tears of joy

Hello to all,
I hate to introduce my self when I’m crying, but I just got word that my
surgery has been approved. And now, I’m laughing through the tears. My name
is Carolyn. I will be having an open RNY with Dr. Magnuson at Johns Hopkins
Bayview Campus. Has anyone on the list had surgery there? I don’t know a
date yet, but it will probably be within 2 – 3 weeks.

Are there any angels in the Baltimore area? I’d sure love to have one. My
family is wonderfully supportive, but I’d like to have someone who really
knows what this life is like.

I’ve been lurking for about 6 weeks and you have all be a tremendous help in
my journey to make this decision and get on with my life. Many thanks,

Hi, All,

I just had to share with you that yesterday I was approved to travel to
Chicago on October 14-18. There is a remainder book show at the Chicago
Hilton and I also get to drive to Gurnee to see our store in the Gurnee
Mills Outlet. I’m so excited! I haven’t gone on a business trip since
June of last year.

I’m also writing this in hopes that maybe I could meet some of you from
Chicago while I’m there. My days will be pretty full, but, some nights
won’t be completely booked, i.e. vendor dinners. So, if anyone is game,
let me know. I’ve only been to Chicago about two times and that was
years ago on other business trips (we used to have a distribution center
in Roselle, IL).

Venting response…thank you!

Hello all: I need to thank everyone on this list for showing such
encouragement to me on Monday. I was really, really down about what my
boss said. I thought I might update you on that. When I went to work
on Tuesday, I told him that he hadn’t been fair to me about my self
discipline. He said that he agreed with me. What he did say is that
regardless of the decision I make, he’ll walk beside me…even hold my
hand. However, in the meantime (because I’m so gung-ho) he wants to
play devils advocate.

This has been an amazing thing, that in a matter of two weeks, my life
and perspective could change so much with just the knowledge that I can
take control of my life.

I sat down with my DH over the weekend and talked to him about the
surgery and why I want it. He has been incredibly supportive about
everything. His comment was: If you are going to do this, do it for
yourself, not for me, not for anyone else…Just you. I love and accept
you just the way you are, but if you need to do this to feel better
about yourself or to improve your health, I’ll support you 100%. what
a guy, huh?

I guess another reason I need to do this is for my children. I have
twin girls that are almost 12, and my son is almost 8. There were
several times in the last couple of years that my kids came home upset
because someone had been making fun of them…because they have a FAT
mom. Whew…that one is tough. My kids love me, and, in fact, are
always trying to convince me that I’m not fat…but this really, really
hurts them. I’m 32 years old, and I’m NOT going to spend the rest of my
life looking like this.

Anyway, I’ve done my rambling for the day. Again, thank you for your
incredible support. I filled out my paperwork for the doctor today and
will call for a consultation appointment this afternoon. I’m just
praying that I don’t have to wait to long to see him..*smile*