7/29/01 - Well, yes, you're right...it is not "technically" August yet...but it's close...and considering that I haven't posted an update here in quite some time...I thought an August page would at least hold me for a little while.  

I'm sorry to say that my life has become quite ordinary.  Meaning that there are not any really great struggles or accomplishments for me to report here regarding the weight loss or my surgery.  I am very happy to report though that after quite a long time in the planning stages...and much need over the years, there has been a local support group formed for individuals researching and undergoing WLS surgery at the hospital that I used, the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.  We have named our new group "New Dimensions" and have met monthly for about 6 or seven months.  The group is going strong...and I am trying to maintain an active presence with the group.  

I do not believe that a week goes by with out someone either running across my own web page, or finding my profile on obesity help.com or seeing me on one of the angel pages of some of the other WLS sites, that I don't get contact either for Q&A or just to offer a word of encouragement to people who are on their own journey.  This makes everything I do feel worthwhile.  I'm glad to help people whenever possible...and it doesn't even have to be within the realm of WLS...but that seems to be were I am most visible.  I'm thankful to be a positive and successful example for people, but I do get chided by my surgeon, to remember to tell the people to whom I chat, that there is always the potential for a "down-side" to the surgery as well.  One time Dr. Haluck (my surgeon) said to me...you know it's wonderful to have someone (like me) out there who has been successful with the procedure...championing the cause...telling everyone all the good things about it...But what about the instances where failure was met by individuals or, God forbid, death from the procedure...those voices aren't being heard as loudly and clearly as mine.  So I have promised myself to do my part in letting everyone know that life up to and through WLS is by no means a bed of roses...or the end all be all fix for everyone...there is the potential for problems.

Okay...I'll get off that soap box for now.  Thank you to all of you who follow my journal...and also for letting me know when I say or type something of interest to you.  I helps keep me motivated to know that I am helping you.

The weight is still at 179...up those few pounds that I reported back in April.  I must work harder to get back to my goal of 160....a few elusive pounds will not be the end of me :)

Oh one more thing....last weekend I went to a local amusement park...at which I used to work and frequent as a teenager.  But many many years, have passed since I could fit my big ole butt in any of those rides...Well....wonder of wonders....you are now hearing from first hand experience...that I can fit in any ride at that park I want..  I rode the Great Bear....one of those roller coaster's where your feet dangle and your sit in a chair and are strapped in by a bar over your shoulders...here is a picture of the ride...so you'll get the idea...

And one final accomplishment....I'm leaving in 3 weeks for California.  I will be attending a training class in LA. So that in itself is exciting...but guess what I'm more exited about....fitting into the airline seat without have to raise the arm or needed the dreaded "seat belt extension" - Life is Good!  'til next time...thanks for checking in on me.