Motivational Speaker Caroline Ann Martin May 14, 2007 Queens Meeting

MAY 14, 2007 Monthly Support Meeting Queens Metro Surgical Weight Loss Support Group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Queensmetrowls/ It is another month and time for us to meet and see how we are all doing. The meetings have various purposes. Some of us catch up with old friends; others seek advice from others that have had weight loss surgery and newbies look for advice from those that have had surgery. Who else better understands you than another person that had weight loss surgery? Come and hear what motivational speaker Caroline Martin speaks about her weight loss journey and her plastic surgery. Caroline had weight loss surgery in May of 2003. Caroline will explain why and how she has been successful at surgical weight loss surgery. I have known Caroline for several years and we are fortunate to have her speak at our group. Caroline Ann Martin: My name is Caroline Ann Martin. I am 5'5" tall, have a small to medium sized frame and currently weight 142 to 150 lbs (my weight fluctuates). From the age of 19 to 34 years, I lived my life as a super morbidly obese person. During these years, I dieted my way up to 370 lbs losing and regaining over 100 lbs several times. In May 2003, with a starting BMI of 61.1, my life changed when I underwent gastric bypass surgery. This, along with sticking to a healthy diet and developing an active lifestyle allowed me to lose 225 pounds in just 16 months and gain a healthy weight and life. At the onset of my weight loss, my hips measured 71 inches around and I wore a Women's Plus Size 40 (6X to 7X). At 4 years post RNY, I now wear a Misses Size 2/4 (XS). More important than size, I love that I can physically do pretty much anything I want to now, without the restrictions that my weight once imposed. In May 2003, I had my RNY. I lost 210 lbs and reached goal within 15 months, then continued to lose an additional 15 lbs. In January '05, I started with my reconstructive surgeries to remove an amazing amount of excess skin that I was left with. I went through 3 rounds of back-to-back reconstructive surgeries including a belt lipectomy (LBL), breast lift, breast implants, extended brachioplasty, buttock lift, circumferential thigh lift and vertical thigh reduction. I'll need one more surgery consisting of a 2nd thigh lift and some minor revisions and one major revision to my original reconstructive surgeries, though this is on hold at the time given ongoing pain that I've been experiencing from the first three rounds. . I run several Yahoo Groups related to these various issues including but not limited to the Gastric Bypass Post-Op, Gastric Bypass Plastic Surgery, Gastric Bypass Abuse Survivors, Gastric Bypass-Run Hike Walk and Gastric Bypass Pennsylvania Yahoo Groups. I've been fortunate to have the time to be active in these groups, and enjoy being involved and giving back to others (as I've been helped myself). . Anyways, that's a little about me... To visit me on the web, here are some links related to my WLS and personal sites: http://abutterflyemerges.com/ http://myspace.com/carolineam http://myspace.com/abutterflyemerges http://myspace.com/carolinemartinphotography http://picturetrail.com/carolineam (password is ps - please be forewarned that there is nudity in some of the albums as well as disturbing images from before and after my reconstructive surgeries) http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/gastricbypass-postop/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/gastricbypass-plasticsurgery/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/gastricbypass-pennsylvania/ http://www.musculartrainingdevelopment.com/gallery/member.php?uid=2014 http://CarolineAnnMartin.com (in construction) The meeting location is: Time 7:15 pm C.A.P. 163-59 17TH Avenue Whitestone, NY 11357 Walk down the ramp There is ample street parking and easy access from Manhattan via express bus or the Queens Transit Line. Bring snacks if you want. Please CONFIRM IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND. The meeting starts at 7:15 pm. Lenny [email protected]

HI Lenny! I cant attend, but wanted to let anyone in the area know that Caroline's story is amazing!!! If you're in the area, go, it will be worth it!! Caroline is my OH angel. We met 2 yrs ago and she has got me over many rough spots following WLS, and now as I prepare for my TT. Send her hugs from Kathy!!

Hi Lenny!!! I so look forward to FINALLY getting the chance to meet you in person after all these years as well as all those who attend I am so looking forward to being there and answering any and all questions people might have. And Kathy, a big hug going your way today and always!!! I love ya hon!!!!! Caroline -225 lbs @ goal and maintaining. 4 years post RNY 3 rounds of major reconstructive surgeries

Just wanted to add that I am a native NY'er - born and raised in East Rockaway (near Lynbrook and Valley Stream) and then lived and worked in the city (Manhattan and Kew Gardens) for 6 years. My masters degree is from NYU, in fact. I miss NY and love visiting whenever I can, so this will be a special treat for me Sending smiles! Caroline -225 lbs

Gosh I wish there was a way to edit posts... LOL Lenny, you might want to add to your announcement to your group that I am also a Certified Personal Trainer. Thus, if anyone has special questions, I'd be more than glad to answer them