ALMOST THERE, THANKS TO YOU!

November 11, 2000

Hi everyone,

I'm Kate, chronic lurker. I'm 47, 5'4 " , 280, BMI 48. I don't post very

often, but I've been a member of this list since the first of the year -

and after almost a year of learning, questioning, researching, and

preparing (not to mention the insurance roller coaster of denial then

approval with a different insurer), I'm almost there - MY SURGERY DATE IS

NEXT FRIDAY, NOV. 17th; my dear sister-in-law will be with me throughout

the surgery and afterward. ANYONE WHO IS ALSO SCHEDULED FOR NOV. 17, PLEASE

GIVE A SHOUT OUT - I am so psyched to meet fellow MGBers in person!

Although I am a habitual lurker, I have followed the list all year long;

sharing in the joys, frustrations, hopes, dreams and prayers with all of

you. I have been informed, entertained, awed and inspired by this

ever-changing, living group of wonderful and unique individuals. And now I

can hardly believe I'm one of those saying " I HAVE A DATE! " Wow. It's been

a long and sometimes challenging road, but I wouldn't trade a minute of it,

because I do believe it's all in God's time. As so many have said before

me, and so many will after me, this is the most important thing I can do

for myself, for my quality and length of life, and for my loved ones who

want me around for a long time. Friday, November 17th, I begin to get my

life back - after too many years of living fractionally.

I know the first few months will provide new challenges as my body and

psyche adjust to this life-changing event (oddly, my greatest worry is

vomiting uncontrollably in a business meeting, anyone experience that?).

but I intend to meet those challenges with as much faith, grace and humor

as I can muster, knowing that they represent the path to my goal.

Although I'm not good at posting to the public list, I have corresponded

one-on-one with some of you; and I especially want to thank the folks who

agreed to be my post-op contacts: , Kim, Amy, Flo, etc. You folks have

set a great example for responsiveness and empathy which I will do my best

to emulate as a post-op (oh my God, there it is again: ME as a post-op!).

And to everyone else, thank you for your wisdom, support, prayers and

encouragement - even if you didn't know I was the grateful receipient. Back

atcha.

I am so excited but admittedly a little scared...I hope you will send

prayers and positive thoughts to me and my littermates and Dr. R on Friday

as we begin the next step of this journey. I know you all will be in my

thoughts, with love and gratitude.

Kate

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