Okay friends, here's the scoop...major major decision made

Hey all~      Okay, after much thought and consideration I have decided against wls. I have read so many of your posts and have been truly blessed and inspired by all of you. I just have read how all of you have struggled with losing the weight millions of different ways and I have really,really only tried uno. Granted I have been overweight my whole life, I don't think I was ever really taught/cared/understood everything involved with nutrition. Before I had my son, I had lost almost 40lbs on weigh wat. That is with minimal if any exercise. I have a friend (that didn't even know about me considering wls) that has offered to pretty much be my personal trainer 2 times a week. I will also be attending a muscle sculpting class once a week. She is an aerobics instructor who is going to be a personal trainer when her youngest starts school. The best part, she is doing it voluntarily, free of charge. I have to admit that I have thought, prayed, cried, screamed, etc...over this decision. God truly is good and with Him, I know all things are possible. Thank you all so much for your encouragement, advice, and love. I will still be coming here often, hoping you will all help keep me accountable. I am not condemning anyone here, and wish you all the BEST. I just have decided that I haven't tried as hard as all of you had before this decision. If it doesn't work, after months/yrs of me putting forth an effort, then I'll be back here looking for which docs are still making all your dreams come true. Please don't forget me, I'd love to still see all of you and get together. I hope we can all still be friends. (((((BIG HUGS)))))  ~Joni~

Joni, the most important thing is that you make a decision that fits your lifestyle.  I don't think anyone here will condemn you for the decision that you feel is right for you.  Come back often if for nothing else to get motivation and encouragement from us.  Any type of weight loss no matter which route is taken is still a decision in the right direction.  I wish you the best and go back to Weigh****chers for that weekly accountability.  I still go weekly so that I get some good sound weight loss tips and have the weekly accountability.  A free trainer is a great resource.  Let us know how you are doing.  Take care of yourself.  

Joni: I am going to echo the sentiment from Wynotha.  No matter what decisions you come to, they are yours.  We will continue to support you no matter what!!  One of the hardest things to help us understand is that this "decision" we make is OURS to make and should not be influenced or demanded upon by others.  Only we can do this for ourselves and our futures.   When it is said that this is the most "selfish" thing we can do for ourselves, I truly believe it.  We are the care GIVERS and rarely take anything for ourselves, but this is something we have to give ourselves - a future.   Please DO continue to come here!  Add us to your friends lists!!  You are most welcome over at my personal forum as well - just click on the link below my signature.   Work HARD, work smart and use the blessed resources that have been placed in your hands.  Know that our prayers and hearts are bigger than our current journey!!   Be blessed.....R

Joni, I'm so glad you've made a decision and that you have a peace in your heart about it. I also agree with you that if you've only tried one weight loss attempt, then you definitely can go that direction again. I bet you're going to be successful! I love Weigh****chers and I plan to continue the program even after my VSG. There's so much to learn about healthy eating, healthy and nutritional choices, and portion control. I wish you great success and the benefit of a personal trainer should really be a plus!  Please come back and visit us frequently and you're always welcome here! We're all working toward getting healthier, so you will always fit in with us. : )

Joni, please dont stop coming around.  Just because you arent having surgery, you are having issues with weight which is brought you here to begin with.  therefore we could all learn from each other.  We all look forward to being part of your support group as you travel the journey you have choosen best for your lifestyle.  Hugs to you and congrats on getting the strength you need to take care of you and prayers will stay with you that you keep that strength and you accomplish your goals.  Hugs

Joni,      I am glad you made the choice that best fits you. I am proud of you for doing what is right for you. I am glad to hear you will still be around to talk with us. I hope you will come to the OH meetings we have in Tulsa. I would still like to get together with you.. Your welcome to come workout with me anytime at the gym here in the apts. Bring you little man.. there is no one in the gym during the days anyway.. and as it gets warmer come swim with us. I plan on being at the pool alot! I love to swim and its a great workout! and of course we all want to be your friend still. Best of luck in all you do!  Love, Sherrie PS anyone else that wants to workout or swim PM me WE can just have a party!

Hello all~     I love you, I love you, I love you! You all are wonderful and a phenomenol (sp?) inspiration to me. I would love to come hang with you sherrie. My kiddo loves water, so I can't wait to take him swimming. I will be at the get together later this month too. Dan, I am soooo proud of the weight you have lost so far, I have joked about going on YOUR LIQUID diet to drop a few pounds myself. lol! My good buddy Kat just reminded me via phone call that Dr. G offers info or something of the sorts for non-surg wloss methods too. Totally forgot, it was just on a registration slip from the seminar. She is such the stud! lol! I am going to give him a ring tomorrow and see what he and Dr.Kirk can offer me as far as that goes. So anyway, I just wanted to tell you all that exciting tidbit and tell you how much you/oh/this bunch of fine folks mean to me. Hugs~Joni

Yeah Joni Dr Kirk's office has a program which is called New Beginnings that is a highly supervised weigh loss diet alternative to surgery.  I thought about trying it before i said nahh surgery is for me.  They have an excellent chili as one of the items on the food list (they gave me a sample).  Good luck to you no matter what.  See ya on the 30th.

Please continue to visit to get and give support.  We are all drawn here for the same reason, working to get healthy.  That doesn't change!

Joni, Best of luck to you.You are welcomed here anytime you feel like it. Keep us posted and give me a shout if you need anything. Rita