News from the Nest

Late February 2008

Dear Friends and Family,

Guess who had surgery in our household? If you answered, “Charlie is having his annual hernia repair” then you were wrong.” If you answered , “Kathy is having more surgery on her knee”….you were wrong again. I (Kathy) had surgery February 16th. It was definitely a God thing and we can certainly see His hand, timing, and provision for us.

I have always had a weight problem since early childhood. My weight has fluctuated for the last 34 years of our marriage. It has been a spiritual stumbling block to me as well as a physical handicap. My older sister had the surgical lap band procedure done over a year ago and has lost over 100 pounds . She is able to run after her 4 grand- children , is off all her medication and offered to pay for the procedure if I wanted the opportunity, since we do not have health insurance.

I have been working with my primary physician for the last 4 months in order to get a referral to a bariatric surgeon in Charlottesville. My appointment was on Tuesday, February 12. Charlie went with me and we had information sessions on the surgery itself, classes from the dietitian, lab work, and finally a meeting with the surgeon. Because we were self pay, we were given the opportunity to have the surgery done on Saturday by the top bariatric surgeon at the UVA practice. This physician is usually booked up 9 months in advance but was available because the hospital is switching to a new brand of band and my surgeon needed to be proctored by a surgeon certified in this product. Consequently, I had two top notched surgeons perform my surgery.

I have a tendency to “fret and worry” especially when it comes to surgery. I had never had general anesthesia so was not sure how well I would do. God was so gracious and with the help of many praying friends, I not only had amazing peace of mind but was also able to come home that evening. Recovery has not been nearly as traumatic as I dreaded and for the first time in a long time I really feel like I can do this. Thank you God, (and of course my sister) , for this new chance to do life and ministry.

For the next 4 weeks my diet will be blended foods while the swelling goes down and I adjust to my new eating style. This is NOT gastric bypass surgery, and nothing has been cut or changed. The banded area makes a pouch that holds about a half cup of food. Fortunately I love yogurt, applesauce and soups will go down easily too. . My eating capacity has greatly been limited, and you can bet our food bill has gone down drastically too.

I am recovering this week. We are looking forward to having three large groups come

volunteer at the mission in the coming weeks. Just wanted you to know that you will be “seeing less of me “in the coming months as the pounds begin to drop off. This will definitely be a help to my knee, my attitude and my physical well being.

Rejoice with me in this new stage of my life. Feel free to ask any questions, I’m not overly sensitive about it nor do I want you to see pictures of me later and think I have been really sick.

Thank you for your prayers, concern and support.

Blessings,

Charlie and Kathy