Hi

I live in Nashua, NH but just started the process at Lowell General Hospital. My surgeon is going to be Dr. Shore, I will meet with her mid January. My PCP is in Harvard Vanguard so I need to do all the testing over there. So far everything has been great with LGH. Anyone out there from the area? It would be great to be have a buddy during this journey

Hope things are going well with all of you! To answer your question about the "packaged" diet programs, Dianne, the thought never crossed my mind I have depended upon the ready-made Protein shakes (Premier Protein -- chocolate and vanilla -- are my favorites) when I need to eat something quick and portion controlled.

I have not been a very good role model for healthy VSG eating over the past month. The moving van showed up at our house in VA on 4/15 and we had everything unloaded in NH by 4/20. We have been unpacking ever since, and still have quite a few boxes left. Tonight was the first evening we actually sat down and ate dinner at the table and had real homemade food! I am trying to get "back with the program" as far as my eating goes. I haven't lost any weight over the past several weeks, but at least I haven't gained any weight.

I'm having trouble with getting in a lot of steps in each day -- I have a condition called spondylolisthesis that makes it hard for me to walk or stand for more than 15-20 minutes at a time. I wish I could go for walks -- it's really pretty around our new neighborhood. I will have to dig my bike out of the piles of boxes in the garage so I can get some regular exercise. Unfortunately, we live at the bottom of a hill, so I may have to start out by walking my bike up the street until I can build up enough stamina

What 's up with the rest of you folks in the neighborhood? -- Carol

Hi carol

Moving can be taxing at best. Good for you making the effort to sit down to a real meal. I was going to suggest a bike if standing is hard, but you beat me to it. Since my knee rlacements I have been using a statinary recumbent bike and I like it more than I expected. Nothing fancy , just the Target special, but it is quiet enough to watch TV and I never go so far that I have trouble getting home. ???? Keep focused on getting back on track. It's hard but worth it. And when you think about quiting, remember why you started in the first place. You can do it. We are cheering for your success. Good luck. Keep posting. Dianne

Hello, everyone! Hope no news is good news and that you all are doing well. I'm still unpacking stuff from our move to NH in mid-April, but at least I have only 15-20 more boxes I need to deal with. My husband still has his wheelchair accessible woodworking shop to uncrate (it previously occupied a 2 car garage to give you an idea of what's involved). I'm hoping to get some family members to help with that task -- I have several very handy siblings/spouses of siblings in the area who are much better qualified for that job. Besides, I have a lot of feng shui to do with my craft room and stained/fused glass studio! I'm anxious to get started on some projects!

As my home is getting organized, I have also been doing a better job of getting back on track with eating well and have started losing weight again. I just updated my ticker and was surprised to see that I am fast approaching the half way mark! It's still about 20 pounds away, but it's great to be making some progress again.

How are things with you folks?

Hello everyone, nice to find NH folks. We should start our own page!!! Working on my journey, have jumped through all the hoops, but at 62 it's all important. Would love staying in contact as the journey progresses. See surgeon next month. Keeping focused and uping my protein big time. Helps to keep me satisfied and weight slowly coming off. I deal with post polio and fall often. Not as active as I was with progression of post polio I've put on weight that's so difficult to get off. It's now or never and I want to be able to pick myself up when I fall, not depend on others. Having less weight to carry around will give me a much better quality of life. Wishing you all the best.