Need friends and support

I am in dire need of support. My wls journey has been a private one. I told no one until the day of my surgery and then I only told my mother and siblings. It's been a year now and initially I had good success, 70lbs in seven months. I have gained 14lbs and I am trying to hold steady until the new year rolls in and get back in the groove. I am slipping and I am afraid, nervous and feeling like a bit of a failure. Are there any open groups in Chicago ( I live on the northside). I would be interested in hearing from anyone who is willing to help me. I need someone to talk to, someone who understands what I'm going through. I started at 257 and my goal is 150, I know that I can do this but it would be so much easier with friends. Is there anyone out there who would like to emai, talk or get together socially? I am open to talking to EVERYONE but I know that you all have something that I could benefit from. PLEASE contact me I need encouragement. Amanda

Amanda, My Heart goes out to you. I have not yet had my surgery,But My Mother has and she like you feels the same way. she is 2years out and has not reached her goal but she is much much healthier. But she feels alone even thow she goes to a once a month support group at LOYOLA HOSPITAL in Maywood illinois. They meet the second wendsday of every month. If you would like You can email me any time you like. I too need some one to help me prepare for surgery. So maybe we can help eachother!!! I dont have an appointment until MARCH 01,04 BooHoo. I guess thats better than May 04 :LOLl Where did you have your surgery? I will have mine at The University of Chicago Medical Center. My Dr. will be Dr. Prachand. Well I wont bore you. I would like you to know that you are not alone.Lifes is not hard and just remeber that theres someone out there worse off than you. Take care I wish you a most blessed day today and everyday to come. CHER Oak Park ILL

Cher Congratulations on your scheduled surgery date. March is right around the corner. I am still going in a downward spiral. I just downed a Snicker Bar and I'm sitting at my desk washing it down with a diet coke LOL. I feel out-of-control but when I get still I do realize that the power is within me. Everyday I say I'm going to start afresh and I just haven't kept my word to myself. I am so thankful no one outside of my immediate family knows about my surgery. Imagine my embarressment because you see commericials on tv everyday where people who have had wls are size 2 and size 4. Like your mother I am in better health but if I don't get back on track I'll be back on my diabetes meds. I had my surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and it was a fantastic experience. I had the support of my doctor who works at NWH and I was treated presurgery at the Wellness Institue. I met with doctors who specialize in obesity issues, a dietian, therapist and a excercise therapist. It was a very holistic approach and I should have been prepared to do the work post surgery. I have to admit the first three months and fourty pounds were a breeze I was unable to eat more than a few months. I joined CURVES 90 days post surgery and I was working out four to six times a week. The pounds kept coming off. Then I started dabbling in sweets (my binge trigger), next eating late after coming in from clubbing. Well you know the rest of the story. I went from a size 24 to a 14 and was too small for Lane Bryants size 14. I was officially out of plus sizes. I got rid of all of my clothes and now I'm busting out of my missy 14/16's. Please pray for me. And despite my set back feel free to email me anytime. Good luck and thanks for the kind words. The University of Chicago is an excellent hospital, you'll be well taken care of. Amanda

hi amanda- i am 6 months out and live in chicago- please email me if you need to talk- best, janey norris

Janey I hope you are feeling well. When I reached six months out I had started engaging in bad eating habits. I pray that you are staying on the path. Where did you have your wls? Do you attend a support group? I would love to be able to talk to someone who has gone through this experience. Please get back to me I need support. Amanda

Hello Jannie N.,

I'm a little over 4 years out from the Gastric Sleeve and doing good. I also live in Chicago. If you want to you can add me to your fiend list.

Hello Amanda,

I don't know what your journey been since you've posted this post, I hope it's been a good one. I've had the Gastric Sleeve a little over 4 years now and doing good. I've lost a lot of weight. On my journey I had some ups and downs. By the looks of it by your post to C B. that you're doing good. I had my weight loss surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Feel free to add me to your friend list and if it's okay with you that we can share or journey on how it went. I know that at NMH they do have a support group there, I went to on just last week. I hope we can be friends and give each other support on our journey to a new us in post-op of weight loss surgery, if that's okay with you.