Local Support

It is winter and we are still walking. We are well into winter and we are still walking every Sunday. This Sunday, Sophie, Steve, Bettyann and myself were walking. We are very grateful to Steve since he purchased hoods for us to walk with. We are dressing in layers. I usually wear sweats, tee shirt; two sweat shirts, ski hat, hood (for face protection), ski cap and a jacket. We are consistently walking four miles. New comers are always welcome and I will modify the route to accommodate any new comers. You will never walk alone. We have been walking together for almost one year together. Besides walking we attend a Post-op exercise class. Many of us are more than one year out, which means the honeymoon period is over. Yes you can regain weight. Although none of us have gained weight we are all fearful of this happening again. Exercise is part of the behavior modification that is necessary to maintain a healthy life style. During our walks the conversations are endless. Steve is finally cold. When Steve was pre op I told him of my problems with my cold extremities. Every time I saw Steve he was inquiring what was wrong with, he is not cold. Well, it finally hit him. Steve has experienced the coldness that so many of us experienced. We do not know if this is temporary, but Steve looks great. Steve lost 170 pounds and now weights 150 pounds. Imagine he lost more than he weighs. Steve is one of the happiest people that I know and he is enjoying his life. Steve is also attempting to get off the mailing list of Casual Male (Big and Tall Men Store). His favorite store is now Marshall's and gets great buys off the rack. Our other Poster Child for Weight Loss Surgery and consistent walkers is Bettyann. Bettyann has lost over 200 pounds and she slows down for us when we are walking. Less than one year ago she was barely able to walk seven tenths of a mile. Bettyann is now exploring plastic surgery with a surgeon in Great Neck and she is waiting to have her insurance papers submitted. It is funny how Bettyann does not see her weight loss. Her first thought for purchasing clothing is going to Avenue, Lane Bryant, or large girl stores. Macy's or the so-called "normal stores" is never a first thought. It has been said by the longer-term post-ops that it takes two years for your brain to catch up to your body. Bettyann goes to our post op exercise class and walks on Sundays. She has achieved success in one year. Sophie needs a little help getting up in the morning, so I called Sophie's house and spoke with her husband Teddy. They were out last night, but Sophie left instructions for her to be awakened when I call her. Within in minutes she met us at the Bay. Sophie ate dinner at a Brazilian Restaurant last night and was very anxious to walk off those calories. For me this is a restaurant off the past that I would love to frequent. All you can eat, and boy did I eat. I am very reluctant to go to those restaurants, since you eat slowly and consume more food than you should. Sophie was smart and walked. Sophie looks great, although she lots of energy immediately surgery, walking and exercising has aided in her battle with obesity. Sophie looks great and no longer suffers from depression. After our walk, I called our friend Carol and we had breakfast in her house. Carol is a phenomenal cook and the aroma from her soup filled her home. Steve and I walked over to the large soup pot and inhaled the vapors. The coffee was made and we continued to speak about adventures for the week. After speaking about our week we began speaking about foods, diet strategies and what we are or are not eating. Sounds like a support group meeting? Carol is unable to walk with us, and we hope she will resume working with us shortly. Again if anyone would like to join us please send me e-mail at [email protected] and I can give you specific directions. Our surgeons told us that the surgery is a tool. We are the only one's that are responsible for how well it works or does not. We can use it or abuse that is our choice. After the honeymoon period it is not a walk in the park. Some times our old habits resurface, and it is up to us to deal with them. Everyone that I know that has been successful after weight loss surgery has a good support system. If you want to be successful develop a support system, join a group and do not sit on the sidelines of life. Again it is your choice. Lenny [email protected]

Wow -what a great post! Very inspiring...... Jo