And yet, aren't you needing a support group more than anyone, Cecilia?

Your unemployment doesn't matter to the group.
Your lack of exercise might be helped by people who are in the same boat.
You don't have to belong to a gym to be part of a group.
Eating healthy on the cheap is a speciality of some people in the group. There's always plenty of recipes that use normal ingredients at each meeting.

You sound depressed. I thank you for posting here. I really hope you give a support group another try. There's always a mix of people there...and I don't mean genders and ages. There are those who are successful at losing, those who have gained after losing, those who have plateaued. There are those who have maintained goal weight, too.

You are NOT alone. Don't you forget this.

And don't worry about raining on anyone's parade. We're a brotherhood and sisterhood of people who had to make a drastic decision in order to attempt a life change. Some are more successful than others. But if we help each other along, more of us will succeed than if we were alone.

So try to get some help. Lean on us. :)

I wish you the best.

i am currently without health insurance.
i am "shopping" for insurance through all types of avenues

the main response  "unable to offer coverage and have declined  . ." for the following reason:
"a history of gastric banding with a current height of 5'6" versus a current weight of 230 pounds. . these conditions exceed the allowable limits as provided by our underwriting guidelines"

just wanted to share the information if someone else is in my desperate depressing  part of life. . .

Hope that the new pain blockers help you.  See you at the next meeting.
Rob

Amy - Have  a wonderful trip!  I hope you feel better before leaving.  I am sure the rest and  fun is exactly what you need! :-)

and here is the info about the yummy protein I talked about:

Bariatric Fusion® Meal Replacement is intended to supplement a healthy diet and provide high quality protein, fiber, and additional vitamins and minerals before and after weight loss surgery. It is not to be used as a sole source of nutrition.

Suggested Use: 2 servings daily after weight loss surgery. Best used with skim milk or water.

• 27 grams of the highest quality, medical grade whey protein isolate
• 23 vitamins and minerals
• 100% Daily value of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3
• Only 7 grams of carbohydrates
• 5 grams of fiber per serving
• Lactose, aspartame, and gluten free
• No sugar added
• Contains all essential amino acids
• Eight delicious flavors
• Available in 32 oz. tubs, as well as single-serving shaker bottles and packet

http://www.bariatricfusion.com/mealrep.php

Flavors are fantastic!  (Chocolate mouse, french vanilla, strawberry shortcake, mint chocolate chip, orange cream, cinnamond bun, cappucino, unflavored.  I have only tried the strawberry, mint choclate chip, and cappucino, but I am sure they are all pretty good!

My favorite shake:  strawberry shortcake, 1 cup lactaid, 1 tablespoon greek yogurt, 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/2 banana, 1 serving benefiber, culturelle (probiotic) (I freeze the fruit and then stick it all in the bullet, makes a nice strawberry shake!)

Have a great night!