4me4them

Thanks for sharing! As someone just starting the journey, I read every success story I can find...it helps me keep the focus on the destination. Beth

So sorry to hear of your setback...but that is all it is...a speed bump in the road towards what you want. You will get there...don't give up! Beth

Yeah...what Tigermouse74 said!

Good luck!

That is exactly what I was thinking of doing...my adult brother that lives with me will be going home for Christmas so I figured it was a good time...thanks for sharing, it helps to know that it worked for someone!

Good luck and we'll see you on the other side...

Wow. Thanks for sharing your story, with that kind of faith you CAN do anything!

So this morning I did a radical thing...at least for me it was radical...I actually got out of bed when the alarm went off (0515), put on some clothes and shoes and headed out the door for a walk. To understand why this was radical I have to back up to 16 June. I attended my WLS Seminar with Dr. Galvani on 16 June. I'd been lurking on this site for about a month, and finally approached my PCP for a referral...which he supported. I've also talked with a couple of Dr. G's patients so I thought I had the sequence of events down Everything was as I expected, right until the "3 month supervised diet" slide came up. See previous patients said that he wasn't really concerned about how much you lost during your 3 month diet time...he just didn't want you to gain. Check, I can do that. But the slide said "5% Reduction"...What.The.Heck. So I left that seminar determined not to pay attention to my nutrition and exercise because hey, I had to lose 5% AFTER my initial apt with the NUT and Dr on 07 July...I don't need to be an overachiever. I wont say I went hog wild...but I will say it was piglet wild. But the something unexpected happened. I don't really want to eat poorly anymore and my joints are kinda protesting the whole not moving anymore thing. And then yesterday I kinda had a DOH I'm committing to a HUGE life change here...and I'm going to wait until someone is watching to take care of myself? So, out the door I went...for exactly 1 mile (which for me was about 2,500 steps according to my fitbit). It wasn't pretty, but it was done. I have an opportunity the next couple of weeks to learn how to use my fitbit, make my knees and hips feel better and perhaps....just perhaps feel better all at the same time. It no longer matters whether someone is tracking or whether I "get credit". As the name says...this one is 4me. Beth

Hi all, I'm wondering what the collective wisdom is on attending in person support groups? Did you? Why or Why not? Did you start when you were in your 3 month supervised diet phase or wait until you were actually scheduled? Thanks in advance! Beth

Thanks! As someone who is just starting I REALLY love to hear about successes! Yours is a great inspiration to me. Thanks! Beth

Congratulations! Your making the changes I hope to make in the next few months...I'll be looking for your updates. We CAN do this! Beth

Congrats and be nice to yourself...you will heal in your own time. I'm in the early stages (1st apt with surgeon on 07 July) and I truly appreciate your honesty...

Congrats on being on what I, as a newbie refer to as the "other side". Hang in there...

Prayers heading your way...

I'm team fitbit flex...

Yay you! I'm just in the beginning stages myself...first appointment on 07 July. So you went to the support groups before your surgery...I've been wondering if folks did that...did you like them? Will you continue to go now that you are on the "the other side"?

Congrats! You are moving in the right direction!

Thanks for sharing...you'll be in my thoughts and prayers...good luck!

I love working with a personal trainer for two reasons...1. I don't have to think I only have to do. It is one of the few periods in the day when that happens. 2. It keeps me honest. I feel guilty when I cancel and so I go even when I don't "feel" like it because I don't want to let her down. I've worked with two trainers, the first had a background in body building and while she was good (we became personal friends) I can see now that in some ways she was not right for me. Her focus on building muscle only was part of my burn out with the gym. The person I work with now, has a background in gymnastics and is focused on building muscle...AND...rehabbing/strengthening things like my poor knees. I still get my sweat up but I don't feel so totally wiped like I did with the first one. I've taken a break from training for the next few weeks, lots going on, kids coming to visit, etc. But I've already talked with my trainer about my decision and she is on board! So after my apt on 07 July when my 3 month supervised weight loss period starts I'll be back at the gym....my doc requires a 5% weight loss before surgery.

So after lurking on this awesome site for about a month, I finally took the plunge and joined. I thought I would explain my screen name because it kind of sums up my approach to this whole endeavor. As I was working through the decision to pursue WLS I spent some time thinking about WHY and more specifically WHY NOW? I will turn 50 in August and that is certainly part of the WHY NOW, but I also have this amazing granddaughter and I want to be able to play with her, see her grow up and be a part of her life. I'm also starting to see the light at the end of the work tunnel that is retirement, and although it is just a pinpoint right now if I want to enjoy it I need to get my weight off. So the "4me" part is obvious and is my declaration that first and foremost I'm doing this so I can have the future I want. the "4them" is all the people in my life that I want to spend time with, laugh with and play with...granddaughter, husband, kids, friends... I'm sure that like the other journeys in my life, it wont be a straight, flat route, but I believe that the opportunity WLS provides is one that will ultimately lead me to my desired location and I'll have a wild ride along the way. Wanna come along?

So I think it is maybe time to stop lurking. I'm soon to be 50, happily married for 29 years, successful in my work life, with two grown children and one granddaughter (in the pic with me...from Dec 2012)....everything in my life is good...not sunshine and bluebirds good every day, but I love my life! And yet...the one thing that I haven't been able to get under control is my weight. I look at this as an incredible opportunity to relearn my relationship with food, figure out what makes me tick and to have the energy/fitness to play with my grandchildren. I look forward to sharing highs, lows and nug days with everyone. Beth

Thanks for sharing! I'm only just starting and stories like yours give me hope...

What an awesome idea! Good for you...