It's the little things sometimes that count the most

[Guest guest]

Greeting, all:

I am down 85 lbs. now and my 6 month anniversary is coming up on Sep.

1. I just came back late on Saturday from a business trip to

Atlanta.

There, I saw friends and co-workers who haven't seen me since the

surgery. They ooohed and aahhed over me and that is wonderful. But

let me share with you an even sweeter victory.

I flew to Atlanta on a small jet. Folks, I was 348 pre-op and now I

am 263. I am still a big gal (5'9 " to boot), make no mistake. Well,

I fit into my seat and I was able to fasten the seat belt - no

extender needed. Then, the tray table was able to fold all the way

down, instead of resting on my belly at a 45 degree angle. For me,

it

was these little " humiliations " , those reminders that I wasn't

" normal, " like everyone else, that used to hurt me so. On that

flight

down, I was so happy I could have cried - the guy who sat next to me

even flirted with me. Me! What a difference!

Yes, compliments are glorious and smaller clothes are like

heaven...but for me, it's the small things like seat belts, tray

tables, walking up a flight of steps, keeping up with my friends,

fitting down narrow asiles or through turnstiles, fitting in chairs

without the sides digging into me, that helps mark the quality of my

life.

Well, that's it for now. My love to all - hang in there, the wait

and

the hassle and the recovery is worth it all.

-Ginny Ivanoff

mgb: 3/1/00

348/263