October 15th. Dear Kate: There's no medicine like hope, and this surgery has brought to you that 'medicine of hope.' This ability to hope allows us to face the trials of daily life. It reminds us that no matter what happens, we will prevail. No one need be a hopeless victim; few situations are completely without remedy. With hope we can change a potential tragedy into an achievement. If the situation won't change, we can change to meet the situation. For those who believe, hope does, indeed, spring eternal. The hope you've placed in yourself, your surgeon, and this tool of wls will indeed come true for you. Sincerely, Lori Ann Lap-RNY on August 20, 2002.