd@...)

Should this have been an actual update, it would be tomorrow, but it's
still today, so look for the real updates in the morning.
This will also be the last time to request being added to the
Chan-O-Gram list before I head out to the hospital in the morning. Send
me a private email to timsuggs@... and all you have to say is
"subscribe". Everyone keep Chan in your prayers tonight.
Tim.

Hello Everyone,
Yesterday was my very last day as a pre-op eater. Nothing to special to
report. I had two last meals. Waffle House & Chinese food. My Body did
not know what to do! I have been on mostly protein bars & shakes for
about 50 days and I belive the grease started my bowel prep a few hours
early. I don't mind talking about this to this group because we all know
what an adjustment our bodies go through when we change our eating
habits.
Most of the pre-op people reading this are anxious to get this change
of life on its way. I will tell you WLS life begins before you ever make
it to the operating room. Let me explain. In my opinion it begins as
soon as you turn up the Fleet Phospho-Soda. I will guarantee that you
will be a very active person and will not just sit around long. Before
you know it you will have burst of energy that will come over you all of
a sudden. You may even have running spells. This burst of energy will
happen frequently and repeating through out the day.
By bedtime you will start to think that you are the worlds fastest short
length runner and may even consider throwing your hat in the ring for
the 2004 Summer Olympics representing the little country of Phospho.
I have had both doses of the Fleet (ginger-lemon flavor) Who the heck
come up with that? Like it makes a difference!
I now know what one of the worlds worst jobs has to be.
That job belongs to a person who lives in Lynchburg, VA and was hired
by the C.B. Fleet Company and holds the title of "Professional Evaluator
of Quality Control" aka: Guinea Pig, aka: taste tester.
The only person that I can come up with that would be perfect for that
job would always have a X in front of them.
EXAMPLES:
X-wife
X-husband
X-boss
So remember, If you are ready for that new life its waiting for you
beyond that door. No, that is not a metaphor. I'm talking "Bathroom
Door".
Live Long & Prosper (stole that from Roner 2day)
"The ChanMan"
T- minus 15 hours & Counting

Dear Friends,
As many of you may remember, Christy Wells wrote me recently asking me for
information on Barbara Basden who we affectionately call Hinckey. I've been
with Hinckey's daughters and husband this morning and they've been given
devastating news. Hinckey has been diagnosed with cancer (unrelated to WLS)and
has less than 6 months to live. Her family asked me to pass this information on
to our WLS family. According to the family, it appears that the cancer is very
aggressive. Hinckey's daughters went in and gave her the news this morning and
it was terribly difficult for them. I went in with her husband when he saw her
for the first time after her daughters gave her the news. As you might imagine
they are grief stricken. Yet, in her darkest hour, Hinckey took my hand and
assured me that the cancer had nothing to do with WLS and told me she'd do it
again in a minute. I was amazed that this brave woman wanted to make sure that
no one was deterred from WLS because of her illness. She's a champ. She is
currently in SICU at MCE. Her sweet family is there in the waiting room on the
3rd floor. Please remember all of these people in your prayers. If you are
able to visit and provide support and reassurance that would be great too.
Thanks for everything you do.
Love,
Rona

Hello All...
Well it is past 2 am here and we have to get up at 7 am to get the rental car back and get to the airport for the flight out. We arrive in Bham at 12:35 p.m. and are really looking forward to being back in our own bed and at our own house even though we have had a blast here. As we were walking around Downtown Disney just after midnight tonight I looked at Lisa and said "It's our last night here at Disney, I don't want to go home" she smiled and said "yeah me either" and I said I mean becasue we have to fly tomorrow!!!! LOL So she slapped me and then.... Just kidding, we are really ready to be home but have really had a blast here. ( for those who don't know the background on that, this will be my 2nd flight ever! The first was the one down here.....)
I would have never done any of this before WLS especially flying and spending several days in theme parks and walking around in Bass Pro Shops 3 different Days!! LOL... ( I hope they never build one in Bham, I can't afford it) WLS has really changed my life and given me a Huge Freedom to Live and not just exist.
We'll be writing next from Home in less than 12 hours.... Hope all is well with you all. Please keep our buddy ChanMan and his family in your prayers as he makes his journey to the other side of his New life through the miracle of WLS on Thursday. Chan good luck with the Phospho Soda.. Bottoms Up! Umm, the cup that is!!!! In the morning we are going to eat breakfast at the worlds largest Mc Donalds. We weill take a few pics, I think it is 2 stories tall...Skeeball too...
Talk to you all soon.
Wes and Lisa
P.S. I am attaching a pic of our cool rental car.... Fun Fun!
[INLINE]

Hi Gang! Since there are 150 of us here, I always try to use my best
and most trusted resources before I search elsewhere.
Here's my question:
I'm looking for someone who has land (25-500 acres) that they would be
willing to lease out to me that could be used as an outdoor recreation
area for us and some 4 wheeling families for some trail riding, camping
and outdoor fun.
Naturally I'm not looking for prime farm/pasture land. Matter of fact
the uglier and knarlier the better.
Also any of y'all had any experiences with the in's/out's of a hunting
land lease? Thanks!
Tim.

Well, we are leaving today for Alabama. We've been in Arkansas. My
surgery is this coming Friday, so please keep me, Dr. Miles, and
everyone else involved in your prayers. And if you are at Medical
Center East, come by and see me. I'm going to try to make it to the
meeting on Saturday. I won't have internet available until after we
get back to Arkansas, which will be several weeks.
Love,
Shelly

I will be having my surgery on October 3 at Shelby Baptist..I am so
excited and yet nervous all at the same time...Please keep me in your
prayers as I have a disabled husband and son who both depend on me
very much...Love to All...barb

Hey All,'
Here is a little proof that we really did see the Master Mouse!
Hope all is well... We are still having a lot of fun... Spent the day today at SeaWorld.. We had a blast..
See Pictures below....
Take Care..
Wes and Lisa
[INLINE]

HELLO ALL I AM NEW TO FACES AND I AM GETTING MY SURGERY DATE ON WED.
THE 18TH. I AM EXCITED AND NERVOUS AT THE SAME TIME I HOPE TO GET IT
SOON. I AM GLAD TO KNOW THERE IS A SUPPORT GROUP SO CLOSE TO ME HERE
IN BAMA. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS. RENEE

I can't take my clothes up anymore!!!! I only get comments and compliments when I wear clothes that fit. I have some really nice work clothes and casual clothes in 22, 24, 26 (2X or 3X) clothes I can bring on Saturday.

I am in need of size18 or 20 clothes, appropriate for office worker. A pair of jeans would be great too, as I have no casual clothes at all. I have bought a few things but abhor the idea of ingrowing (opposit of outgrowing) them before I get a chance to wear them out. Let me know if you might want my larger clothes and if you ahve any for me.

Darleen81

leenleen150

More than half way to my goal of a lean mean 150 machine.

Hi All,
I never in a day thought I would have this problem. I have always
been REGULAR AS CLOCK WORK (wonder if it is the age). But today I
feel there has got to be relief in site somewhere. I know this is
kinda gross but we all have to go. I have been trying to go all day
with no results. I do not think I can drink prune juice.
I wonder if what caused it was the dry powder milk (1 tablespoon) I
add to my protein shake for for more protein. So good!
Pro-cal Vanilla
1 tablespoon dry milk
3 or 4 balls of melon
8oz water, and a hand full of ice.
Blender
Make ya just want to slap somebody!
Love
Mickie 286 NOW 248

Okay, here is the start of my story! I went to the
mailbox and there was a letter from BC/BS! I was SO
excited and tore into it only to find....they wanted
info on my other insurance! (which also happens to be
BC/BS)
I was so disappointed that I burst into tears and
called to give them the info they wanted. Lo and
behold, "Patrick" said, "Ma'am, why are you so upset?
We just want to coordinate your insurance coverage."
"I said, Oh, I'm not upset with you, and here is my
other number...I was just hoping the letter you sent
was my approval for my bariatric surgery." He said,
"Hold on a minute, let me check for you!" Sure enough
within 2 minutes he came back and said "You've been
approved and should get the letter this week!"
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Will keep you all posted!!!!!
Excitedly,
Nancy, aka dumbunnie

Hey...I just had to mention that Joe Capone and I were in Tuscaloosa
yesterday visiting my father....and you guys crossed my mind while
driving down McFarland Blvd. I saw the cutest lil' VW Bug I have
ever seen, it was RED with BLACK spots...a REAL Lady Bug! I never
saw one of those...but I sure did think it was kewl!
I spoke with PopTart by phone on Saturday Morning...she was alone.
It wasn't clear to me if Ronnie was there and just out for a smoke
break or something. Either way, she sounded pretty good
considering all. She did say she was in a great deal of pain, but
she was her usual positive self, so let's all keep praying for her
to have a quick recovery and return to "normal" asap! I plan to try
to get by there tonight to visit with her. Has anyone else been to
see her, or talked to her more recently?
Love to all,
Connie

I found this to be hilarious, as a football addict
(High School, College, Pro...doesn't matter to
me!)~nancy, aka dumbunnie
Southern Football, another reason why the South is
great.
Planning for the fall football season in the South is
radically different from up North. For those who are
planning a football trip in the South, here are some
helpful hints.
Women's Accessories:
NORTH: ChapStick in back pocket and a $20 bill in the
front pocket.
SOUTH: Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks,
waterproof mascara, and a fifth of bourbon. Money not
necessary - that's what dates are for.
Stadium Size:
NORTH: College football stadiums hold 20,000 people.
SOUTH: High school football stadiums hold 20,000
people.
Fathers:
NORTH: Expect their daughters to understand Sylvia
Plath.
SOUTH: Expect their daughters to understand pass
interference.
Campus Decor:
NORTH: Statues of founding fathers.
SOUTH: Statues of Heisman trophy winners.
Homecoming Queen:
NORTH: Also a physics major.
SOUTH: Also Miss America.
Heroes:
NORTH: Rudy Guliani
SOUTH: Archie & Payton Manning, Bo Jackson, Joe
Namath, Lee Roy Jordan, Pat
Dye, Bobby Bowden, Terry Bradshaw, I could go on,..but
you get the point...
Getting Tickets:
NORTH: 5 days before the game you walk into the ticket
office on campus and purchase tickets.
SOUTH: 5 months before the game you walk into the
ticket office on campus and put name on waiting list
for tickets. More like two years...
Friday Classes After a Thursday Night Game:
NORTH: Students and teachers not sure they're going to
the game, because they have classes on Friday.
SOUTH: Teachers cancel Friday classes because they
don't want to see the few hungover students that might
actually make it to class.
Parking:
NORTH: An hour before game time, the University opens
the campus for game parking.
SOUTH: RVs sporting their school flags begin arriving
on Wednesday for the weekend festivities. The really
faithful arrive on Tuesday.
Game Day:
NORTH: A few students party in the dorm and watch ESPN
on TV.
SOUTH: Every student wakes up, has a beer for
breakfast, and rushes over to where ESPN is
broadcasting "Game Day Live" to get on camera and wave
to the idiots up north who wonder why "Game Day Live"
is never broadcast from their campus.
Tailgating:
NORTH: Raw meat on a grill, beer with lime in it,
listening to local radio station with truck tailgate
down.
SOUTH: 30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at
dawn. Cooking accompanied by live performance by
"Dave Matthews Band," who come over during breaks and
ask for a hit off bottle of bourbon.
Getting to the Stadium:
NORTH: You ask "Where's the stadium?" When you find
it, you walk right in.
SOUTH: When you're near it, you'll hear it. On game
day it becomes the state's third largest city.
Concessions:
NORTH: Drinks served in a paper cup, filled to the top
with soda.
SOUTH: Drinks served in a plastic cup, with the home
team's mascot on it,filled less than half way with
soda, to ensure enough room for bourbon.
When National Anthem is Played:
NORTH: Stands are less than half full, and less than
half of them stand up.
SOUTH: 100,000 fans, all standing, sing along in
perfect four-part harmony.
The Smell in the Air After the First Score:
NORTH: Nothing changes.
SOUTH: Fireworks, with a touch of bourbon.
Commentary (Male):
NORTH: "Nice play."
SOUTH: "Dangit, your slow - tackle him and
break his legs."
Commentary (Female):
NORTH: "My, this certainly is a violent sport."
SOUTH: "Dangit, your slow - tackle him and
break his legs."
Announcers:
NORTH: Neutral and paid.
SOUTH: Announcer harmonizes with the crowd in the
fight song, with a tear in his eye because he is so
proud of his team.
After the Game:
NORTH: The stadium is empty way before the game ends.
SOUTH: Another rack of ribs goes on the smoker. While
somebody goes to the nearest package store for more
bourbon, planning begins for next week's
game.
Nothing else in the universe comes even halfway close
to the glories of Southern football .

Okay guys and gals...today is my day...i'm on my way for the
surgery...please keep me in your prayers...
gwen

Men always hear "the rules" from the women's side. Now here are the
rules from the men's side.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up put it
down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about
you leaving it down.
2. Sometimes we are not thinking about you. Live with it!
3. Sunday = sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the
tides. Let it be.
4. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it
that way.
5. Ask for what you want! Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do
not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say
it!
6. We don't remember dates. Mark birthdays and anniversaries on a
calendar. Remind us frequently beforehand.
7. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
8. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.
9. Check your oil! Please.
10. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In
fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.
11. Tim deleted this one - even in humor, some things aren't right.
12. Let us ogle. We are going to look anyway; it's genetic.
13. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it
done. Not both! If you already know best how to do it, just do it
yourself.
14. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during
commercials.
15. Christopher Columbus and Marco Polo did not need directions, and
neither do we.
16. The relationship is never going to be like it was the first two
months we were going out. Get over it. And quit whining to your
girlfriends.
17. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach,
for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. And, we
have no idea what mauve is.
18. If it itches, it will be scratched.
19. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like
nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the
hassle.
20. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine.
Really.
21. You have enough clothes.
22. You have too many shoes.
23. Foreign films are best left to foreigners (Unless it's Bruce Lee or
some war flick where it doesn't really matter what the heck they're
saying anyway).
24. I'm in shape. ROUND is a shape.
25. BEER is as exciting for us as handbags are for you.
Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch
tonight, but did you know we really don't mind that, it's just like camping.

Hi All,
We spent all day yesterday (13 hours) in the Magic Kingdom of Uncle
Walt Disney!!! WOW there is alot to see and do.. The Food ain't
winnin' no awards in my book either but it was fun and exciting.
Tomorrow we are off for a long full day at Sea World. I am thinking
We may swing by Bass Pro Shop before going to Sea World to get a
couple rod -n- reels to try and Snag Shamu! Reckon what he likes to
eat ( I mean what do I need for bait! )
Today we did alot of this and that! We went to Wally World, Bass Pro
Shop (2nd trip), We hung around here at the condo, took in a Jacuuzi,
spent the evening in Downtown Disney, ate at Planet Hollywood and
browsed the shoppes there.... Fun Fun..
YES I KISSED MINNIE! Pics to come when we get home....Ok really she
kissed me! LOL Lisa Kissed Mickey too!
Well I am to to dream.... Early to rise in the morning...
Take care..
Wes and Lisa

Hello to everyone,
What kind of surgery did Pop-Tart have ?? And is she ok?? What room is she in???
Thanks Kristy

Okay Tim, I found a pic that is only 1 year old and during my
brunette days, LOL! I loaded it into the "Most Wanted"
Gallery...hehehe (PHOTOS)
Nancy, aka dumbunnie

Alabama Butterflies
http://www.npsc.nbs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/bflyusa/al/toc.htm
Butterflies of North America
http://www.butterflies.com/nabutterflies.htm
Butterflies.com
http://www.butterflies.com/
We could have our own Butterfly release
http://www.butterflies.com/releases.htm
http://www.thebutterflysite.com/livesuppliers.shtml
The Children's Butterfly Site
http://www.thebutterflysite.com/livesuppliers.shtml
According to an American Indian Legend -
If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first
capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.
Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal
the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all.
In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom,
the Great Spirit always grants the wish.
So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its
freedom,
the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.

With the weather finally changing, it looks like we might be trying to
do more and more outdoor activities. And I was just remembering how
hard it was for Joy and I one time when we were trying to find "our
group" at a big park for a family reunion that had lots of "other"
people there.
We need some kind of big butterfly balloon that we could squirt a little
helium into and fly it where everyone could easily see it. Or what
about a big butterfly flag? I think I've seen them at The Cracker
Barrel? Or for simplicity's sake, what about just colored helium
balloon? No, NOT a PINK one!
Any ideas?
We also need some Butterfly signs that could be laminated so we could
mark the way to our outdoor gatherings. Maybe just a simple solid black
butterfly on a hi-vis background in 8 1/2 X 11 with an arrow on the
bottom. Like maybe 10 of each with the arrow facing left, right and up?
We could thumbtack them to the power poles to help everyone show up at
the right place?
Now, who do we know that might be able to put her Indian, creative and
artistic talents to work on this project????
Tim.

Looking for something new to do in mid October?
http://www.shrimpfestgulfshores.com/
October 10th - 13th
Maybe we need to rent a bus and do a group thang???
Tim.

We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.
Support Group Meeting
Date: Saturday, September 21, 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.

Remember folks, I just pass them along...
Tim.
Finally... A smart blonde joke.
A blonde walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan
officer.
She says she's going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to
borrow $5,000.
The bank officer says the bank will need some kind of security for the
loan so, the blonde hands over the keys to a new Rolls Royce. The car is
parked on the street in front of the bank, she has the title and
everything checks out. The bank agrees to accept the car as collateral
for the loan.
The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the
blonde for using a $250,000 Rolls as collateral against a $5,000 loan.
An employee of the bank proceeds to drive the Rolls into the bank's
underground garage and parks it there.
Two weeks later, the blonde returns, repays the $5,000 and the
interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, "Miss, we are
very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked
out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled.
While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a
multimillionaire. What puzzled us is, why would you bother to borrow
$5,000?"
The blonde replied, "Where else in New York City can I park my car for
two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?"
Finally, a smart blonde joke.

Sorry I had to cut out in such a hurry dude. Were you able to get the
boat back on the trailer? I could have sworn I tied it down the same
way Wes always does. I doubt if he'll even notice the new scratches on
the bottom. Glad his new motor was in your trunk, or was it? That was
funny as all get out when it went "airborne", wish I'd had my camera and
could have captured that "Kodak Moment". Man, that thing went right
over the top of my truck just like a leaf in a tornado. Did you see
those cars sliding all over the road? I think only one or two of them
actually hit the boat, he'll never notice. We can put my jack right in
the middle and just jack the sides back out to normal. You know, as long
as we keep paying Bob, he'll let us use it anytime. Just wish we could
get all that red hair out of it. I'll meet you at the same place on the
lake tomorrow, hope we can get all that spilled battery acid out before
it eats the bottom of the boat away.
Tim.

The camp out seems to be generating a fair amount of interest. And I'm
trying to locate either a Farmers Almanac or an extended weather
forecast to help me pick a good weekend for us. JeffCo schools are out
Oct 14th through the 18th, but Trade Days is that weekend too. I just
don't think it's gonna be cool enough then. I'll keep working on it,
but I'm still leaning towards the first weekend in November.
Does anyone know who had WLS today??? Driving me mad! I'm going back
up to MCE tomorrow and check on Pop Tart, and whoever it was that had
their surgery today.
WLS GeoCache reminder: I have the container all ready to go, all we
need are cute little inexpensive things to put in it. The mini Beanie
Baby's are great, so are the Hot Wheels cars, and just about anything
that is small and durable. I think I found a place for it today while I
was up at the hospital. It's on the main road right in front of the
hospital. You have to make sure that there is a safe place to park, and
it's located so as not to be in the public view so others won't see
people going to it and come back and plunder it later. I'm still
looking for a WLS Butterfly to turn into our own Travel Bug. Bring
anything you wish to place in the WLS GeoCache to the next Saturday or
Monday meeting. I will "officially" place it and post it's existence
and location to www.geocaching.com the next day (Tuesday).
As all of you know, Wes and Lisa are living the good life somewhere in
Floriduh, and I don't know if Rona has come back down to earth yet or
not. I hope they all have a great time, and bring us lot's of souvenirs!
Looks like Granmaw Peg's computer is still down and out, and PEGGINS,
where are you woman, we miss ya. It was good to hear from Laura39 out
on the left coast, wonder if Rona thought about hooking up with ya while
she was out there???
I know we've had a lot of post-op people lately, and I also know it
takes a while for you to get back into the swing of things. But I hope
all of you remember that we're here for you if you have any questions.
If you don't ask, we can't answer. And every once in a blue moon,
someone will post a question, and for one reason or another it just
never gets an answer, or even a mention. It's as if it is just being
ignored. Well, let me assure you it is not being ignored. There is a
core group of us (more welcomed anytime!!!) that try our best to make
sure that people get visited when they're in the hospital for their WLS,
and make sure that all of the questions asked, get answered. Wes and

HELLO ALL I HAD TO WRITE AND LET EVERYONE KNOW I WAS "APPROVED"
TODAY... YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!! I'M SO HAPPY
THEY SAID I WAS APPROVED TODAY AND WOULD BE GETTING A LETTER SOON.
SHE ALSO SAID IT WOULD PAY AT 100% BUT WOULD HAVE TO PAY 100.00 DED.
FOR HOSPITAL STAY I'M SO EXCITED I JUST HATE THAT ITS FRIDAY AND NOW
I'LL HAVE TO WAIT ALL WEEKEND TO CALL SURGEON AND ALL.. BUMMER... BUT
OH WELL I'M APPROVED I'VE NEVER NEED GOOD NEWS MORE JUST FOUND OUT
MOTHER HAS LUNG CANCER AND IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD SHE HAD THROAT CANCER
LESS THAN 5 YRS AGO SO NOW SHE MAY DIE FROM THIS ITS BAD THEY SAY
PLEASE ALL REMEBER HER IN YOUR PRYAERS AND ME ALSO YOU KNOW NOW THAT
I'M APPROVED THE FUNNEIST FEELING HAS COME OVER ME PANIC! ISNT' THAT
CRAZY AFTER WAITING FOR SO LONG FOR THIS NOW I'M SCARED.. WOW I'M
REALLY STUPID HUH? WOULD LOVE ANY FEEDBACK ON WHAT TO DO NEXT..
JENNIFER

10:45 I spied Dr. Miles coming around the corner, so I spoke to him and
asked how Avis was doing. He said he was going in there to operate on
her right now. Made me a little concerned that maybe he had already
operated once, and was having to go back in for some reason. About this
time I saw Ronnie headed out the front door of the hospital. I quietly
gave him a holler, but he never heard me.
I pack "Mr. Laptop" up and head down to see if I could catch up with
him. I found him in the "Yellow Zone" smoking. I was surprised when he
remembered my name. I guess maybe I'm starting to pull abreast of Rona
(hope Wade forgives me). Ronnie told me that they had been here since
5:AM and they had just come and got Avis for surgery around 10:AM. He
said they had lost a "number" on Avis's info and it had caused a delay.
He said Avis was fit to be tied! I'm sure she's a handful when she gets
riled up. But they have all those "happy drugs" where she was and I
hope they gave her some to keep her in happy land.
Had a good talk with Ronnie, caught up with all the going's on in their
household. About 11:30 we headed back in, he to check in with the
surgery "Pinkly's" and I for a refuel in the cafeteria. I told Ronnie
I'd be hanging out here and I'd wait for the report. More later, still
have to find a data port!!!
Tim.

I took me until 2:PM to actually make it home, sorry for the delay. I
ate lunch with Ronnie and he had just come back from checking on her and
the report at that time was they were about 75% done. We finished lunch
and I had to head out for some errands, so that'll be all the updates
for today. I'll head back up there in the morning to check on our Pop
Tart and I'll pass along the word.
Also... One of us was up there having WLS today, but I don't know who
it was, so I'll check on them tomorrow too and pass along that report as
well. Never did find that *$*&# data port. Gotta work on that tomorrow
too!
Tim.

10:AM I checked in with the "Pink Lady" at the surgical waiting room
to see if they had placed our beloved Pop Tart in a room or if they
still had her in the oven (I can see I'm going to have to try harder on
the humor thing this morning). "Pinkly" said her surgery was scheduled
for 7:AM, but we all know what that means. She also said that they did
not have a room assignment for her, nor had the Doctor been out yet. I
am assuming it will be Doctor Miles.
So, I scan the waiting rooms for Ronnie, Avis's husband, nope, not
here. I check the 3rd floor smoking area, nope, not there either. He
may have gone to get something to eat (although I'm looking forward to
eating lunch here again), or he may have gone back to work for the 3/4/5
hours instead of sitting and staring at the walls. I remember I left
when Joy had her WLS here. So, here I sit in the Atrium on the third
floor, me and "Mr. Laptop". They just paged Rona to call a number, so
maybe it's Doctor Miles giving her the update from the OR. I'll check
in with her in a few.
I got to find someplace to plug my modem into. So far I haven't spotted
any of the pay phones with a data port, but I didn't put my glasses on
until I started typing, so the phones that I "looked" at may have been
water fountains or people for all I really know. And this is not only a
live Pop Tart report, it's also the test run for the "Chan-O-Gram report
that I will be sending out on the 16th. I'm going to try my best to be
here as much of the first 24 hours after ChanMan's surgery so I can be
with him and Felicia.
My battery is @ 51%, so I'm going to pack up for now and see if I can
find a house phone to call Rona (if she's back from her Sept. 11th
flight to somewhere), and I'm going walkabout for a data port to abuse.
More later, or as I get news.
Tim.

Hey ya'll. I talked to united health care yesterday and finally got
somebody to tell me that my information had been called in to Dr.
Miles' office. I then called Deborah, she was out but I left a
message for her to call me. She did about 30 minutes later and told
me that the insurance company had called her the day before and given
her all of the information that she needed. Now I have to schedule my
date. She said she is scheduling into November and I am going to
Gatlinburg during Thanksgiving so I didn't want to do it too soon to
my trip,so I may be looking at January. I'm excited and scared at the
same time. See ya'll later

Wes? Sane?
Thats a first!
"The ChanMan"

Hi !!!
I'm looking for Michelle Hagan!!!!! If anyone has her e-mail addy or phone # please e-mail me!!!Thanks so much!!!!!! I had her # and I guess the dog ate it..:)
Thanks Kristy

Hello All,
Well we survived my first airplane ride ever!!!!!!!
We flew SouthWest out of Bham to Orlando, FL and the total flight
time was 67 minutes! Compared to an 11 hour drive with a meal stop
and the time difference is amazing.
I was certainly very nervous! It was pretty scary to me each time
the plane climbed or decended, I was amazed at the amount of thrust
the jet had while flying, you could really feel it if he gave it a
little gas and when he let off I was sure we were crashing!
I did not scream or cry but I sure was thinking I must have lost my
mind when we were about to take off. It took 3-4 minutes before I
would look out the window as we were climbing, but after we leveled
off some I was glued to the window looking to see the rivers and
Lakes and cool cloud banks that looked like snow!
This was something I had on my list of things to do and I did it.. I
plan on returning on the plane as well although I have joked before
the flight about renting a car and driving back if it was too much
fright!!!. LOL
We will go to BASS Pro Shop tomorrow and go to check in the Condo,
were in a Microtel Suites tonight. On Monday after spending the
weekend at Disney and Seaworld we are scheduled to go on a 12 hour
Casino cruise on the Sterling Cruise Lines casino ship, but are
toying with the idea of going on a Guided Bass fishing trip that
guarantees Trophy Bass!!! I am really leaning toward the bass
fishing but have not decided yet, the cruise sounds fun too. It sails
3 miles out and stays out a total of 12 hours I think.
We have the laptop and will be releasing post every evening and maybe
in the mornings too.
See you all next week, were flying back Wed. just in time for Chan
Man's surgery the following day. I am sure I will see some of you
there. Since there will be several of us there to support Chan and
Felicia we'll have a big waiting area in the 3rd floor atrium most
likely. Chan has many fans out there. Tim is starting an update list
for those who want to be updated via e-mail. We might have to start
a Chan Man Fan Club!!!!! :-)
We ate at Boston Market for Dinner.... Mmmm.. Meat loaf, great
cornbread too.
Talk to you all soon, take care.
Wes and Lisa
P.S. Lisa's Dad is House / Dog Sitting for us while were away so Bark
will be so busy with all the company he'll never even miss us. And Tim he has
orders to protect my boat from you and Chan Man at all cost... I know you
guys..... LOL

Funny Farm Humor:
While reading this story just remember these three simle things:
Fishing rule #1: The worse your line is tangled, the better is the
fishing around you.
Fishing rule #2: The least experienced fisherman always catches the
biggest fish.
Fishing rule #3: Fishing will do a lot for a man but it won't make him
truthful.
Well where do I begin? There hasn't been to much construction on the
barn this week. Tim accidentally placed all of our tools in a geocache.
We unanimously voted that Wes & Lisa take Tim's GPS and go and track the
tools down for us. Tim thought it would be funny to sneak the GPS out of
its case and replace it with a Mickey Mouse compass & watch before they
left. The next thing we knew they were at Disney World in Orlando.
Not to waste a perfect September day, Tim & I decided to go down the
Cahaba River and do a little fishing/sight seeing combo mini trip (we
had our own boat since Wes was M.I.A. down in Cinderella's Palace).
Before you knew it Tim & I were on the road to Tim's little secret boat
launch. Matter of fact it was so secret we took the wrong road twice
then had to get directions from a boy that was sitting on his front
porch playing a banjo (any one ever see that movie "Deliverance"). After
a short argument about which side of a paddle had the least wind
resistance we were afloat.
It wasn't long we were getting bites left and right. To bad they were
from ants that were after a half eaten bag of peanut m&ms that Wes had
left in the boat instead of bites from fish. Tim decided to try out his
new (top secret) fishing pole. He said that a friend of his named Q from
England has FED-X it to him. It wasn't long Tim had hooked a monster of
a fish. That fish was pulling us up river at about 30 m.p.h. and we
almost got a speeding ticket. We were in a school zone (school of fish
that is). We realized there was only two ways out of this. Swim or take
control of the situation. Before no time Tim was a ridding that thing
like a Wave Runner. As that fish was wearing down I grabbed up the cell
phone and called Stan Shughart (our resident Penn State transplant) to
come down to the river bank with his Big Rigg to help us pull it in to
shore. By the time Stan got there that monster fish was about ready to
throw the towel in and was a volunteering to hang on the wall in Tim's
den.
When we got that fish to shore we found out that the fish Tim had been
wrestling with was a "Alligator Gar" (ask Tim to send you a picture if
you have never seen one). This bad boy was about 6 feet long. He decided
that he would clean that sucker and eat him. I wasn't about to help him
clean it. Not after that steak knife accident Tim had. So he called up
Wade to help. Unfortunately Wade was unavailable because he was
attending a "Barney the Purple Dinosaur" Convention downtown. By the
way, Wade loves to be called "Baby Bop" ( isn't that Barney's sidekick's
name?).
I'm sure Tim will have it cleaned by the time Joy gets home. Won't she
be surprised seeing that thing sticking out of the pot!
We still have not found the tools.
Tim was talking about selling a string of Christmas lights and a set of
electric curlers to buy some new ones.

Anyone here know a tree cutter, husband, son, daughter? I got a pine in
my back yard that I need to have cut down. Just cut and let it lay,
I'll chop it up and haul it to the street. I'd much rather give my
money to one "us's" than just a name in the phone book.
Tim.

http://www.tannehill.org/
Still trying to settle on a date for the camp out!
Tim.

When are you guys heading out for the Love Cruise? I guess you got
Bark-Bark and family covered. If y'all need me to do anything like
drive your truck/boat so the batteries don't go dead, all you got to do
is ask dude!
And I know y'all have taken care of getting a stand in moderator so we
all don't do into withdrawal while y'all are sailing the high seas. If
not I volunteer Tony!
Tim.

This is my first question to the group. My surgery was Sept 5 at
MCE. I do understand that I cannot eat enough right now to get an
adequate amount of protein. I am trying to learn how to keep up
with it so I will be ready as I am able to eat a little more. I
have purchased a book, "The Complete Nutrition Counter", that gives
the protein count of many foods. Can anyone help me in using this
thing? It lists calories, fat, carbodydrates, sodium, etc. etc. in
addition to protein. What is the ratio of protein to calories that
I need to be looking for? Should I also use the amount of
carbohydrates as a factor? Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Also, does anyone know of a computer program that might help in
keeping records of my intake for me? Since one day doesn't seem to
make a lot of difference, it would be nice to see the overall
average of what I am ingesting. Thanks so much.
Brenda

MY bmi started out 2 mo ago @ 48.72
Today, - 40lbs, is 42. 44
That's 5% of My BODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAHOOO!!! That feels better than the scale telling me
every week that i still weigh a million pounds.
http://www.ediets.com/myediets/resources/tools/bmi.cfm?&code=89357

Tim....I used the inhalers like a pacifier! LOL Honestly, I would
pop one cartridge in first thing in the morning and I tried to use
that same one all day, at least until the evening. I would just
keep the inhaler, with the cartridge in place, in my pocket or
wherever I would reach for a cig. or my lighter. That way, whenever
I had an urge to smoke, or just instinctively would reach for my
smokes and/or lighter, the inhaler was right there. Depending upon
how much nicotine your body craves, you might have to use a new
cartridge several times a day because the nicotine is gone within 20
mins. or so. I would just keep the old or "used" one in the inhaler
so that if I puffed on it I just got a little bit of that taste. It
worked out fine. I NEVER smoked a cigarette while using the
inhalers - that is a NO NO. Also, I only used one (1) prescription
of the inhalers, although the Dr. had written the script for 10 I
think! I guess he thought I had it real bad! LOL
I was determined that the inhalers would get me off the cigarettes
at least until after my surgery, and they did. Infact just
yesterday I was having a big craving for a cigarette - who knows
why, just one of those things....but I wouldn't dare smoke one now!
It's a struggle, but I know you can do it! Hope I answered your ?'s!
Connie

Something that all of us need to know.
Tim.
http://www.nsc.org/firstaid/index.htm
Do Something Good for your Neighborhood!
Be prepared to make a difference.
Take our Basic First Aid & CPR Online Course
free from September 11-18

Hi,
Hope everyone is well and feeling great!
I finally have the address for you Tim.
Send your resume to~
Amtrak Human Resouce
Congress Center
525 W. Van Buren
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Good Luck!!!
~*luv*n*hugs*~
MaryAnn

Tim, after reading about your "blue thing is my eTrex
Legend GPS unit. It receives signals from
multiple satellites in a geosyncronous orbit and then
triangulates the
info to the point that it can tell me where I am
anywhere on earth to
within about a meter. It also gives me elevation,
speed, distance,
etc." I know as much as I did before I heard of such a
thing! (this from the girl that couldn't read a map if
she HAD to...just ask her Devoted Hubby about the time
she got him lost on Constitution Ave in Washington, DC
at rush hour going around and around in circles) LOL
Chan Man, your barn construction stories are hilarious
and a welcome laugh after work when I catch up on the
digest version of WLS.
Gwen, congrats on the surgery date! I called BC/BS
today and I am "still in review". *sigh*
Could someone tell me about the picnic in Pell City?
Thanks!
Nancy, aka Dumbunnie

OK, testing the waters here...
Would any of y'all be interested in doing a weekend camp out at
Tannehill State Park (McCalla, Exit 100, I-59 towards Tuscaloosa) on one
of those "empty" weekends in October? You wouldn't have to stay all
weekend, or even overnight if you couldn't. I'd love to throw up a
couple of tents, build a nice campfire, do a little grillin' and
chillin', tell some Halloween stories to the kiddies, kick back some
cold Milo's Tea (sorry, no hard stuff for me), and just enjoy the moment
being together.
I know ChanMan and Felicia will be there... Right???
Tim.

We already have the FALL FLING slated for Saturday, October the 26th,
but that leaves:
Saturday the 5th
Saturday the 12th which is also Columbus Day
Saturday the 19th
that we don't have anything planned!
So, what say we try to fill up these three Saturday's and make October
WLS Month?
I'd love to do a trail ride and campout one weekend, IF I can find a
place to ride/camp. Surely one of us's here has got access to some land
somewhere???
And I'd also like to descend upon OMSP and have a "WLS Fish-a-Thon" on
another Saturday before it gets too cool to enjoy it.
What else can y'all come up with to fill up the weekends in October?
Tim.

http://www.insaro.org/sarboo/memorials/memorials_11sep2001.htm
Tim.

Hey Nancy....good to have you here...I'm from up your way, actually I
live in Parrish, and my surgery is set for September 16....after 9
LOOOONNNGGG months of waiting it is finally here!! Maybe we can get
together and do some walking sometimes...I work in the b'ham area, so
it is usually around 7 when i get up that way...keep in touch and let
me know how you are doing...if you want to send me a private email,
feel free to send it to trustingone@....
thanks and good luck!!
gwen

Hey! I am new myself, but I just recently ran across a recipe that
was told to help jump start weight loss in a plateau. Here it is:
Double Milk : Mix 8 oz. of carnation Dry milk as directed. ADD 8 oz.
skim milk. Chill, then drink OR add to cereal, soup, etc.
(You can also freeze it,then throw it in blender with fruit to make a
smoothie. You can use in oatmeal instead of water OR just plain ole'
drink it. It has 30 gms of protein per 8 oz. It was suggested to
drink 3 times per day plus other protein with meals.
I have no idea if this works, but I hope it helps. Good Luck! Angelia

Joe (my hubby) has a surgery date! He will have (we hope) Lap RNY
(Dr. Miles) on October 10th! Please everyone keep him in your
prayers. He is excited and anxious, but really nervous too!
Hey....I've lost 84 lbs! Yea Me! I'm feeling really good - back to
feeling like a "human" again! I can eat about anything I want, just
small amounts, but still I eat more than I did in the beginning for
sure! I am so thankful for this surgery. More and more every day I
realize how it is changing my life.
Love to all,
Connie

18 Things dog's must try to remember:
I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.
The garbage man is NOT stealing our stuff.
I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the
coffee
table.
I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.
I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.
I will not eat the cats' food, before or after they eat it.
I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.
I will not lick my human's face after bathing myself.
I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard.
I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom
end.
I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.
I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my
people
will think I am hemorrhaging.
When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when
it's raining outside.
We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on
TV.
I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard
with it.
The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & Dad's laps.
My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's
license and car registration.

She called my house earlier this evening and left word with my Mother
that her computer has had a problem and she'll be out of communication
(no email Dr. Jones) for an unknown time frame. Looking forward to her
return.
Tim.

Hey everybody, how are you doing? Tim I hear tell that you are the
man to talk to about joining the little soiree at Pell City Park. Ok,
well I am planning on coming and I'll probably bring my daughter.
Since we live in Pell City, I won't have too far to go. Get me signed
up and I'll make sure you get your money at the meeting on the 21st.
By the way, that's my birthday, you can all bring your presents,
don't have to wrap 'em just bring 'em. see ya, Wanda Whiten. I've got
to think of a name to call myself, that suits my personality. Oh
dear, what could it be?

I've have a surgery date! September 23rd! I'm so excited!

-gwen

Thanks Pop Tart, I think I WILL start bugging BC/BS! I
am reading everything online I can get my hands on and
all the stuff from Dr. Clements about WLS. He plans to
do the lap RNY. Are there any books on WLS anyone out
there recommends???
Hugs to all~
Nancy, aka Dumbunnie
P.S. Are DH (devoted hubbies) allowed to come to the
support group too? I work during the week but want to
come to the Sat group...and where IS MCE????

Hi
I would like to Know about other peoples story about pregancy
after wls. thanks wendie

HI
MY PRE SURGERY VISIT IS TODAY W/ DR MILES AND I HAVE PRE SURGERY
CLASS WITH RONA TODAY ALSO ONE WEEK TO GO 9-17-02 BEFORE MY NEW
BEGENING SEE YA WENDIE

Just a quick question for you. I have been using a vitamin system
made by "BARIATRIC SUPPLEMENT SYSTEMS" ... It's a three step system
consisting of a multiple vitamin, sub-b-trio and Calcium. Just
wondering what kinds of vitamins you're all taking? This system has
to be mail ordered and runs about $84.95 for a 60 day supply.
Thanks in advance for the info.
Lisa

Hello all,
I'm new to your Group, and am eight months post-op. I need some
advice and encouragement with my extended plateau.
Here's a cliff notes version of my history: Surgery was 01/02/02 at
Vanderbilt in Nashville, post-op infection 01/11/02, hospitalized
04/02/02 with 98% occluded striture, spent nine weeks in hospital
recovering from complications related to the stricture and occlusion,
went 41 days without any food whatsoever befoer they figured out I
had a stricture and fixed it; almost starved to death and had severe
dehydration; had to learn to walk again, wasdischarged early June to
out patient rehab, officially released from rehab 08/27/02.
The reason I am writing is that I find myself at a plateau that is
not budging and I am concerned. Originally I knew that they had me
on some medications that would slow or stop the weight loss, due to
my severe malnourishment and dehydration. However, that was three
months ago and I haven't begun to drop the weight again. I think I
loose the same three pounds over and over ... LOL!!
I am hoping that someone will have some ideas as to how I might jump
start the weight loss again.
I am trying not to be discouraged, but feel that after almost dying
and learning to walk again, it isn't plesant to step on the scale and
see it stuck at one certain area.
THANK YOU for your input and advice, it's greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Lisa
aka - CRUNCHER

After that Alabama/OU game yesterday, I needed something else to laugh at.
Tim.
Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of
humor. Here are some actual logged maintenance complaints by QUANTAS
pilots and the corrective action recorded by mechanics.
By the way, Quantas is the only major airline that has never had an
accident.
(P) stands for the problem the pilots entered in the log, (S) stands for
the corrective action taken by the mechanics.

Dropped Joy off @ UAB this morning and it was so cool and lovely on the
way home I thought I'd snag a GeoCache that I had recently loaded the
coordinates for into the GPS. This one is called "The Mountie Cache".
It was about 8:AM, and it was only 70 degrees according to the
thermometer in the mighty GeoVan and there was a nice breeze a blowing.
Couldn't decide where to park. If I parked in the road (duh) I'd be
within 10 feet of it according to the GPS as I made a few runs by it as
I was closing in, but, I'd be in the road (Duh!) and I'd be drawing
attention to the general location of the cache itself. Parked about a
block away and tried to look my best like a yuppie jogger out for his
morning stroll. Of course I have this blue thing in my hand, holding it
out in front of me as I'm walking. Makes me look like I'm walking an
invisible dog.
Found it PDQ! And boy was it stuffed. Didn't have room for what I
brought to place in it, so I left a pack of lens cleaners instead, and
took a pack of mini-light sticks, signed the log book and replaced it
where I had found it. Back to the car and changed the symbol on my GPS
from GeoCache (a treasure chest) to GeoCache FOUND (an open treasure chest).
This is really a neat way to get out and get the muscles a humping and
the lungs a sucking. Plus you get to see places and things that you
probably never would take the time to see. There are quit a few
"virtual" caches all around town. They don't have any containers of
hidden treasures, but rather most are located at a historical marker, or
at some place that offers a scenic view. The caches that are
registered on www.geocaching.com are rated as to their difficulty so you
can preview whether you want to give it a shot or not.
I just had a wonderful idea! I'll make a WLS GeoCache just for us! We
could place it somewhere on the grounds of (or maybe near) MCE too. It
would be a wonderful way for us to spread the word about us, the WLS
Program at MCE and encourage people to get out and get moving! I'll get
the box, and if any of you want to bring an item (treasure) to be placed
in the WLS GeoCache just bring it to the next meeting. The box will be
one of the Sterilite boxes from WallyWorld and is approximately 12
inches by 12 inches x 12 inches high so the smaller the item you bring
the better. Some usual goodies you're likely to find in a GeoCache
would be things like Hot Wheels cars, key chains, action figures,
refrigerator magnets, and the like. Nothing expensive and no food
(bugs). I would love to find a WLS Butterfly and turn it into a Travel
Bug. I have extra TB tags I got back when we were going on the cruise
that we could use.
What's a Travel Bug you ask??? It's just an "item" within a cache that
you attach a special numbered ID tag to so that it's movement can be
recorded and tracked on the www.geocaching.com site. Most of the time
you assign a "goal" to your TB. Like we could give ours the goal of
going to another state and back, or going to the site of the first WLS
operation (wherever that is). So I'll put the box together, and find a
suitable location and if you want something of yours to be included in
the FIRST EVER WLS Cache, just bring it to the next meeting (Sat or
Mon). We might even have to do another one for the FALL FLING to
commemorate it.
Tim.

But it was a good game. Auburn is kicking some tailfeathers though...
Game in progress
Auburn 49
W. Carolina 0
0:19 left - 3rd quarter
Chris Butler takes a carry in from 10 yards out to add to the Auburn
Tigers lead.
Tim.

Michelle,
Where are you???? I was wanting to get in touch with you to see if you've gotten my bracelet done yet since its football season... If you have let me know how much and I'll mail you a check and enough to mail it to me.... How have you been?? Missed you at the Fashion Show!!!!!
Kristy Brooks

We're getting our tail kicked, by OKLAHOMA! I say the rest of us
Alabama fans that couldn't make the game hop in our cars and just maybe
by the time we get there, we'll still have lost the game, but we can
drive around the stadium repeatedly throwing our trash out!!!
Auburn seems to be doing much better against W. Carolina. Wait a
minute, when did we get a new State???
Auburn 14
W. Carolina 0
5:51 left - 1st quarter
Carnell Williams breaks off a 42-yard touchdown run to widen the Tigers'
lead.
Tim.

Hey Girl, you still out there or did you go walkabout on us up there
Pell City?
Tim.

I've lurked for about a week and LOVED reading all the
messages (Tim's Southside story was so funny!)
My name is Nancy and I am from the Jasper area. I have
had my initial appt with Dr. Clements at UAB and I am
now in that "Will BC/BS cover me?" fretful waiting
period!!!!!! I sure wish they would hurry up and
decide!
Anyway, I just wanted to say hi! Chan, I'll be praying
for ya!
~Nancy (aka dumbunnie)

A bud sent this my way and I'm still laughing!
Tim.

As y'all know, our buddy Chan's surgery date is the 19th of September.
I'm sure Wes and Lisa (and many others, like ME) will be at the hospital
waiting to greet him on the other side. That means that there will be

Barn Construction (day 2 lumber run)
We ran out of lumber so Tim, Wes & I decided to head to the building
material store. We loaded up in Tim's geo-van and headed on our merry
way.
On the way Tim's van stalled on a country road. When Tim got out to
fix it, a cow came along and stopped beside him. "Your trouble is
probably in the carburetor," said the cow.
Startled, Tim jumped back and ran down the road until he met a farmer.
Tim still astonished, told the farmer his story.
"Was it a large white cow with a brown spot over the right eye?" asked
the farmer. "Yes, yes," Tim replied.
"Oh! I wouldn't listen to Bessie," said the farmer. "She doesn't know a
thing about cars."
By the time Tim had walked the half mile back to the van, Wes had
already made the repair.
This made us little behind schedule but we still decided to stop off for
a bite to eat. We decided on McDonalds and ordered a whopper, a 6 inch
cold cut trio & pinto's & cheese.
By the way here are 20 fun things to do while in the drive thru:

Up at 6:AM, took Cait to school at 7:15, ate breakfast at Krystals, back
home, swallowed my daily pills (only 3), dumb dog and I went for our
morning mile and a halfer, played on the puter getting GPS coordinates
to "The Best Little Yard Sale" in Maylene the rest of the morning (Wes'
house!).
11:AM LUNCH TIME! Went and got my Mother, Matt and I lunch at Arby's.
Man was that place packed, I think everybody on the eastern side of
town had the same idea. Back home, dropped off their food, headed out
for the superslab (I-20) and a nice little drive south. Stuffing food
in my face with one hand, and working the GPS with the other, I suddenly
realized that someone really needed to drive the Van, so still stuffing
food, and steering with the non-greasy hand I thread the mighty GeoVan
through the unusually light I-65 traffic. Once I got off in Pelham, I
was winding my way through the "back way" to Helena when I got stopped
by the train. It was so hot, I had to turn the Van off, and I thought I
was going to evaporate sitting there. I could just see the headlines...
"Man turns to dust and blows away while sitting at RR Crossing". At
least I had put it in Park.
12:30'ish Ever since 9-11-02, all of the map sites (MapQuest/MapBlast)
have removed the ability for their users to input a physical street
address and convert it to GPS coordinates. Why, I'll never know, but
either way, I don't have the "exact" coordinates for Wes' house, just
close proximity's. I whiz right past his neighborhood in the blink of
an eye, so I start looking for a big driveway to turn around in. No
luck, must have had to keep going for what seemed like 5 miles to the
next road for a place to turn around. As I make my way back, I start
logging the turns to Catfish Robbin's house into the GPS for future
dissemination. I round the last turn and find his driveway with no
problem. Nice house! Tony was there, and so were Lisa's folks. I walk
up the driveway as I'm trying to actually label the turns and references
in the GPS, and I realize that it's hot as hades! I see "Catfish" in
the back of the garage with the fan blowing the hot air around and
around. He's got a bunch of stuff there for the Garage Sale folks, so
you might want to check it out Saturday if you're down that way. He's
got tools, clothes, shoes, tools, CD's, tools, and all kind of odds and
ends, and more tools.
1:30 I keep smelling something "hot", like an electrical motor that's
overheating. Wes finally tells me he's cooking Talapia on the grill for
all of us and what I'm smelling is the aluminum foil he's using for the
fish. I was really thinking the fan was about to erupt into flames, but
when he brought out the grilled fish, I was in heaven. And remember, it
was just a little while ago that I was stuffing food into my face while
jamming to the Edgar Winters Group as I was going down I-65, so I really
wasn't hungry. But, after the first bite, I was in LOVE! That fish had
the best flavor, and was grilled to perfection. Bob and Tony never
noticed, but I was already eyeing their plates in case they sat one down
and looked away. Thank you Chef Wes! It was delicious and I enjoyed
every bite!
We were doing a pretty good job of pushing our little WLS group and
spreading the word about the wonderful program at MCE too. I think we
ran out of paper writing down the address for the FACESofWLS.com for
everybody. Bob started using some of Wes' signs to write on.
2:PM I had to pick up Caitlin at SVH @ 3:PM, so I needed to hit the
road. A little ways down the road, I had to let off a little liquid, so
I pulled into the Texaco in to do a swap. You know... liquid out,
liquid in. Back on the road, and I must have been with a fast crowd on
the freeway because I made it back to SVH by about 2:30. Great, now I
have to sit here in the heat and swelter. Nope, not going to do that, I
headed out towards Leeds with the A/C on HIGH! Nice drive, stayed cool.
Back at the School now, and my secret parking space in the shade is
actually still available. As I back into my secret cubby hole, I am
pleasantly surprised to find a very strong and very cold source of air
coming out of a huge wall vent. So I back my open drivers door window
right up to it and sit there and wait with a smile on my face and ice
sickles on my mustache!
3:PM RING..... Schools out! Cait is out fairly quick, and has a
friend with her. "Dad, can we take her home...?" Sure, hop in. "Dad,
we're hungry, can we got to Mickey D's" Sure! A couple of chicken
sandwiches later and we're back on the road. We get to Caitlin's
friend's house (who is also named Caitlin) and she can't get in. No
parents home, no key, no nothing! So we sit, and wait, and wait, and
sweat!
4:30PM Finally, the "Mother Thing" as the other Caitlin refers to her
as, arrives. No "Thanks for sitting here in the 100 degree heat so no
one grabs my daughter and sells her for cigarettes somewhere" message,
just a wave and then she disappears in to the house. No wonder some
kids wind up on milk cartons.
5:PM Back at the base camp for the Suggs household. As soon as I walk
in the door, the phone is ringing, it's Joy. She's had a "day" and is
going to stay until 6:PM to try to finish up for the week. The clouds
are starting to gather over my front porch by now, at least it's
blocking the sun.
6:PM I'm typing this to you. That was my day, what did all of you do
today? Time for me and RemingDork to make the other half of our 3 mile
walk.
Tim.

Thanks to everyone who sent messages and well wishes! It made me feel
so welcome. Now a question....I was so excited about the surgery
until I officially got the surgery date. Now, I bounce from being
terrified and wondering if I have made a right decision to have the
surgery,TO dismissing any negative feelings and thrudging on ahead.
Did any of you go through similiar feelings? Or am I just too weird?
I would love to hear from anyone who might have some input. I am
getting very frustrated and surgery is only 3 weeks away now! Angelia

And y'all thought I was starting another story. Well, I am, but this
one is one I'm passing along to all of our women folk out there that
share my love for the outdoors.
Tim.
Becoming an Outdoor Woman
Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will
hold it's fall Becoming an Outdoor Woman Conference (BOW), Oct. 4-6,
2002. The three day workshop is designed for any female at least 18
years of age who wants to learn new outdoor skills.
Hands on instruction is offered at the BOW event in multiple sessions
dealing with outdoor skills. Participants choose from among 54 classes,
such as camping, backyard wildlife, camp cooking, map and compass,
mountain biking, shooting sports, hunting, fishing, scuba diving,
canoeing, nature photography, nature crafts, archery, all-terrain
vehicle handling and boat handling.
The BOW conferences are held twice annually, in the spring and fall, at
the Alabama 4H Center near Columbiana in Shelby County. Registration is
$175.00, covering meals, lodging, program materials and instruction.
All demonstration equipment is provided.
For more information on BOW, contact Jerry DeBin of the DCNR at (334)
242-3151
Story written by - Stephanie Mallory - Alabama Game and Fish Magazine

Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 85, are all excited about their
decision to get married.
They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding and on the way they pass
a drugstore.
Jacob suggests that they go in.
Jacob addresses the man behind the counter:" Are you the owner?"
The pharmacist answers " Yes".
Jacob: "Do you sell heart medication?"
Pharmacist: "Of course we do."
Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"
Pharmacist: "All kinds."
Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism?"
Pharmacist: "Definitely."
Jacob: "How about Viagra?"
Pharmacist: "Of course."
Jacob: "Medicine for memory?"
Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety."
Jacob: "What about vitamins and sleeping pills?"
Pharmacist: "Absolutely."
Jacob turns to Rebecca:
"Sweetheart, we might as well register our wedding gift list with
them!!

Alright all you barnyard buffs. As we all know this is the funny farm
and Timbo is hard at work building a "brand new" barn for us. WATCH OUT!
Rona just dropped a hammer from the roof! Here comes Granmaw Peg with a
bucket of paint and Pop Tart with a saw. Pam is over there busy as a bee
helping out and Tim (being that master builder that he is) is over there
hard at work checking out the foundation. That's sort of weird. Never
seen anyone laying on the floor with a pillow to do that. He must be in
deep concentration cause I swear it looks like his eyes are closed.
Kathy Shughart is over there hanging a 4$ale sign on a goat. And Wes got
mixed up bad. Tim told him to install a double window and he's over
yonder installing Microsoft Windows.
We'll end up having to enter a password to get the barn door open!
Any way, I thought I would take a break and send out "A Little Funny
Farm Humor"

As of this morning...
22 Confirmed Families attending with a total (m/l) of 60 PEOPLE!
Hey WES!!! What's the capacity on our party hut?
And remember, it's only $10.00 per FAMILY!!! Wes and/or I will be at
all of the upcoming meetings between now and the "Fling" collecting
money for your tickets. Personal/Corporate Donations accepted too!
Tim.

Here's the info for Theatre Tuscaloosa's upcoming season....
Tim.
Scroll Down for info...

I got to keep up with ChanMan! He's making me look like I'm goofing
off. Glad he picks up the slack when my butts-a-dragging. Now if I
could get him to help me pick up the dirty laundry...
Tim. <scraping the bottom of the joke barrel
<
The chef at a family-run restaurant had broken her leg and
came into our insurance office to file a disability claim.
As I scanned the claim form, I did a double take. Under
"Reason unable to work," she wrote: "Can't stand to cook."
<
There is a accordion player driving home from a late night
gig. Feeling tired, he pulls into a local store for some
coffee.
While waiting to pay, he remembers that he locked his car
doors but left the accordion in plain view on the back seat
of his car!
He rushes out only to realize that he is too late.
The back window of his car was smashed and somebody had
already thrown in two more accordions.
<
I was at a stop light, behind a car with a bumper sticker
that said "Honk if you love Jesus."
So I honked. The driver leaned out his window, gave me an
very impolite gesture, and yelled, "Can't you see the light
is still Red, you MORON!?"
<
"I have found the best way to give advice to your children is
to find out what they want and then advise them to do it."
<
Blonde Loan applicant: "I would like to borrow $2,000 please."
Bank officer: "Certainly, Ma'am. Over how long?"
Blonde Loan applicant: "Three years, please".
Bank officer: "OK, Ma'am. We can do $75 per month for 36
months. Is that OK?"
Blonde Loan applicant: "No, not at all. I want it all at once!"

I have tried everything to tolerate the protein drinks and I keep
throwing them up. Sounds nasty. I had Lap on August 2 and have lost
only 36 lbs. I am trying to get as much protein in with food. Since I
have been eating lean cruisne's it seems my weight loss has stopped.
I am walking a mile a day. My meals go like this.
Breakfast- Grits 1 pack
Lunch- soup or lean crusine (can not finish it)
2:30 pm unsweet applesause
6:30 piece of chicken (baked)& sometimes a few baked tostios
chips with salsa.
Maybe the lean crusine's have to many carbs. None have over 290
calories. All have 18 to 25 protein grams. I did get a B12 shot and I
am taking my Flintstore's but I am tired all the time. I am not
depressed at all. Just tired. I have not been sick and I feel I can
eat anything. Maybe I am not eating enough but I eat all my tummy
will hold at a time. Am I expecting to much???????

Hi IM wendie
Im having surgey sept17 at mce w/ Dr miles I look
fowrard from learning from this group see ya wendie

O.K. folks, just like my Professor at U.T. taught me, Keep yourself out of =
trouble by saying "I don't write them, just pass them along".
Thank's for the advice Professor Suggs!
Here Goes:
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may
not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just leave me the heck alone.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky
tire.
3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your
neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
4. Sex is like air. It's not important unless you aren't getting any.
5. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
6. Never pass up the opportunity to pee.
7. Always remember you're unique. Just like everyone else.
8. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
9. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car
payments.
10. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.That
way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
11. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he
will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
13. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably
worth it.
14. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
15. Some days you are the bug; some days you are the windshield.
16. Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time.
17. Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from
bad judgment.
18. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back
in your pocket.
19. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
20. Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side and a dark side, and it
holds the universe together.
21. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
22. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
23. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
24. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

25. We are born naked, wet, and hungry, and get slapped on our rears ... then
things get worse.
"The ChanMan"

Hello all,
There has been many post asking "where's the video" .
Here is the skinny on the video:
Siotha was kind enough to shoot a copy with my camera and Chan was kind enough to shoot one with his camera. The videos are both pretty good both having different camera angles. The dilema is to either edit them together or just have one of them copied with some editing on the opening and end. That decision is not in stone yet, however, either way we fully expect to make the video available at the meeting Saturday the 21st.
The cost of the video is still highly dependant on the amount of editing that we have done. I was going to try to edit it myself but I have run out of time as Lisa and I will be going to Orlando next week and were having a garage sale all weekend. I will be flying for the first time and I am nervous as a long tailed tom cat in a room full of rocking chairs! (Anyone want to buy a garage?)
If you are sure you would like to purchase a video at the meeting on the 21st or at least by following Monday meeting on the 30th please click here to e-mail me at dtpgoose@... so I can order enough of the videos. I am trying to make a good guess so I am not stuck holding 50 extra videos of the fashion show, if you know what I mean.
Thanks in advance.
Wes

"Shake it Off"
One day a farmer's Donkey fell down into a well. He cried piteously for
hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided
the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway. It
wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to
come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel
dirt into the well. At first the donkey realized what was happening and
cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A few
shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was
astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back,
the donkey was doing something that was amazing. He would shake it off
and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt
on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty
soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the
well and trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick of
getting out of the well is to "Shake it Off and Take a Step Up". Each of
our trouble's is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells
just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!
Remember the five simple rules to be happy.
1- Free your heart from hatred.
2- Free your mind from worries.
3- Live simply.
4- Give more.
5- Expect less.
O.K. everyone, shake it off and enjoy your life!
Author Unknown

Hello,

I have been coming to most of the Monday night WLS meetings, except the last one, so I feel like I know all of you already. My name is Angelia, I'm a patient of Dr. Miles, and I finally have a surgery date of Septmeber 26th! YEAH! I have been a member of WLS but up until now, I haven't really been involved except in coming to the meetings. However, I would like to change that. I need to be an active participant and hopefully can bring something to the WLS group. I look forward to meeting more of you. Email me if you wish. Angelia V.

Hello my WLS Friends,
I was at the fashion show and thought that everyone looked just
wonderful. Believe me you all glowed.
I have one burning question....where's the video? I would love to
have a copy. If anyone has one and would make copies, would you?
Pretty please from one WLS Family Member to another.
Hope you all had a safe and wonderful weekend.
Regina "the karatemom"

As the wonders of nature slowly unfold around me, I find myself finally
wanting to get out of the coolness of my air conditioned liar and start
doing outdoorsy things again. GeoCaching instantly comes to mind as
there have been quite a few new caches placed in the GBA (Greater
Birmingham Area), and I just upgraded my eTrex Legend's software and am
extremely pleased with it's operation. PLUS... for those of you that
don't have a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) unit yet, the prices are
dropping like a rock to make way for the new models. And the new Garmin
Rhino is the coolest thing since sliced bread. It is a combo FRS/GPS
radio that allows you to not only talk to another person, but you can
send them your location with the push of a button too. Here's the link
for the Garmin Rhino: http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdbatt06.html#129
And there have been other additions to the list of things to do with
your GPS, like...
http://www.geocaching.com/mark/ Which is all about using your GPS to
search for survey disks and other items that have been marked in the
USA. At the top of peaks or in a village square, you probably walk by
one every day. 5731 benchmarks recovered so far. Only 730694 to go!
http://www.bookcrossing.com/ Over 125 books await you to hunt them
down and enjoy them here in Birmingham! Sort of like a GeoCache, but
with books instead, and they're all over the city! Here's their
locations: http://www.bookcrossing.com/hunt/1/2/54
http://www.wheresgeorge.com/ Although not exactly an outdoor
activity, a really cool site nonetheless where you go and record the
serial number of a 1/5/10/100 dollar bill, and report where you
"released" it. Then sit back and watch where your money goes as others
record it travels.
http://www.monkeycache.com/ Pretty much just like it reads, a cache
with monkeys in it. Started out in PA I think, who knows, a little red
plastic monkey might just head for retirement in the South? Here's the
Geocache.com site for these little red monkeys:
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.asp?ID=2716
http://www.confluence.org/ The Degree Confluence Project. A degree
confluence is where a Latitude and Longitude line meet. Here's the link
to the Alabama page of degree confluence's:
http://www.confluence.org/region.php?id=32 14 total in the State, 12
found 2 attempted, can you nail them?
So, as you can see, there are a lot of things for us all to do. And
with so many of you POST OP, here's the perfect excuse to head outdoors
and enjoy the new you. Just don't forget the bug spray, West Nile is
still out there, along with Lyme Disease and a host of others. But the
good news is that the bug spray wards off most of the evil spirits
Anyone else got any special/unusual fall activities?
Tim.

Hello All I just had to write and tell EVERYONE I got a call at
9:37PM from Dr. Gleysteen's office manager Barbara SHE IS GREAT!!!!
and she told me everything has been sent to BCBS Of AL. so now the
wait begins but I feel like this might really happen now I"M SO
HAPPY!!!! Please all pray for me that this might happen.

We have 19 confirmed "attendee's" for a total (m/l) of 50 people! Is
that kicking butt and taking names or what? Just don't forget that this
will be the FIRST gathering of this type that I know of. And you have
the unique chance to attend the very first one. Get your RSVP's in
quick so we can plan ahead so we will have enough of everything for all
of you.
Tim.

I thought this was really cool and wanted to pass it along for any of
you that are disabled or have friends/family that are disabled.
Tim.
Disabled Mom and Activist Wins National Health Leadership Award
Activist and author Judi Rogers,an occupational therapist and disabled
mother of two who drew on her experience to help Berkeley-area disabled
parents care for their children, will receive the 2002 Robert Wood
Johnson Community Health Leadership Program award at its September 24
ceremony in Washington, D.C. Rogers, on the staff of Through the
Looking Glass, will receive $15,000 as a personal award and $105,000
for programs at Through the Looking Glass.
Rogers's speciality is in developing adaptive babycare equipment for
parents with disabilities. Interviewing disabled women for her book
"Mother to Be: A Guide to Pregnancy and Birth for Women with
Disabilities" fueled her commitment to improving healthcare practices,
she says. In her development of babycare adaptations for parents with
physical disabilities she has been able to offer ingenious solution
because of being a parent herself, says the organization's press release
(Read the press release at http://www.lookingglass.org/rogers.php).
Through the Looking Glass's National Resource Center for Parents with
Disabilities, funded by the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research, provides information, consultation and
resources for the nearly 11 million parents with disabilities in the
U.S. There Rogers is part of a team of staff occupational therapists
"who work with parents with physical