Catching a breath!

[Guest guest]

Hello my online family,

I've been busier than a one armed paper hanger. Just got a minute of my own and

wanted to fill you in on the events of the soap opera I call my life.

Here's what's been happening.

I think you may remember that I was contacted by the Oprah show sometime in

April. Well I sent my pictures to the producer, then heard nothing. The show

that she told me about was run and I wasn't on it. Now that wasn't a problem

but she had my photo album. The one I carry in my purse...my brag book!! It

had original pictures and I really wanted it back. So I emailed the producer

and she responded with apologies for not getting back to me sooner. They didn't

use me for the show but have several more planned and hope to use me then. And

she also sent me my pictures back. So who knows...you may be seeing me one day

with my new best friend, Oprah! (and hopefully the Cubbies will be in town

too!)

Then I get a call from the Bellagio (on my cell no less!) I called back and was

asked if I would like to interview for a job. I hesitated to say this, but I

asked the lady, " what job did I apply for? " You see, I've sent out a slew of

apps and resumes...didn't have a clue!! It was for an auditor in the accounting

department. I really didn't remember this job but I figured what the heck. I

went for the interview 2 days later and left feeling pretty positive. The pay

was ok, benefits good, shift good and I could continue to work at Lane .

Gloria (who interviewed me) told me she was sending my app to HR for a

background check and then a drug test. She said I'd be hearing from them in

about 2 weeks. So things were looking up!!

Now while all this is going on...Doc announces on our local group's board that a

position has opened up in his office and he was accepting resumes. I, of course

faxed mine in!! Didn't hear anything but in the meantime I saw Doc for my 4.5

year checkup. (I'll tell you about that later.) Doc and I spoke about the job

and he assured me that I would get an interview.

Didn't hear anything for about a week, though I was aware that interviews were

happening. I kept wondering what was going on but the coward in me hesitated to

bother Doc. At our Spring Fling I asked him if the office manager was still

interviewing. Doc told me that she was under the impression that since I was

working at LB that I wasn't interested in the job. He said he straightened her

out and I would be called!!

So sure enough, Monday I get a phone call for an interview. We set it up for

the end of the week, 11:30 on Friday the 9th. Meantime I get a call from the

Bellagio to go for a drug test. So I'm thinking that one way or

another...something is going to happen. Friday rolls along, I interview with

the office manager, then with Doc and Dr Jim. Because I know both of them so

well I'm very relaxed and at ease. Again, I felt it went well...but lately I

can't trust my instincts for anything. I dare not get my hopes up. I leave the

office and go for my drug test.

Now we were planning on going to a 51's game (AAA team for the Dodgers) with

some friends. Bob was napping and I was outside with the dogs. The phone rings

around 6pm. It's the office manager. She hems and haws. Tells me that after I

left she had a meeting with both doctors about the candidates. She doesn't

quite know how to say this, wishes there were words for this. Clears her

throat, hesitates. I'm just dying here! Knot in my pouch getting bigger and

bigger! I'm pretty sure that I'm about to be let down. I can't take it any

more and tell her to spit it out!! And go figure...she asks me to join their

family!! Yup!! I'm working for Doc and Dr Jim now!! I'm the new patient

coordinator. The difficult thing is that I couldn't tell anyone because they

can't notify the other applicants till Monday. So I only tell Bob. And yes, I

thought I was going to burst!! That night at the ball game, we had a small rain

shower and there in the sky appeared a double rainbow. I've never seen one in

my life but I sure do think it was a sign that things are on the upswing for me.

So I started work this past Monday. Now I don't know all the title means but

I'm happier than the proverbial pig to be there :of) It's been like old home

week. I'm seeing people that I haven't seen in years. So many folks that I had

hoped would have surgery actually did this very week!! Lots of hugs, girlie

screams and smiles! It feels so good to work hard, sleep fast and bounce out of

bed, ready to face the day instead of wanting to pull the covers over my head.

Did I mention this would be a long post?? Ok, more stuff.....Doc asked me if

Carol, Connie and I would consent to be in a commercial for his program as a

family that has successfully lost weight. Of course we said yes. And even

better....Dr Jim asked me if I would be on a billboard!! OMG! I'll literally

be larger than life! I told him that the idea of a billboard really didn't

bother me, hell I'm out there anyway...even with my " pink heart " pictures )

But the part that gives me the secret smile, the perverse satisfaction...is that

the people that screwed me over these past few years....will be seeing me on

their way to work, and on their TV! I will be in their dreams!! (Tee hee!)

But back to the bill board....I think it's going to be your classic picture...me

in the leg of my old pants. But the hard thing is that I don't have any of my

old clothes! See, I hated them so much that I got rid of them all. Didn't keep

a thing. I would have had a bonfire if I could have, but it would have been a 6

alarm fire. Fortunately we have a clothing exchange with boxes of extra size

clothes. So I'm heading there today to see what I can find. Chances are...some

of my old clothes are there! After all, not too many of us wore 6X. A size 32

was snug on me. I would shop LB and Roamans catalog for the largest size

clothes, get one thing and if it fit (didn't matter the color or pattern) I

would then order one in every color. Usually the largest size was a 60. This

is going to be a reality check.

Now I don't know if it's the new job or the topomax I'm on,but I'm down to 160

and can see the 150's just around the corner. Had my 4.5 yr checkup and Doc is

pleased as can be with my results (then I was 165.) Told me he never thought

I'd get below 200. Said I've lost more weight, a higher % of my mass than any

of his patients. He said he wouldn't be a bit angry if I stayed a size 8 at 165

lbs!! I told him I was working towards a 6 and he said he didn't think I'd be

happy there. I don't know...but I sure do want to see what it feels like!!

That's all the news that's fit to print.

Love you all!!

Sue

Open RNY 10/26/98

From 500 lbs to 160

Dr Barry L Fisher

Pease visit my site:

http://www.lvcm.com/njtomato/

I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet

when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.