Here is our creed, if you fit this you are a wls LW and we hope you will join us on the LW forum Here is the link http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_lightweights/ The Lightweight Creed (Created and approved by members of the OH Light-Weights Forum, Jan 2008)

I am a Lightweight. I am only one of many others like me. Together, we are a team. Though our journeys and choices may be different, we are bonded together by the commonality of being Lightweights and the strategies, successes and struggles that entails. It is this bond that defines this board.

I began my journey with a BMI of less than 45 and/or with less than 150 lbs excess weight. My lower BMI and excess weight does in no way make me less deserving of medical intervention, and I should not be made to feel inferior or guilty.

I qualified for WLS because I have co-morbidities, or because my medical history proves that my weight is diet and exercise resistant.

I have worked with my healthcare team to determine the best surgical option for me. I am confident that others have done so as well, so I will refrain from passing judgments. 

I will freely share the most accurate information I have, as well as my own personal journey and why I chose my surgery in an informative, educational and respectful way so that others may learn from my experiences. 

I respect the decisions of my fellow Lightweights, regardless of the surgery they chose and the nutritional/exercise plans they follow.

I will always promote health and a healthy lifestyle, whether physical or mental; and will respect alternate methods and views toward achieving good health, even if I do not espouse them personally.

I will always be sensitive, honest and respectful when contributing to discussions on this board and in my PMs. I will never flame, demean, invalidate or harass others for their questions or decisions. I will remember, at all times, the difficulties and pain I went through on my own journey and be considerate of others when discussing theirs.

I will always defend and unite with my fellow Lightweights against prejudice and hostility. 

I understand it is my responsibility to report offensive conduct to my fellow Lightweights, so that we may deal with offending parties as a united front to preserve the supportive and tolerant atmosphere of our board.

I understand that if my conduct becomes offensive, I will not be welcome to participate on this board any longer.

eHi Vera, Yes you might just be my angel!!!!  I am scheduled for surgery in SLC in May, but something just hasn't seemed right.  Now something new has happened . Had gone to a seminar here in Cody a few years ago and had kept the card on my fridge. Looked tonight and THERE IT WAS!!!!!  I took that as a sign. Looked up Wyo wwt loss surg of Wyo online and found all of this!!!! Am going to call Riverton in the am and see what I can do!!!!!!!!!!!!!1  Please contact me. 587-5611. OH BLESS ALL OF YOU!!!!! Linda

Howdy Jamie and Vera! I'm sick of snow toooo!!  Why is it that in Wyoming spring means winter and winter means winter and summer means spring and fall means summer and fall and winter? lol I've had a bit of a time this past week.  I've been faced with stressful situations and have found myself wanting to stress eat.  I've not done too bad at avoiding it, but there have been a couple times I've given in.  When I did give in I made it count, not useless calories, but I don't want to start down that road! I'm doing the 5 day pouch test starting today to get my mindset back in line with what I know works.  I hope both of you are doing great!  I love ya both! Jamie, let's walk together ok?  Give me a holler at 754-4245 and we'll see when works for both of us :) Have a super day you two!! Brenda

Hey all- Just wondering what everybody is up to.... I've got the heat cranked up looking for an excuse not to drive into Cody in the morning! 

Frankie...I had my gastric bypass RNY done by Dr. Lewis on 7/31/06...at that time the surgery alone was $35,000, there was also the preop appts w/Dr. Reckling (I had heart check, echo etc...) and you have to pay the shrink that cks you out too.  It's been almost 2 years but I think it was total about 35 - 45 thousand total.  My insurance covered 80% so I ended up paying about $6000 on my own. Good luck with you out there...we love Dr. Lewis!  He and Donna started a support group in Cody and not everyone is his patient, but as Brenda said, he will answer any questions or concerns you have.  Donna is a great resource too! Jamie!  Hope you are feeling great!~  You looked great at support meeting!  Email me will do liquid lunch!  I'll chew in front of you! HA!