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 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!

Capital Region buddies, I cooked too much puree in advance. I'm selling 2 oz portions. http://albany.craigslist.org/hab/4575973703.html Thanks.

Albany peeps, selling my 2x-3x clothes http://albany.craigslist.org/clo/4584775559.html willing to trade for XL-1X thanks!

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!

Hi. Sleeved 7/29 at St. Peter's. Still on my liquid two week diet. Still sore, but walking and drinking water a lot.

oooooh, I'm flying out the day before to California. Wish I could make it.

Congrats, jonlepel! Welcome to the losers' bench!

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

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!

Edited September 5, 201411 yr by BrickHouse

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. For more info, click here. See you there!

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

I have dozens of 2 ounce pureed foods leftover from my pureed stages. I need to empty my freezer. I have posted about this several times but nobody seemed interested. I have all the portions clearly labeled with their Protein counts. I can't understand what I'm doing wrong because when I had the surgery, I was desperate for help and preparing my meals in advance gave me everything I needed for recovery. Looking for advice, but also for people to come take these foods from my home! Thanks.

I have dozens of 2 ounce pureed foods leftover from my pureed stages. I need to empty my freezer. I have posted about this several times but nobody seemed interested. I have all the portions clearly labeled with their Protein counts. I can't understand what I'm doing wrong because when I had the surgery, I was desperate for help and preparing my meals in advance gave me everything I needed for recovery. Looking for advice, but also for people to come take these foods from my home! Thanks.

Hi all!:-)

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?