Before - March 2006 I am waiting for the surgeon to submit letters to my insurance companies to approve gastric bypass surgery. So far the process hasn't been too bad, only letter from my primary doctor about health history, a three month physician supervised diet, and a psych evaluation. I'll keep this page updated with information as I find out. I ask for your kind thoughts and prayers as I enter this journey together with my family. The road ahead will not be easy but will be done with the love of family and friends. I also have a profile at www. obesityhelp.com.

March 2006 I have always hated to have my picture taken and now I know why. The above picture was taken at a wedding reception for a friend at work. Picture to the right was taken at my niece's 16th birthday party. I didn't realize how bad I really looked until I saw the pictures. I am always the one taking the pictures - not in the pictures. This was an eye opener for me and I realized that I had to do something - AND SOON!

April 28, 2006- the journey begins This picture was taken the day after the consult with my surgeon. He was full of information and put Rick and myself at ease with his caring attitude and confidence in that this would - not could - save my life. He dealt a lot with Rick trying to assure him and answer all his questions. He has done the same surgery for five of my co-workers and they have all done great with no complications and each have lost well over one hundred pounds. Rick took this picture after we had gone out with Mom and Daddy for our 12th anniversary celebration and had just gotten back home.