Hello everyone. I am a new member today and look forward to a long a fruitful relationship!I will be 49 on march 15th. I am a divorced father of a wonderful 11 yr old son and a Navy Veteran and IT geek. When I was around 22 I was lifting weights with a belt on. The Belt is supposed to prevent hernias. long story short, I got a hernia ABOVE the belt. over the years I had 2 surgeries to repair it, both which failed for a variety of reasons. fast forward to this year. I had to relocate 4 hrs away from my son to get work and I woke up early on the morning of jan 26th, 3am, and I had a painful bowel obstruction. I was admitted to the VA hospital. discharged feb 3rd and admitted to Duke Regional Hospital and here I am now on feb 23rd, waiting to get my endoscopy done today and VSG surgery in a few days. Although I went through hell with the bowel obstruction, Its nice to be fast tracked to my surgery.I am very excited about regaining my health and riding a bike again!! I am also glad I found and joined this forum as I know it will be very use full in the days that follow!I will keep you updated and post pictures too!Merciful Father, I have squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them. But at this moment, I beg only to live the rest of my life well. For all we ought to have thought, and have not thought; all we ought to have said, and have not said; all we ought to have done, and have not done; I pray thee God for forgiveness