Update in Queens

Queens Metro Surgical Weight Loss Support http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Queensmetrowls/ On November 8, 2004 we had our monthly meeting in Bayside. I thought that it was somewhat amusing that former morbidly obese people meet in Dunkin Donuts to have a surgical weight loss support group meeting. For those that did not attend, we all had coffee and no donuts. We pulled two large tables together and chatted for two hours. In attendance were two new people to our group. Iris from Woodbury looks great. If she did not show me her before pictures I would have never guessed that she was obese. Her skin looks great and I did not see any visible sags. Iris is beginning to explore the prospects of having plastic surgery outside of the United States since it is much cheaper. If anyone has read any posts about this please share the information with Iris. For me it was important to meet Iris since she is a long term post op (3 years out) and see how she is doing. Many of us already understand the surgery is not a cure for obesity and is a tool. Iris explained some of the problems she has been having like drinking water, exercising and taking her vitamins. I hope that Iris can make the time to join us in our exercise class and become more involved with our group. The other new person that joined our group was MaryAnn. MaryAnn is a pre op and like many of the pre op patients she is excited and anxious. We have many examples of success for MaryAnn to marvel at and I am sure she will be successful also. What is new with the group and members? We are going out for dinner on Saturday December 11, 2004. If you want to bring your spouse please do so (that is your choice). Please advise us as early as possible so we can make reservations. (Teresa please change your work schedule). If you have any questions or comments about this please direct them to myself ([email protected] Steve ([email protected]) or Diane ([email protected]). Diane came up with a great idea of having before and pictures and we can place them in a photo album. So did out those old pictures. Bettyanne is going to a plastic surgeon on Wednesday and is about to embark on the next phase of her journey. Be careful if you walk with Bettyanne she can out walk anyone and do not be afraid to ask her to slow down. My legs are still aching from Sunday's walk. I am excited for her and we all wish her the best of the luck. Diane just had a visit with her bariatric surgeon and he was amazed at her success. Prior to surgery Diane walked with the assistance of a cane. Diane now walks with us at the Bay and is a member of our exercise class. I proud and happy for her for success Diane earned it. My buddy Steve has a perpetual grin on face. Steve is one of those people that never looked like he was obese. Steve carries a before picture as proof. Steve exercises with us 2 days a week and also walks on Sunday. Steve is enjoying life. Why are these people successful as opposed to other people? The answer is simple. LIFESTYLE CHANGES. It is our choice how successful we will be. Have a Happy Thanksgiving to all Lenny [email protected]