This is the email I sent to the folks at Barix Clinics yesterday where I have been involved in the Support Group Leadership capacity for the past 5 years. . .  Change is good. . .

As well you know, I have been long committed to the support aspect of WLS and it has been a great experience for me to share this with a great group of people who are dedicated and want to be a part of something integral to the long-term maintenance aspect of our journey.  I believe very strongly that "successing" is about celebrating the life that WLS has given me, I also feel just as strongly that we can never underestimate the need to deal with the issues that lead to our obesity and perils of falling back into old habits, and to that end I believe support helps us stay the course.  
 
I am extremely grateful to the opportunity of being involved on this level for the past 5 years, I am living a full and enriched life, however, there are other things I wish to investigate and possibly pursue for my future and so I am going to be stepping aside from the Leadership arena.  I still need the support and will not be disappearing altogether, but I am going to be resigning from the group in the coming months (possibly as early as June, depending on who is ready to step up and do the commitment).

Hi Bridget,

Welcome to the PA board, and to the life of pre=WLS.  I had mine done almost 7 years ago.  My first consultation was June 1, 2006.  I don't regret having had this surgery, and wouldn't change a thing.

I am also on Facebook, with my full name, Patricia Anne Reilly.  I'm originally from Bucks County, PA, but moved to Michigan in February, to live near my daughter, and her family.

I hope you'll feel free to ask questions, and the regulars will gladly reply.

Hugs,

Trish

Laureen thank you SO much for that!  Yes, unfortunately Einstein doesn't have any support groups in our area yet. I live in a little town called Royersford.  It is between King of Prussia and Reading.  :)

As a single parent, it's hard to get really anywhere without having my 10 year old in tow, but nevertheless, always great to meet new people!  I cannot wait to for this, I've waited so long, and realized I've wasted so many moments of sadness and despair from people around me saying this is the easy way out.  As an already active person, it is debilitating knowing this weight isn't coming off...July cannot come soon enough!  I want my health back! :)

Hi PA Peeps!

I live in Montgomery County, PA and am having my surgery this July at Einstein Medical Center.  I've been on here a month or so, so I thought it was high time I come over here and introduce myself!  Hope all is doing well and staying healthy!  It's been a rough month for me, but May is my favorite month of the year, so here's hoping for a better 30 days than last! :)

Blessings,

Bridget

Thanks for posting this, Laureen.  I had no idea how the sleeve was done till reading this article.  My sister had the band done, but failed to follow the nutritional guidelines, and never lost weight.  She'd like to get a revision to the sleeve.

Again, thanks.

Hugs,

Trish