Thank You Edmond Pouchwise Support Group

Hello All:

I just wanted to thank you all for the very pleasant and informative group meeting last night. It was my first attendance and I was eager to hear more, but there will be other times I'm sure! It was clear to me you guys are all there for each other and have tons of stories and help to give and share with each other. It's wonderful!

I want to apologize to the gal that was sitting in the back who I might have offended when we were talking about the statements of "you can never have xxxxx again". I guess what I was really trying to say is that for me, I WANT someone to tell me no, someone else to guide me, make me understand WHY it's important to be as strict a follower of the 'rules' after surgery. And I might have come across like a vigilant new lawyer trying to change the world--and being naive about it. Do you know what I mean?

I figure this is my last shot at being slim, healthy and happy again. And if by signing on, writing the check, and I'm going to be told "no you can't" a time or two, then I [think, hope] I can deal with that. On the other hand, I am a person who doesn't like being told what to do and not do, BUT, because I obviously am a failure at maintaining a healthy lifestyle, then obviously I need a bootcamp! So I am expecting and planning on the new lifestyle just as if I had no choice BUT to follow directions. Like I said last night, my greatest fear is being in prison [we'll let the good psychologist figure that one out!] but THIS prison is something that has an incredible outcome and I might be wrong, but I think going into it with as strict of a plan as possible for me to accomplish what I need to, is what is going to work best for me.

I could go on and on but I'll stop here--and just thank you all again for being gracious and open to everyone, and above all, incredibly supportive! I can't wait til I can hear some of that clapping and congratulations for me!

Cheers and back pats to you all.

Lisa
(I had on the silver jacket in the front of the room last night)
PS: and thanks to Jennifer and her mom for a little one-on-one as well!

I love, love, love support group and Dr. Keller is the best.  I go more frequently than they probably want me to but I need it.  I thought last night was particularly good since we talked about things that have such impact on me right now.  I was impressed with Melody for sharing her stuggles at one year out.  That really resonated with me personally.

I can't do this alone.  I need each and every one of you online and at support group.  I'm thankful, grateful and blessed to have you all!

PS Don't think you have anything to apologize for.  We had an open, honest and kind discussion.  And I'm happy to see you posting.  I hope this is the first of many!

Weren't you the one sitting on the end a couple rows behind me??? I do recognize a few people I think......Yes I really liked Dr Keller, funny but thought provoking. Very nice manner.

thank you SO much!

Lisa

Yes, that was me in a brown cardigan type sweater.  And, yes, I am a food addict.

Hi Lisa.  It was good to have you at our meeting last night.  I was sitting on your left side with my husband against the wall.  I had on a brown sweater and really short hair.  I didn't think you offended anyone.  That is why we all come to the meetings to listen and share.  What works for one doesn't often work for another.  I'm like you though.  When I heard at Dr. Walton's seminar that you could NEVER have rice, pasta, bread or potatoes I took it seriously.  I have to say I have had a bit or two or a roll during Christmas but that was a bite or two.  It was not a good feeling when it went down...probably balled up or something...and so I was satisfied there was a reason for no bread.  I CAN'T afford (in more ways than $$) to fall back into old habits.  I need to have my structure like a book camp too.  I think the reason I failed so many many times with Weigh****chers was because there were too many choices and too many ways to cheat!!  For ME that wasn't a good thing...thus the need for my surgery.   I won't be able to do this WLS again...this IS my last shot and being healthy and smaller.  I still have a ways to go but I'm on the right path and you are too!!

Don't be a stranger on our boards or at the meetings.  We have a meet and greet on February 25th at the Iron Star Restaurant.  We always have a good time and you can bring your husband or a friend if you like.  It's really more about the meeting and visiting than the eating of course.  Most of us share meals since none of us can actually eat much so it's a cheap date!!!  These folks have helped me in more ways that I can tell you.  I have made life long friends here.  Friends that KNOW where I've been and where I'm going.  They will encourage you and kick you in the rear if needed to get you back on track.  I usually attend a couple of meetings a month but sometimes more if I feel a need.  I think they are as important as the WLS!!!  Take care and it was our pleasure to have you at the meeting last night.  Good luck. 

PS  When is your surgery or have you already had it?

Debbie

 

 

 

Hi Debbie:

Yes! You were in the elevator with me too! WOW you've done FABULOUS!

I agree, this is my last shot too--already worried about having a plastic surgery now! Isn't that ridiculous? I have to scrape to do this so another $$$ procedure kinda freaks me out (not the surgery itself) but perhaps that is the cart before the horse. Yes, I need the boot camp, and like Jennifer said to me last night that she told herself "I can have that later..." instead of telling herself 'NO' about everything. Hey, that sounds perfect, and we all need to do what works for us.

I would love to meet with you all at that restaurant...can you give me the general location or the address itself? It's not familiar to me since I don't get out much ;-)

Thanks so much! I don't have a surgery date yet--have to see my new PCP first on 2/16 and get a referral for the non-surgical stuff etc....just to be covered all around and then make sure I have the rest of my ducks in a row and then schedule the intial eval with Dr B...

THANK YOU!
Lisa

Thank you so much!  I've had a lot of support from so many....not so much from family except my husband but those that know where I've been and where I'm going.  That means a lot to me.  The Iron Starr is it's on N.W. 36th and Shartel, right down the street from the Darth Vader church (First Christian on 36th) about 1/2 mile west of Broadway Extension.  I'm sure Lynette (Lyntoral) will re-post when it gets closer to time.  She needs a head count because they have a room we can use.  I look forward to seeing you on a regular basis.  If you have any questions just ask away.  Someone always has a comments, either been through it, going through it and what worked or didn't for them.  See ya!

Debbie

Hi Lisa and welcome! I remember you from last night, I was sitting right next to you by the wall.

You are very right! This is the last chance to be healthy and happy with our weight, and you are on the right track - I know that many people don't like to hear the word NEVER, and in essence we have to be realistic, but, I do believe that starting out on this journey, that is the right approach. We have all had problems with managing food in the past and I look at this as a learning process...I loved pasta (all carbs for that matter), I think I still do, but I have not had any...yes, I have tried a bite, and my stomach does not like it...maybe one day it will, I think at that point I may not care! I don't think I care now for that matter....but, this has not been an overnight accomplishment - I have learned to eat other foods such as protein, and I am fine with those. I actually crave protein now, who would have thought!!! 

Congratulations on taking this step to improve your health!!! And hope to see you at our meet and greet.

Hey Lisa!

It was great to meet you last night! I am very excited for you to begin this journey. I am glad you enjoyed support group.  I love it, it is truly one the first places that i have ever felt like I belonged. Everyone there is so nice and so willing to share their success and their struggles. That is one of the things that helps me the most, seeing people who have been there and learning how they coped and overcame.

I don't think you offended anyone at group, so don't worry about that. We are all open people and are entitled to our opinion. What works for one, might not work for another and I think that is the great thing about group we hear from so many people and learn new ideas that may or may now be for us.

I hope to see you at the dinner in February!

Jennifer