What a wonderful year

What a wonderful year It has been a wonderful year for the people of the Queens Metro Surgical Weight Loss Support Group. Our group started in June 2003 as a small group to share information. At that time, I was one month out of surgery and had many questions that I needed to have answered. I also had the desire to meet other people has had weight loss surgery and hear and see how they were progressing. Many people have come and gone with this group, like any other group. However, we have developed a great group of "core" people. My vision for the group is different from most internet groups. Although we have an internet presence and will always share experiences over the net, the purpose was to meet on a monthly basis and see how everyone is doing and keep each other motivated on a journey for better health. Many of us have become good friends, and I would venture to say life long friends. How are we different from the traditional support groups? We started our own walking program. We meet most Sundays and walk. When we first started walking many of us struggled to walk and now we can consistently walk four miles. Several of us participated in our first Breast Cancer walk of five miles. Who would have dreamed we would pay for the privilege to walk. Yes we get started walking early in the morning, and many times we do not feel like walking, but we always show up. When Tess is not working weekends, she drives from New Jersey to walk with us. It was wonderful to meet Tess's husband at our holiday party. Walking is part of the life style change that is necessary to make the transition for a healthier life In July of 2004, many of us attended the annual Dr. Lestor Cooperstone picnic. We participated in sporting events. Some of us ran for the first time. We talked with our peers and had a blast. The weather forecast was ominous, but someone was watching out for us. The sun came out and we had the time of our lives. Fern put together a wonderful group of people that helped to organize the picnic. The picnic was attended by 350 people and everyone had fun. In September of 2004 I made arrangements with the World Gym of Mineola to initiate the first Bariatric only exercise class. This is the only health club to offer a Bariatric Only gym class. Many of us never attended a health club, we were embarrassed to join a health club and who would understand us? A post op exercise class was initiated. We are fortunate to have Gina LoMonaco (an Olympic Athlete) to lead our class. Gina is a high energy person that has made our classes fun. We marvel at each other achievements and we notice when our friends are lifting more weight, moving faster and just making progress for better health. In December of 2004 we had our first holiday party in the Bourbon Restaurant Bar and Grill in Bayside. Again we laughed, ate, and had fun. I discovered how to get post ops together. Just tell them we are eating. The portions were big, and our pouches are small so doggie bags were the order of the evening. Some of us displayed our old clothes and showed how large we previously were. This was an ugly reminder of our former life, and hopefully none of us will return to our former lives. Many of us have improved our quality of life in many different ways. We are no longer shy, no longer the passive door mat for others, no longer the butt of other peoples jokes. Who are we now? We are ready to help those that are to embark on a journey for good health. We are healthy, happy and more productive people. What is in on tap for next year? We will have fun, remain good friends, plan for a few more events and just have a good time whatever we do together. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy new year. Lenny [email protected]

Lenny, have a wonderful new year! My husband (-110) and I (-66) will see you at Dr. C's picnic this summer!

just peeking in ~ I have been sort of absent for a couple of weeks and am always delighted to return and see your writing. You are an inspiration to all of us. I went down home for the first time in a long while and they were totally stunned by the new *old* me. It was almost embarrassing, getting made over like that a year post op. I mean, it is yesterday's news, right? My insurance approved the tummy tuck [much to my shock and glee] quite rapidly and I will be given a surgery date on 01/12. It is a whole new life for us all, isn't it? Happy New Year everyone! dmj - the once and always Angel ~

Good luck on your tummy tuck. Take before and after pics for your scrap. I am wishing you a speedy and a complete recovery. Warmest Regards, Lenny [email protected]