Donali, as your surgery date nears, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are such a wonderful and encouraging person! If there is ANYTHING that I can do, please let me know. You are such a success story! You are a "work in progress" and will only continue to get better. I hope I can do half as well as you have. Please take care of yourself!

Yes Donali I too will be thinking of you. You are such an amazing woman. You have been so supportive to all of us here so now it is our turn to show you much love and support. We are all here for you .....and will be with you in spirit every step of the way Friday.

Donali,

after reading your post about your 20 things you "will" do, I am really jealous. You really have your stuff together. I guess that is why you lost 100 lbs since January. I haven't even lost 100 yet and it has been 14 months for me.. If I were facing losing the band, I could not be as in control as you are. I am not in control now, I ate cookies, and ice cream and God know what for the last 2 weeks. AND I KNOW BETTER ......You would think someone that has had the band as long as I would be someone the new ones could look up to, instead I am reading you guys posts looking for new motivation. I just seem to have lost it... I got it in my head that I can't lose anymore and I have gained 12 lbs.....I have managed to get 5 of them off, but what the heck would i do that for......I can tell you this..... I need help... i have an addiction as strong as any alcohol or drugs.....My addiction is not illegal, it is everywhere, and i have money to buy it without fear of prosecution. But when I read your post, I felt new motivation... l think you are so strong, and I am extremely impressed with your attitude. I pray you will not regain the weight

Thanks, you guys... *sniff* Your support is so wonderful and appreciated.

Terry, I'm 17 months out, so I have not been losing gang-busters. I'm happy with my loss, but I get the impression you think I did it in SIX months, not 17...

Many thanks for your prayers that I keep the weight off - I know exactly what you mean by addiction, since I have the same problem. I think almost all of us do. The compulsion to eat is almost unbearable at times, even when we KNOW and FEEL that we are already full.

There is nothing wrong with looking for inspiration to recommit to our weightloss journeys. This is a lifelong struggle, and we will find inspiration to continue on every where, if we are open to it.

Just 40 more hours....

And then I'll have to change my tag line to "Bandless Wonder" instead of "POM lover"...

Here! Here!

I've only been 'acquainted' with you for such a short time, really, but I think we're all in agreement of what a good attitude and sense of rightness you have shared with all of us.

You will definitely be in my thoughts on Friday and please let us know when you feel up to it how you are doing.

((((((((((Donali)))))))))

Leatha

Donali: I will keep you in my prayers and I wish you a speedy recovery and get back to us soon. We will wait anxiously to hear some report of your recovery. Please have someone get in touch with your other family here to let us know how you are doing.

They can call me if you like.

This is a lifelong struggle, and we will find inspiration to continue on every where, if we are open to it.

Your words of wisdom are like gold to me.

We all agree to looking forward to your posts everyday.

I think of you all the time....Weather it's your ordeal or "What would Donali say?"

I wish you the very best!

And worth another

((((((((((Donali)))))))))

We will be thinking of you come Friday

Hi Donali,

My thoughts are with you over the next few days. I am sure everything will go smoothly but wanted to let you know I am thinking about you and hope you have a short easy recovery. I am hoping your tummy has shrunk A LOT with all of that weight loss this past year and it won't be so difficult after all to maintain your loss and keep losing. We are all here for you for whatever you may need. Sorry you are having to go thru this at all. Teresa

Best of luck Donali. I will be thinking of you. Take care and have a speedy recovery.

You will do awesome and show us all how it can be done.

Our inspiration the Bandless Wonder!!!!

(((( Kathy )))))

5/21/2004

285/ todays weight 250

Donali,

I don't post here often, mostly just read all the posts every day. Just want to to know that you also have my prayers for an uneventful surgery and your future weight loss.

Chris

I too do not post often but come every day to read. Your words have kept me going when I didn't think I could.

It took me several days to come back and read after your post on your removal. I was so saddened by the news. My heart just went out to you. When I came back your words inspired me again. You are a strong women.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. This too you can do. You are a inspiration to us all.

Donali-

Donali (my band's name :-)) and I wish you a speedy recovery from surgery. I know you'll be terrified after it's all over, probably the same kind of terrified you were after you woke up with the band in place. But you've learned so much about yourself, and you have a wonderful network of support. You'll be ok.

You've always been such an inspiration to me. And for the last few weeks, I haven't been taking my band for granted. Thank you for the many gifts you've given me.

I'll be thinking of you on Friday,

Megan

Donali, you're in my thoughts too. If anyone can get through this with ease and flair, it will be you! I'm holding the thought that your surgery will be uneventful and fast, and you'll be back among us in short order.

I think we're all in agreement of what a good attitude and sense of rightness you have shared with all of us.

Beautifully said, and I agree completely. Donali, here are some big long distance (((hugs))) from me, before your tummy gets all sore again!! Lots of love from your pal in NJ. Heal fast!!

Dear Donali-

I am mostly a lurker but I have always been impressed by your genuine sensitivity to others. You have helped so many of us, including me with your kindness and non judgemental concern.

I feel your loss and know that you will turn it into a positive. I want you to know that this stranger will be thinking of you tomorrow.

(((HUGS))))

Diane

it's already Friday the 2nd here across the atlantic, and I'm thinking of you....hope the surgery goes ok and that you aren't in too much pain and discomfort.... Hope your new ghost band kicks in immediately, and you don't feel too bereft without your old one.... we'll be here with cyber hugs when you're ready

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((be well soon))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

:Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny

lots of love & hugs

(& kisses from Fudge xx)

Thanks again, everyone - your messages are so welcome, and really touch my heart.

If my sister's cell phone works in Mexico I'll have her get the word out that all went well. Don't freak if you don't hear anything, 'cause you know how cell phone reception can be!

I just talked with Dr. Carmen. I should be home Saturday, Sunday at the latest, and I will come here and post in person as soon as I can.

See you on the other side of the other side!

Love,

The Bandless Wonder