BrickHouse

I'm interested in leading a Local Chapter in the Albany/Rensselaer area in upstate NY. I had RNY in December and prepared for nearly two years, learning as much as I could in that time. I have lost over 60 pounds so far. I have beaten type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol. I have gained the support of nearly everyone in my family and friends circle, explaining my procedure and fighting the "easy way out" mentality. I have extensive experience in planning and hosting meetings and presentations. I have over 25 years of administrative experience. I have been a Health Coach for Take Shape for Life (Medifast) since 2010 and have hosted many presentations and workshops in relation to the program. I've led local discussions and helped hundreds of people lose weight with this program, some pre-op in their bariatric program. I also run my own Avon business, which has me networking and talking to people all the time. I have an active Avon Facebook page as well as a blog to keep my customers informed and inspired. I am a recent breast cancer survivor, having had extensive reconstruction after bilateral mastectomies and have much knowledge on plastic surgery with many local connections. I have learned a vast amount about nutrition in my weight loss adventure, and I'm thankful to have that knowledge to apply to my post-op life. I am an avid cook and I know my way around the kitchen quite well. All the activities listed appeal to my areas of interest and I would love to pull together activities in these areas to support my local weight loss surgery brothers and sisters. I am passionate about weight loss surgery and how it provides hope for people, like me, who have tried everything else and have looming health issues. I actively seek out new information about new procedures, techniques, complications, etc. and love talking about it. I have the compassion to make others feel welcome and not pressured. I'm a great talked and an even better listener. I feel it's my calling to pass on what I have learned and to provide help and hope to others in a positive, fun environment. My availability is generally weekday late afternoons and evenings (I am home by 3) with occasional availability for a weekend activity.

Our local group will be meeting on Saturday, October 10 at the East Greenbush Community Library at 10:30 am. Come over to our FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariatricPal/ and ask to join! All our into is there! Upcoming Dates: November 21 at 10:30 December 12 at 10:30

By request, starting with our JUNE 13 meeting, we will be doing voluntary, private weigh-ins, and I'll be providing a monthly food diary for those interested! See you there!

http://www.albany.com/event/bariatric-support-group-86817/

Hi, Slimdoon1988! Come over to our FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariatricPal/ and ask to join! All our into is there! There are other links in posts above. Look forward to hearing from you!

Just over a year out

Ironically, I was in the hospital having a ridiculous neck surgery a week before my WLS anniversary and my two selfies are quite a sight to see! Now it's time to do one NOT in a hospital bed!!!

Come out to the East Greenbush Library this Saturday at 10:30 am and join us as we continue our series on the Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients. During this segment, we will focus on Portion Control. Do you know when you're hungry? Do you know when you're full?

I hoped this group would stay active! I began working at the St. Peter's Bariatric Program with Dr. Trivedi and it's insanely busy! Our office manager left and I'm covering 2 (and a half) jobs, but I still love it. I'm also leading the BariatricPal local chapter support group at the East Greenbush Library once a month on Saturday mornings. Our next group is October 4 and I would love to see some new (and old!) faces!

Thanks, Alex. It appears the link does a local search.

Join us on September 13 as we discuss The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients! These six principles can be the game changing factor between goal setting and goal GETTING! 10:30 am at the East Greenbush Community Library. See you there!

Certification course today! I thought it was 9am - 5 pm, then I noticed that's MOUNTAIN time! 11-7 for me!

Congrats, jonlepel! Welcome to the losers' bench!

Our second Rensselaer/Albany local chapter meeting is fast approaching on August 9! We will be discussing The High Price of Gas... no not THAT gas! It should be a rip-roaring good time!

So proud of you, MommyMeghan!!! Are you home yet?

If you put a cover on it, it should keep maybe a week or so, I'd think.

How did you do?

I'm so happy you made it to the meeting! And I hope more of us can make it to the next one! August 9, 1030 am, East Greenbush Library!

Our kick off meeting was a HUGE success! A little small, we had 8 people, but it was a beautiful summer weekend and people had plans. Regardless, there was a nice mix of pre-ops and post-ops which made for a ton of great communication and conversation. Can't wait til our next meeting on August 9!

Thanks for checking in! Although my first day was a full day of orientation, it went GREAT! Pretty sure I added you tom the FB group. Was that you? Saturday's group is open to pre-ops as well as post-ops. We all have something to learn and something to offer!