A challenge.....

So, I'm sitting here thinking that this forum doesn't have much activity and maybe, just maybe I can get some action going and bring it back to life.  Sorry, no lingerie Friday pics for me and, nope, I won't be bashing anyone for writing in a question that others have asked at least a hundred times, just plain ol' everyday stuff from me. 

Here goes.... this past Sunday my husband and I had the most wonderful Labor Day party and invited about 50 of our family and friends.  We had everything from ribs, shrimp, chicken, brisket, salads, desserts, chips and salsa and everything in between.  But more important we had a wonderful time opening our home to those who are so important to us.  My folks, siblings, son and DIL came down from Farmington, a cousin from Denver, and friends from Los Lunas, Rio Rancho and good ol' ABQ were present.  Kelly, and amazing woman who I met through OH, and her husband, Dan, made the event and I think if my Dad was able he would have taken her home (Mom would have had a few questions but I'm sure Dad would have managed to explain why he was kidnapping the "beautiful lady" that he so enjoyed visiting with).  

On Monday my amazing hubby, son, sweet DIL and I packed up a few leftovers and headed to a picnic in the Sandia's.  It was a beautiful day and I actually was able to go on a hike and not feel like I was going to die from lack of oxygen!  Tuesday morning we loaded up again and spent the morning and a good part of the afternoon at the ABQ Zoo (the polar bears were in prime form... playing and entertaining the crowd).  Wednesday hubby had to head back to work so the kids and I headed to the Museum of Natural History and then to Old Town.  We had a great time and then I had to hug them and send them home as their few days off work had come to an end.  A trip to the bathroom scales this morning showed that through all the entertaining this weekend I lost two pounds but gained a heart full of memories.

I share this story because a year ago I would not have been able to do a great many of the things I did this weekend.  I would not have been able to make even a short hike up the Sandia's, I would not have been able to walk around the zoo, keeping up with two twenty-plus year olds, and I would not have been able to do the museum trek AND then hit every store in Old Town in one day.  Three months ago my life changed with five little incisions.  I have left 70 pounds of weight and baggage along this path of life and I will never forget how that has changed me.  After the party Sunday my family gathered for some photos... I look at myself in those pics and see the me that I knew was hiding inside the 300 plus pound woman, dying a little each day.  I see how I no longer hide from the camera, I embrace it.  Sure, I have the "batwing" arms starting and I know that the skin that was stretched to its limits is never going to be the same, so what.  I am happy, I am loved, I have an amazing husband, son, family and friends... and I am healthier than I have been in years.

Here's my challenge to all *****ad this.... please, share your adventures, your heartaches, your achievements and your not so great moments.  I would love to see the NM board grow into something that offers not only support but compassion and guidance to each and every person who enters our forum.  We ARE an amazing group of individuals, let's show the world! 

Now for a few pics of our weekend activities....


Me and my sweetheart, Charlie.


My siblings, their spouses, my parents, Charlie and I.


My son, DIL, Charlie and I.


Getting a little lovey-dovey in the Sandia's!


My beautiful DIL and handsome son, Sandia Crest.


Charlie and I, Sandia Crest.


"King Charlie" at the zoo.


Me, at the zoo.


My son and DIL, zoo.

I'm all for more posts here!! I will send a few folks from my suregons board that live here too. Maybe see if they want to come to the M&G this month. Maybe make it a monthly? :)

Excellent, Guy!!!  I know in my heart we can snap this board back to life and in the process provide help and support to everyone who enters.  As for a monthly M&G, I'm all for it!!

Katherine

Well, this is my first visit to the OH site and this forum.  I'm glad to read the challenge and your wonderful weekend.  I too had a pretty incredible weekend event.  I went to "Western Playland"  a theme park in El Paso, (very small, but it's all we have down here) with my husband, daughter and her boyfriend.  I actually fit into the rides!!  I was amazed.  I rode every ride!  and I fit.  I cannot say how great that felt.  And was walking around the park and even went for an extra walk while the rest of the family listened to music.  I couldn't just sit still that long.  It was quite fun.  I ate some chicken and pork barbque and took my time and was able to eat a good 10-20 grams of protein.  What a nice event for me. 

Just happened to look on this site tonight and what a wonderful surprise!  I am so grateful for having been able to have WLS and for meeting some fantastic people here on OH.  I met someone new from Deming tonight too.  Her name is Phyllis and I hope she joins us on this board.  I'll be checking back here more often now and see if Katherine was able to kick some booty and get this party started!!! 

My surgery was in Dec. '07 and I'm still learning how to deal with my new lifestyle.  It's amazing how much more "living" I am able to do now without being out of breath or in pain.  I have a long ways to go, but I feel so much more alive than I have in years.  Hope to hear from and meet more people here.  Kelly

My girl, Kelly!  You are an amazing woman and truly an inspiration!  For those of you who don't know her, GET TO KNOW HER, she is a riot and will bring a huge smile to your heart!  (Caitlin just loves, loves, loves you!)  Kelly is being modest here, she has made amazing progress and is so full of life and energy. 

When you visit with Phyllis again please let her know that we are waiting for her to come visit and join our fun! 

Katherine

Hi folks!
I've been researching WLS for two years, every piece of research states the only way to maintain the weight loss is to have continued support. I think it's awesome you guys are out there. I'm waiting for insurance approval, six months is required by Lovelace. I was on a MD supervised diet at SWENDO in early 2007 which may take 3 months off the wait. Since August was my first month, Sept the second, October would be my third month on my PCP supervised diet. This is kind of exciting, because I might be able to get a November surgery date. If not, February it is.

Anyway, I digress, I would love to participate in a long term support group!!
Thanks, Anna

ahart, welcome aboard!  You're absolutely right, support is a must!  Keep us posted on your progress and your surgery date.  Do you know where you are going to have surgery and what type?  By the way, there will be a Meet and Greet on 09-20-08 at 7:30 p.m. in ABQ at Porky's Pride Bar-b-que (it's on 4th).  Guy, one of the members of the NM board, is the owner of Porky's Pride and he has been kind enough to put up with us for an evening!  Should be a blast and if you are able to make it, drop Guy a note so he has a head count.  We look forward to traveling this journey with you!

Katherine

Thanks for the friendly reply!!
I'm waiting for approval for RNY with Dr. Lara in El Paso. I went to El Paso on 9/3 to check things out. Dr. Lara and Dr. Acosta are the only surgeons covered under my insurance. They both seem qualified and their staff seem competent. I'm still incredibly nervous. Normal, right?

I work most weekends, so I don't think I'll make it to Guy's party. But with advanced notice I can always make arrangementsfor next time. I'm a nurse at Lovelace downtown.  

Are there many WLS folks in the Albuquerque area? I went to the seminar Dr. Lara's group had on Aug 23, there was probably 100-150 people there. Dr. Lara and Dr. Acosta are opening a clinic in Albuquerque before the end of the year. I think it will be mostly for the lap band fills. 

Thank you for your support. I feel like, even though my family is supportive, I need someone who's been there, done that! Especially after the initial weight loss occurs. I know each type of WLS comes with its own needs, but long term we will probably all be struggeling with a lot of the same issues.
Looking forward to meeting you guys, Anna
   

Anna,
So sorry to hear you won't be able to make it to Guy's for the M&G but hopefully we are going to make this a monthly thing and you will be able to attend future gatherings.  And, yes, it is incredibly nerve wracking when you are preparing for the surgery, at least it was for me.  I actually started to have a couple doubts but they quickly vanished once I started weighing the pros and cons of having WLS. 

I think there are probably quite a few WLS folks in ABQ but they don't visit the NM board much (the board has been a bit dead for awhile, hence, we are trying to wake it up).  My family, like yours, is also very supportive but sometimes you really do need that person who has "been there, done that" and understands all the emotions that come with WLS. 

Hope to meet you soon and please stay in touch!

Katherine