Hopeful Spirit

Too bad to hear about your problems. But it sounds like it could be gall stones or gall bladder infection. Did any of the doctors at the ER mention this possibility to you? It is good that you are seeing a GI doctor soon. He/she will figure it out. Good luck!

Phyllis

I am not doing great at all, lots of regain, have decided to get sorted as am 6 months from 3 year anniversary date. Initially lost 11st and have gone back up 3.5 so 7.5st down now. Feeling a bit desperate as have an injury. Looking for as much help as possible, could do with some more MFP contacts.

You can see my reply above. I am not doing that well, either. Down 98 lbs and up 30 lbs since October, 2011. I just updated my profile. Let's keep in touch. OKay?

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

Yes would be happy to. Just sent you a message!

I don't see a message anywhere. As a matter of fact I don't see any information in your profile.

I am not doing great at all, lots of regain, have decided to get sorted as am 6 months from 3 year anniversary date. Initially lost 11st and have gone back up 3.5 so 7.5st down now. Feeling a bit desperate as have an injury. Looking for as much help as possible, could do with some more MFP contacts.

You can see my reply above. I am not doing that well, either. Down 98 lbs and up 30 lbs since October, 2011. I just updated my profile. Let's keep in touch. OKay?

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

I want to know the honest truth of how all my fellow oct 2011 vsg friends r doing?!?!

Hi. I am a Oct 16, 2011 Sleever and have to say that I am "doing ok" and "not doing ok." That is, I still have an OVERALL weight loss from start to now of 70 lbs, but have gained 30 lbs since my lowest weight which was in May of 2012. I have just updated my profile now since the new Bariatric website, so you can look at the pictures. I am REALLY struggling with not regaining weight. I have continued periodic appointments with the psychologist at the Mass General Weight loss Center and also am working with another psychologist because this is so difficult. I need to start connecting to others again through this website. I have just been reluctant since everything seems to have changed since the original VSG site which I was very active in.

So that is me so far, HOW ARE YOU DOING? You didn't mention anything. If you want others to reply, you need to say something too! Please?

Phyllis

aka Still (somewhat) hopeful Spirit

Hi October Sleevers. I was sleeved Oct 17, 2011, HW 230, SW 226, CW 143, GW 150. I have also been allowing some bad habits back in and HATE IT! I have allowed myself to finish out the year as is, and get back on track at the beginning of the year. That is a promise I have made to myself and am determined to see it through. I haven't been on this site in ages, and its nice to see some familiar faces/screen names. I hate that we are struggling right now, but don't allow that to get you down. Your sleeve is still there and it still can and will do its job. It's up to us to be accountable. I know, that's the hard part, but WE CAN DO IT!!

Hi Jolie -- LONG TIME NO COMMUNICATE!! But looking back I can see your posts amongst mine as we anxiously awaited our surgeries together and came out on the other side!! We were "sister sleevers" because we both were sleeved on October 17, 2011. It seemed like a long time ago now, doesn't it. So here we are 2 years and counting past that date and I am so happy to hear from you again. I wonder how the other October, 2011 Sleevers are doing. You and I are truly struggling our bad habits re-emerging, but I do feel hopeful for the future. I am, remember, a "Hopeful Spirit" .

Let's keep in touch,

Phyllis (AKA Hopeful Spirit)

Hi girls,

There is a veteran forum here that sounds like it will be really helpful for you.

We have lots of vets that are 3+ years out some dealing with maintenance some with gain and some that never made it to "goal"

5 day pouch test meh...

Not for me thank you..

You need to put the hard work into detoxing from carbs, sugar, junk, and trust me it's HARD!

The minute I open the door to those things my eating habits go downhill fast.

Dense Protein and veggies are the sleevers friends

Hi Laura-Ven:

What great news you share! I would love to check out the Veteran Forum, and will look for it. I need all the help I can get. Before my surgery -- which was Oct 17, 2011 (by mistake I said October 16 earlier) -- I found the VSG site very helpful in sharing stories and giving support. You are correct about hard work in detoxsing from carbs, sugar and junk!!! Really easy to fall into old habits there. Right now my new clothes which I bought after my big post-surgery loss are beginning to feel tight and I REFUSE to buy new ones!! I cleaned out my closet of BIG clothes, so I do NEED to lose weight or I will be walking around in the winter cold NUDE. And believe me, that will NOT be a pretty sight!

Thanks so much for your interest in answering our posts!

All good things to you,

Hopeful Spirit

Hello Friends

I was sleeved on October 17, 2011. My highest weight was 250, lowest weight was 140. My goal weaight is 130 (havent made it yet). I lost 110 lbs. I have only gained back 10 lbs. So I now weight 150. I'm trying to find a way to fight off the carb cravings & being hungry all the time. What have all of you experienced since getting sleeved. I'm live in Connecticut.

Any help or advice you can give would be appreciated. I've been thinking about trying the 5 day pouch test. Have any of you tried it and received results?

Hi Oceanblue. What a pretty name.

You bring back a lot of memories. It has ALSO been a long time since I have been on this site, and, quite frankly, I have been avoiding it. I started this topic of "looking for October friends" way back in October, 2011 before my Sleeve Operation (one day before your operation) and well, "petered out" in my posts to this site after I had lost close to 100 pounds in just about 6 months! It was really wonderful way back then -- losing all that weight. But, like you, that wonderful fast downhill journey didn't last for all that long. I have a lot of your same problems with craving carbs (especially sweets) and being hungry. Weight started creeping up slowly. I started at 309 pounds and went down to 209 pounds with a goal of 160. I, also, remember those first 10 pounds gained. But I was not so lucky to stop at that. You are doing much better than me. I managed to add another 16 pounds to that and am now at around 235. So I am pretty concerned as well. I started to see a psychologist and continued going to the Weight Loss Center at Mass General Hospital to see the people there for support, but have been in constant struggle for this past year. I remember feeling SO THIN after I lost the 100 pounds, and NOW I feel fat! It is so funny how we see ourselves.

So I was actually happy to see your entry on this website even though I hardly even recognize this website anymore. I think I will need to start using it again and, like you, start reaching out for support. I don't know what this "5 day pouch test" is, but it doesn't sound good to me. It sounds too much like a diet and for me, diets ALWAYS means weight gain afterwards. The only cure, I think, is learning how to cut down on the carbs and sweets. Sugar is the real culprit. I have made a couple of efforts at curbing my sugar cravings by substituting fruit, which actually worked for awhile, but I somehow fell into my emotional eating pattern again, and the sweets came back.

I wish I could offer you some help or advice now, but I am in your same position, only with more weight gained since my operation. I will have to look for help for the "old-timers" who have maintained their sleeved weight for a long time.

But for now, I just want to tell you that I totally understand and perhaps we can support each other in overcoming this road-block to our weight loss and health goals!

All the best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving and a little turkey and veggies and tiny dessert! I like to remember that Thanksgiving is only a one-day event!

Let me know how you are doing.

Hopefulspirit

Hi KD:

First of all, it is very good that you joined this forum because there are lots of people who can give your tips from their own experience. So congrats on that. Also, 30 pounds lost is nothing to sneeze at. Congratulate yourself on losing this much.

Secondly, if I were you, I would go to the "tell your story" part of this forum if you haven't done that yet to tell people about who you are and what you need. Also, I would recomment asking questions in the "Post Surgery" section which is also fantastic if you have a problem, like you seem to have with worrying about weight loss. People will help you here.

But you need to give people more information about your situation -- like how you are measuring your 30 pounds lost. Is that the amount since your surgery, or are you counting before surgery weight loss. How much do you need to lose? In my "weight loss ticker" below, I am counting from before my surgery, when I started with the weight loss program at Mass General Hospital. I lost 10 pounds before I had my surgery.

Also helpful is where you had your surgery. Are you under the care of a nutritionist or program giving you instrucitons on what and how much to eat and drink? What are you eating and drinking?

These are things that will help people know how to give you advice and suggestions. We are all in this together so sharing is important. You will get help.

You say you are from New England. Where abouts? I am in Boston.

Good luck,

Phyllis (Hopeful Spirit)

Howdy!

I just joined so it may take me a little while to learn the ropes and get my profile up and running. I had my surgery on October 6th. I'm only down 30 lbs but am hopeful that it will continue to go down, down, down. I've been stuck at the same weight for about 2 weeks now and reckon it might have something to do with hospitalization for low potassium and all those grand IV bags that were hung.

I suppose I'm the most concerned with Protein at the moment...I despise the supplements. (But am of course open to suggestions!)

Looking forward to connecting with other sleevers. Quick! Someone tell me I didn't do all of this only to lose 30 lbs...

Best,

KD

Me again, Chris. One more thing. Why don't you change your "Ticker" to something other than pumpkin Pies? Anything other than sweet food. That way you can start changing your mind. It is a small step process. I don't even want to think aobut pie right now. Later, maybe if I feel I can handle it. I hope I am not being too forward here. Please forgive me if you think that is the case.

All good things,

Phyllis , aka Hopeful Spirit

Oh, Phyllis, I just posted something almost identical to this! You and I are going through almost the same thing..... Even asking the experts, lol!!! I don't get sick, or feel like I need to vomit, though...just get really bad pressure when the food backs up into my esophagus cause I've eaten too much!!! Check out what I wrote/asked...

http://www.verticals...744#entry226744

Hi Chris:

\It is pretty funny that we both are experiencing the same "problems" with eating and asked the same questions, but I have received some TERRIFIC answers from people and I looked at your post and you did as well. There is a different way to know that you are full, and I am using all the advice I have received and working on fine-tuning my method of knowing when I have had enough PHYSICALLY! Physically is the operative word here. To work out what I want to eat EMOTIONALLY is a totally different subject and needs to be handled on emotional terms. NOT EASY to do. Believe me, I know all about it, but I am on the journey to work it out and I hope you can join me and the many others on this forum who managed to also work it out. A hugh undertaking, but well worth it.

The first thing I did after posting my request for help here is to set specific times when I eat so I don't graze. This hasn't been that difficult to do because I have been keeping busy in between times. That is also important. That way I don't think about food until I eat my meal. I drink lots of Water in between. And I try to change my priorities to look for value in other things besides food, and things like that. I am also eating foods like fish which have a lot of Protein and little fat and if cooked properly, is pretty moist. I make a little tarter sauce with low fat mayo and relish and put a little bit (tiny bit) in a small bowl with a small amout of fish (I have cod today) and mix it up and eat it. I happen to love fish, so I guess I am lucky, but for now, it is something I can work on. The biggest problem I have, like you, is loving the taste and wanting to eat more than I can. But, besides becoming very uncomfortable, I know it will lead to weight gain in the future and I have to force myself to put controls on myself. So I also just put about 2 oz of whatever (now it is fish) in my tiny plate and sit down and eat it as slowly as possible. I don't get up to have more until I have stopped eating for at least 10 minutes. This is hard to do, but I am getting better at it.

I also just recommended a book to Shea, above, and I will recommend it to you as well. I have found it very helpful with helpful tools. The WeightLoss Surgery Workbood, by Doreen Samelson, EdD, MSCP. There you can find different strategies for controling emotional eating.

Good luck and let's keep in touch!

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

Oh, Phyllis, I just posted something almost identical to this! You and I are going through almost the same thing..... Even asking the experts, lol!!! I don't get sick, or feel like I need to vomit, though...just get really bad pressure when the food backs up into my esophagus cause I've eaten too much!!! Check out what I wrote/asked...

http://www.verticals...744#entry226744

Dear Shae:

I so totally appreciate your entry here and admire your courage to face your past traumatic family situation of food deprivation as you struggle with changing those early patterns that hold such a firm part in our minds. Perhaps a start is just consciously reminding yourself and even looking at the extra food you may have in the house every time before you take a bite. You can always go back if you are really hungry. But I know this is easier said than done.

Although different from yours, I also have my "demons from my early childhood" which interfere with my desire to only eat until I am physically satisfied. I was sexually abused as a child and have it "set in my mind" that I have to overeat to feel pleasure and be fat to protect myself. Of course, that isn't the case now, but I, like you, have to have the courage to confront those deeply set ideas to change them. Becasue my life is different now and there are other ways to find comfort and protect myself. The problem is that it isn't easy to learn those "other ways" but I am determined to do that. And for you, learning ways to convince yourself that you are no longer deprived and that food will be available when you need it, will also be a difficult journey. I think may people on this forum deal with similar issues, so you are not alone.

I found a very good workbook, "The Food and Feelings Workbook, A Full Course Meal on Emotional Health by Karen Koenig, LCSW, M.Ed. This really helped me identify my feelings when it comes to food. Maybe it can help you too. You can get it on Amazon.com. Another good book is The WeightLoss Surgery Workbook, by Doreen Samelson, EdD,.MSCP. This book also has some good tools for "emotional eating." I am also lucky to be seing a therapist to help me through this "new" stage of my life where I need to find new forms of pleasure (I know they are out there!!) and new ways to protect myself without being fat!

Good luck to you and may your journey be blessed!

Phyllis, aka, Hopeful Spirit

"I'm pretty aware of how much I can and cannot eat now and simply stop--there will be more food available later if I need it." I don't know your name and the "Quote" thingy didn't work right but this was such a simple sentence, yet it has PROFOUND meaning for me.

I grew up poor, really poor. There were times where I went to bed hungry and only got to eat at school. We fished on the weekend but if they were not biting, we didn't eat. We didn't qualify for assistance because my parents had a shrimp boat. Didn't matter that it was sunk in the canal behind our house. When we did have food in the house, there was no wasting. If it was on your plate, you ate it no matter how full you were. This went on from as early as I can remember until I was about eight years old and my Mom got her Nursing degree. By then, the "eat it all no matter what" mentality was stuck.

In my adult life, I have never been in this situation. My parents instilled in me a solid work ethic and a strong desire for a higher education so that I would never be in that situation. However, the thought never crossed my mind that "there will be more food available later if I need it". I am in tears now (trying to hide it from my co-workers) because this makes perfect sense to me. There is a ton of food in my house so I will never go hungry. Why would I continue to worry that there won't be any??

Now the question is how to turn it off? How do you change the way you have thought about food for your entire life?

Thank you all for your understanding and advice. It is really important to know the experience of others at a time like this. This is such an opportunity to learn how to eat properly. Thank you again.

Go to the emergency room of a hospital and get it checked out NOW. They can tell you if you had a stroke and they have meds that can help a lot if they get to you quickly. Please don't delay. I am very serious.

I truly hope this isn't anything serious, but it definitely could be, and I am only being a little tough because I care,

Good luck,

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

Hi everyone: I am 3 weeks post op and just starting eating soft, moist and very tiny pieces of Protein. Veggies and fruit will be added next week on my program. I have been chewing and chewing but there are some more pureed types of food that go down faster, like yogurt, cottage cheese, humus, etc. I am one of those people who does get hungry (both head hunger and real hunger) and I am really trying to pay attention to my body and STOP EATING WHEN SATISFIED, OR FULL. The problem is I can seem to figure out when that is. I am also one of the people who have not changed my taste for the favorite foods I love (except asperteine-flavored beverages).

Last night I got into a scary spot because I was reminded of my old compulsive eating habits. This was the first time it happened since surgery. I was eating humus, and loving the taste so much. It also seemed to go down smoothly. I was probably slipping into an "unconsious" eating stage and ate too much too quickly because it tasted so good. I finally stopped when I began to feel sick, like if I put ONE MORE tiny spoon-full in my mouth, I would vomit! This scared me, becasue it was the first time it happened. I didn't vomit, but just felt sick for an hour or so until it passed over.

I don't want to fall into my old patterns, but don't know how to tell I am full so I can stop and not OVEREAT.

Does anyone have experience with this and have any advice. What does it feel like to you when you are full and satisfied. Help is sorely needed.

Thank you so much, Phyllis, aka, Hopeful Spirit

Hi Sandy and congratulations to getting to the other side. There will be a lot of "pains" which may seem like hunger, and may or may not be, but you can always have your Protein drinks, sipping very slowly, and that will help. DON'T eat anything now! Take your time and don't do anything crazy. You WILL LOSE WEIGHT, but it is a little disappointing sometimes after you return from the hospital and the scale doesn't seem to be moving. It is because they fill you up to the brim with fluids in the hospital and it takes a little while for you to lose that extra Fluid weight. I was weighed at 298 a couple of days before I went into the hospital for surgery, and when I came home, 2 days after surgery, I weighed 295. I was disappointed. Only THREE pounds after all of this with litterally NO eating for several days!! But I read this forum and learned about the "hospital Fluid thing" and found out that people GAINED weight in the hospital. I was also supported by forum friends. Then, after a few more days the weight started to FLY off. For a few days, I was losing 3 pounds a day, then 2 pounds a day, etc. and now, after 19 days post surgery, I am at 269 which is 29 pounds lost since surgery.

So, hang in there. Drink those Protein shakes -- the Protein will definitely help with the hunger if you really are hungry, sip really slowly and I promise you the WEIGHT WILL COME OFF.

Your Boston friend,

Phyllis, aka, Hopeful Spirit

Hi Hibblesmom!

Oh, yes, I have had experience with lactose intollerance. Didn't have it before surgery -- never had it in my life -- but after surgery (2 weeks ago today -- I had diarrhea every day. So Hello Lactose Intollerance. I changed to Silk Soymilk (vanilla flavored) or Whole Foods Lite Soymilk or Lactaide for the milk part of the Protein shake and whey Protein ISOLATE (purchased at Whole Foods) for the Protein Powder. That particular whey Protein Isolate is 99.9% Lactose Free. The key word is "Isolate". Unfortunately it is more expensive that Whey Protein by itself, but I needed to buy it. Also, I had to give up Greek yogurt and go to Soy yogurt, which I don't really care for, except the Silk Brand. Remember that most yogurt is made out of milk products and has lactose. By using the lactose free products, I seem to have stopped the diarrhea which is a good thing. The Lactaid "milk" isn't bad. I haven't tried the lactose "pills" you can take before you drink products with lactose in thiem, but I think I will buy some today.

Our guidelines here in Boston at Mass General Hospital is less than 25g sugar per serving, and no more than 25g protein per serving. But I have learned from this forum that each hospital and program are different. As for the "Clear Liquids" we can use Water. Propel Vitamin Water, fruit 2O, V8 juice, bouillion.

Good luck!

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

Thanks, Nicole for starting this Boston Group. I am from Allston (on the Brighton border) and was "sleeved" 2 weeks ago today at Mass General Hospital by Dr. Matthew Hutter. I am 66 years old and was afraid of complications becasue of my age, but luckily had a very smooth recovery with only a couple of challenges. One was that I quickly became lactose intollerant, but have now conquered that with soy milk and soy products! Another was that I seemed to have pain in my incision area longer than other people on the forum, but learned that was normal and caused by stiching on the inside to the muscle as well as on the outside at the two main areas (the one for the camera and the one for the stapler)..

I know there are a few more people from Boston here on the forum in the "Regional" area of the forum. Maybe we can join this group?

If anyone has any questions for me, I am happy to share what I can.

All good things,

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

Hi Sandy, my Sommerville friend!

I will be thinking of you tomorrow morning. I also had the first surgery, early in the morning and even though I didn't like getting up at 4 am to get to the hospital at 6 am, I was really to get it over with early rather than later. That way you are in your room by early afternoon.

Sorry to hear that you have to spend your "clear liquid day" collecting candy with your son, but it is what it is. Just keep that Water bottle at your side at all times and keep sipping. I found that I drank a lot of fruit2O and Propel flavored water on my "liquid day". The artificial sweetness helped. This is interesting because now, after surgery, I don't care for it, and much prefer unsweetenend beverages.

Keep your eye on the prize (!!) and all good luck for a smooth recovery. Let's get together when you are up to it. I am only across the river!

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

Gunning, 2005. Sorry to hear about the plumbing problem. If it isn't one thing it is another. If the collace doesn't work after 2 weeks, our program at MGH here in Boston suggests a little bit of Milk of Magnesia. That may do it.

Keep up the good work!!

Phyllis

Welcome home, JP! Sorry to hear about your rough start, but it will get better every day.

All good hopes for a speedy recovery and lots of weight lost!!

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

Hi Leah, my October 17 Sleeve Sister!!

Sounds like your post surgery experience was very difficult which I am really sorry to hear. But it also sounds like things are getting slightly better every day, which is good. Hold on to the thought of your progress, and also hold on to the support of your husband which sounds like it is good. You will make it through this.

I can say a little bit about diarrhea since I have had it since I left the hospital on 10/19. It has really worn me out, and at first I thought it was normal -- you know liquids in and liquids out -- but I finally took this problem to my doctor. She thought it was lactose intollerance and told me that it was very common after all GI surgery. I was, indeed, using a lot of milk products for my liquid Protein, so I have had to change over to soy-based Protein powder and soy milk and Lactaid. Apparantly it takes about a week to improve, but I have noticed an improved difference. This doesn't happen after I take my medication like it happens to you, and if you only have it ast that time, and no other time, you may have a totally different situation from lactose intolerance. I just thought I would tell you my experience if it may help you.

I have even more experience with anxiety than I do with diarrhea , and if medication helps, it is good. It doesn't mean you have to take it forever. You are going through a difficult time. Everyone responds to things differently. You had major surgery, and this is how you respond to your particular circumstances. That is totally okay. It also sounds like the medication is working in that you were able to leave your house for the first time since surgery and do the awsome motherly task of getting your son ready for Halloween!! Yippee!!

And, by the way, you are doing much better than me in the exercise department!! 10 min at a time on the treadmill. I have to admit that I have trouble walking 10 min at a time.

So hang in there. You should be losing some weight by now, aren't you? That should make you feel good!!

All good things to come for you, my dear,

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

Hi Bonnie! I have been thinking about you all week and am happy you are home and getting on with your recovery. I am so sorry to hear about the "extra procedures" during surgery which held up your recovery. Sounds like you had a rough start. But in one way, it may be better that they found the lesion on your liver and removed it so that there would be no chance that it would turn cancerous at a later time in life. And the repair of your hernia is a positive as well.

My diet for three weeks is almost as restrictive as yours. I am totally on liquids -- clear (at least 24 oz) and protein-type liquids (at least 24 oz) like Protein shakes, yogurt, diet pudding made with skim milk, soy milk -- for 2 1/2 weeks before I get the mushy diet. I have to admit I am getting sick of Protein drinks, and the work of it for me is that I have developed lactose intollerance so everything is now soy or vegetable based. But I like soy milk and found a soy based Protein powder, so I am doing that now.

Hang in there and may your journey get easier every day.

Love from Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

Hi Sandy. Just want to wish you lots of luck for a smooth surgery and quick recovery. You should be getting a little nervous now with surgery only a couple of days to go, but remember that positive thoughts help to have a positive outcome. The first day or two may be a little unpleasant, but the best part is that you will be over the worst part of this journey. It will get better every day after that. Let us know how you are doing and best wishes!

Phyllis (from Allston, MA)

aka, Hopeful Spirit

I'm from Somerville and am getting sleeved on Nov 1 with Dr Sandor at Lawrence memorial hospital in Medford. I have heard great things about him, I hope I am another of his success stories.

Hi Everyone! I have been using and enjoying the forums on VST but only just today found this "Boston Area Site". Great! I am from Boston (Allson neighborhood) and had my Surgery on October 17 at Mass General Hospital. They have a great program and have done a fair amount of Sleeves. My surgeon, Dr. Mathew Hutter, told me he had done 20 before me and others in the MGH Program had done as many or more. 20 seemed low to me, but he was a very well respected Gastrointestinal Surgeon at MGH and had done hundreds of BiPass surgeries as well as other GI surgeries involving cancer, etc., so I trusted him. And he was WONDERFUL. I couldn't have been happier. I had absolutely no complications and I am 66 years old. Mass General was the only hospital I could find in the area that took people over 65 for this surgery. The hospital care was great and the pre-surgery and post-surgery nutritional guidance and psychological care are also excellent. The only problem is that the non-insurance out of pocket costs are higher than most of the hospitals in the area. It costs $1,045 paid in two payments before surgery for the educational and support part of the MGH Weight Center program, but the support is excellent and the program is life-time support. Another issue is that it usually takes a long time to get an appointnment since they are very busy. But most of the people I have talked to say that it was worth it.

If you all still want to have a "Regional Meeting" we can meet at my house if you would like, or maybe I can find some space at one of the local universities. Let me know what you think.

Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

CONGRATS on your Sleeve. "Get in my Belly" was updating the Roster and I don't know how to do it. Since GIMB is in surgery today, be may have to wait until someone else puts you on the roster or until BIMB returns.

I just want to make sure to welcome you. How are you doing?

Phyllis, AKA Hopeful Spirit

I was October 7th