Hi Kim....The meeting on the 18th is in Appleton. I believe that is about 1 1/2 hours north of Madison. You might do a post asking for info on support group meetings in or closer to Madison. I would love to meet you too and chat about your journey since you are quite a bit further out than me. I am 9 months out.  i just think that is a long ride to a meeting although I drive 45 minutes to an hour to my meeting. This months topic is on plastic surgery. Let me know what you think and if you still want the directions to the meeting I can get you that. I could also map quest for you and see exactely how long a drive it is. Keep me posted. :)
Hugs;Debbie

In Episode 15 we take a look at the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, discuss whether or not weight loss surgery is the easy way out and take a look at a program designed to have you running a 5k in nine short weeks.

HIGHLIGHTS

• We take a look at the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG).
• Restrictive form of surgery.
• 85% of stomach removed.
• VSG reduces ghrelin hormone.
• VSG keep pylorus valve intact.
• Advantages and disadvantages to VSG.
• Weight Loss Surgery, the easy way out?
• It’s easy to gain weight back.
• How will you use the opportunity? 
• A program to get you running a 5k in nine weeks.
• Training sessions for iPod or MP3 Player.
• Couch to 5k iPhone app

If you haven't checked out BTV yet - what are you waiting for?

http://www.bariatrictv.com

Come join the fun

It's the only way to get them down! hehe My favorite way to drink it is this way:

30 oz water
1 new whey grape protein bullet
1 peach mango green tea Crystal light packet



MmmmHmmm super yummy-- Just sip on it all day

 Lois, from what I have seen you have already done so much more than most are able to do in a lifetime.  You have been strong enough to accomplish more than most have the ambition for.  Losing weight, keeping it off, changing your entire life and then doing what you can to encourage others.  It is awe inspiring.  When I saw you at Dr. Chua's orientation I thought to myself, I wish I could be this woman.  I want to be as successful as you have been and I want to do what you do.  I don't even know if losing the weight will give me that ambition.  

Please stay strong.  You will be in my prayers. I don't know you very well but from what I've seen, you have the strength to get through this.

Psalms 55:22

Hi Melissa....It wasn't hard losing the weight the first 6 months. These last 3 months have been slow but I am losing. Doc says as I get closer to goal you don't lose as fast. I work out every day so I have shaped up a lot that way. Muscle weighs more but you look slimmer! :)

I work in Manitowoc at Federal Mogul(28yrs) and part-time at Kohl's(needed this job for the discounts on clothes I was in and out of during the weightloss). I am a Mary Kay consultant for 14yrs now. I am in Manitowoc all the time.

I have 1 daughter at home. She is 17 a junior at Lincoln High School. She just joined the Army so she will be gone all summer for basic training and than she comes back for her senior year.
I also have daugher 25 and a son 23. I also have 3 grandchildren(grandson5,granddaughters 3 and 2)

If you want to go to a support group meeting you are welcome to ride with me.

Have a great day and I too look forward to talking with you. :) It is good to be able to chat with someone in my area that has had the surgery. All my surgery friends live an hour or more away. My family and close friends have NO clue what I am really going through so it is nice to be able to talk to someone that understands. :)

P.S. What did Midwest Bariatrics have to say when you called them?

Hugs;Debbie