Oldie but a Newby

Hi everyone! "Oldie" means that I'm over a year out from surgery, and "Newby" means that I'm new to the Message Board and I'm making a new start! I had my surgery April 1, 2004 (sometimes I just want to lie about this stuff!) and I've only lost 60 lbs. It is totally my fault because I came back from surgery and went full force with my life just like I had before. Before I knew it I was trying things I knew I shouldn't eat (poor me that I couldn't have it) and I started drinking my Route 44 Diet Coke from Sonic everyday (I wanted to be "normal"). I want to say thanks to my good friend Sonya Sumrall (I'm so proud of you!) and to Ms. Ann (Nutritionist) who have helped me get back on track! Before and after surgery I did visit this website and I tried to go into the chat-room (It was too fast and furious for this southern gal, so I gave up). I didn't have any local support so I just slowly started drifting away. I didn't know about the Message Board and how it works until Sonya introduced me to it. I got Ms. Anne's name from a message she had replied to, I called her that day (Tuesday) and she saw me and discussed what I needed to do. I know this stuff, but it was a HUGE help to have her go over it with me and refresh my memory! I have been off my Diet Coke for 4 days (I sound like an alcoholic "Hi, my name is Joy and I've been sober for 4 days" ) Sony invited me to walk with her and we walked 2 miles Tuesday night and 3 miles last night! I feel better than I have in a long time. I'm excited and ready to get this weight off! I can use all the help and support you guys can give! I can eat meat protein and I have a chocolate protein drink everyday, but are there any other suggestions you guys have? (I'm also drinking LOTS of water everyday) I'm looking forward to talking with you guys and meeting you in "group"!

Hi Joy, Let me one of the first to welcome you here. You will find more support than you know what to do with here. These women are the BEST!!!!! First of all my suggestion to you would be to get your butt to our hattiesburg support group meeting. We meet once a month every third Monday. We have a new meeting place starting Aug. It will be at Pine Grove Recovery Center. We would love for you to come and join us. You would not believe how many people feel like they are the only ones going through things and only to find out at the support group that others are going through the same thing. I wish you the very best of luck. Congrats on the exercise and eatting plan. If you need anything just post post post away. Love ya Denise

Denise, I don't know what happened to my reply (I'm sure it wasn't operator trouble-Ha-Ha!). Thank you so much for responding so soon to my message and your encouragement. You guys have already made me feel welcome! I need this!! I will definitely be at group!! I've lost 2 lbs over the last 2 days!!

Denise.... Are we there yet ??? huh huh huh ??? Girl..... Get to Work Already !!! chanting... WE NEED A BABY !!! WE NEED A BABY !!! Tammy

Welcome to the MS message board. I am so glad Sonya introduced you to this site. We love her. She is a real sweetheart. You will find so much support here. These people just wrap you up and take you in. You have taken a very important step and that is admitting you got off track and want back on. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. Melissa Taylor Lap Rny 1/15/04 277/136 -141 pounds

Thank you very much! You know, my job is to motivate people, and I've been so busy motivating them (I'm the Sales and Customer Service Coordinator for the Laurel Division of BancorpSouth and I sell Avon) that I haven't had any motivation left for myself. That's all changed now (Lord help me, I hope it stays!). I don't want to just survive and get by, I want to LIVE!!! JY

Hey Joy, We are glad to have you aboard. This message board is simply wonderful the support and love everyone has you cannot beat. It is never to late to get back on track. I'm sure it helps alot having a friend to excerise with and talk with about things. And you will always have us. No question is too dumb.. believe I've asked some bad ones. Looking forward to getting to know you. Make sure you make plans to come the October Bash at Roosevelt state park on Oct. 29. If Sonya hasn't told you about or you have questions just ask. Becky

Ooh! What's the bash all about and where is Roosevelt State Park? (You said no question was too dumb!) I want to be involved in everything! Thanks! JY

Hey Joy, It is wonderful to have you here with us. I hope that you will find all the love & support that you can stand here. Coke products are EVIL !!! Don't worry, you'll beat them I'm sure. Don't beat yourself up too bad. Just pick up & start again. Learn from the past & go ahead with your life, only to do better. Tammy

Hey Joy!!! I am so glad to see you posting!!! Can't wait to walk tonight!!! Anyone in the Laurel, MS area that would like to exercise with us is more than welcome. Everyone remember to post your exercise tonight. (No matter how little or how great.) We all need to encourage each other. JOY JOY JOY! Sonya Sumrall