Former Manitoban has lost almost 400 pounds !

Hi all. My name is Joel Lamoureux and I've been a member on Obesity Help since 2002. I lived in Manitoba all of my life until a few years ago when I left for career reasons. I once weighed 600 pounds and through WLS and a complete lifestyle change, I reached my ideal weight within two years. I'm now living the life I always wanted. Playing hockey, running, riding bike, golfing, baseball and everything else you can imagine. Keep up all of your hard work everyone and if there's anything I can do to help in way of answering questions, I'm always available. In fact, if you'd like to check out my Obesity Help personal page, please come and see. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=L1033000483 I've also got a facebook page with a group that's called "How I Lost 380 Pounds". Please come and visit me and and join me as a friend. I'd love to share, help and inspire you if I can. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2349094952 A special hello to all my friends in Brandon at the Snow Flakes group and to the fine folks of Powerview/Pine Falls. Talk to you soon. Joel Lamoureux

hello joel my name is annette and i am from portage la prairie.i am so happy for you to reach your goal.i have just joined this site recently and have been inspired by so many people.may i ask you some questions,there are alot of people that have had the surgery done and don't want to talk about it.where did you get ur surgery done?and did it cost you anything?i have been trying to get into seeing a doctor but there is alot of red tape here and the waiting list is so long.i would love to go to the states but,it costs so much and i just can't afford it.i cry so many times for so many reasons and i have gotten so embarassed so many times i am sure you can relate to me.i wish many people would understand how miserable our lives can be.well hope to hear from you soon and maybe we can become friends. thanks-you annette [email protected]

Joel I recently had WLS and I am looking for a support group. I see in your post about Snow Flakes group in Brandon. I live in Virden and was wondering if you have a contact name that I could call to see if they are still meeting there. Any help would be greatly appreciated. By the way yoiur weight loss story is so awesome, you have done amazing. Lynnette

From a Snowflakes support group booklet: Contact person is Darlene: 204-725-0588. [email protected]

Joel: first and foremost congratulations on your success. I just read your entire profile and found it very motivating. I have the same problem as you food is my comfort, my relief my friend but also my biggest enemy. I am very depressed by the position I have gotten myself into. I have a terrific family, husband & Kids and should be happy, however, In the last year I am consumed by food and unable to control it just recently weighing in at my heaviest 245 lbs on 5' frame. I want to hide from everyone and everything. I am terrified of the surgery because I realize that the actual overeating is only half my issue it this huge twisted relationship I have with food that is my struggle. Also, my local Dr. refused to refer me to a surgeon saying she does not believe in that type of weight loss she tell's me to just eat less move more. You mentioned the folks in Pinefall/powerview is there some type of self help group there? I live close to this area.

Hi Joel, I sent you a PM also. I was very excited to find someone I knew on this board. I live in Ontario now, and have been approved by OHIP (ontario health insurance plan) to have wls. I read most of your profile, and man, you still talk a lot! lol! Great information there though. Congrats in your success and hope to hear from you soon!