I came back to this website since 5 years ago got a letter

I got a newsletter from the doctor at virginia mason (seattle) that he wants me to go to some gatherings.

How are any of you guys experiences in these gatherings fun good huh huh heh?

I was 600+ pounds now around 250 and Built like a truck, I work out 5 times a day now and eat well and finishing my 4 year degree in college.

ALOT CAN CHANGE WHEN YOUR BODY DOES :) And I am super happy these days

OH ya doctor was Richard Thirlby too

Kudos & Congrats! 

I love hearing from "old timers" and their experiences.

You'll be doing a lot of "newbies" a favor if you go and talk to them.

Congratulations to you for your successes and kudos for the hard work I know it takes to achieve them.  Thank you for taking the time to come back to OH and post; it really does mean a lot to me as a woman who just started on her own path towards a healthier, happier, and longer life!

I'd love to meet you.  Success at 4 years is really a huge accomplishment and you're walking the walk (not just talking the talk).  Although I didn't use VM, I have been to their support groups (Hi y'all) and really enjoy them.  Were you invited to attend a specific support group or a seminar?  Either way, as a proud support group junkie, if you do go to one, please let me know.  I'm sure others would really appreciate your perspective, too...just think you might have inadvertantly just started your own fan club!

~Namaste~

Amy

Richard...

I go to both the Virginia Mason Support groups... the Seattle meeting in a room off of the Caferia at VMH on the 1st Thurs from 6-8pm (May 7).  The speaker will be Dr Rainey, a VM psycologist.  He will be taking about psych issues that come up after surgery. He had worked the Virginia Mason WLS population for a long time.

There is also a support group at the Federal Way VM Location on the last weds of the month. 

I would love to see you... there are always newer and pre-op patients at the meetings.. and its always wonder to see someone so far out from surgery that is SO SUCCESSFULL!!  Clearly, you have been working your WLS tool!

Helen

Richard, The Auburn Support Group is meeting at the Auburn Eagles May 13th. at 6:30. We would like to meet you.

Merrilou

Wow ! Richard , you are an inspiration . Congratulations on being such a great poster child for successful WLS . So often we only hear (publicly) about someone who had WLS & gained it all back . I know the reason we don't hear from more old timers , is that they're too busy living thier life . Thanks for popping in . Kathy