Please join us for our next meeting on Monday night.

When: Monday, 11 April 2011
(the second Monday of each month)

Where: The Gilmore Center for Health Education
Classroom 1 (Basement)
7 Healthcare Plaza, Kalamazoo, 49007

Time: 7:00 p.m.

This month's topic:  "Spring Cleaning" and "I Can't Exercise Because . . ."

I've had the suggestion of holding a clothing exchange.  Because of the late notice, I'm thinking that this might be something we could do in May.  I plan to discuss this with those attending Monday night.  If you can't make it this Monday, please send me a quick message and let me know if this is something you would like to do and participate in at our May meeting.

The Kalamazoo focus/support group is open to all pre and post-op bariatric patients, as well as those interested in learning more about weight loss surgery.

If you have any questions, please send me a message!  I hope to see you Monday!

Yes, I am still a food addict.

I totally agree with many of the previous posts - thinking about my next meal while I currently eating, looking in the cupboard for a snack when I really only bored or procrastinating, wanting to finish a last couple bites when I am already uncomfortable just because the particular dish tastes good.  A particular area I'm currently having problems with is going back for seconds occassionally (after 10-15 minutes) on food I like because I know the typical person could eat that addtional amount.

This is a challenge that will always face us because we must eat to survive.  I believe other addictions may ultimately be easier to overcome because they may often be totally removed from the life of the addict - i.e. illicit drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc.  We, however, will always be tempted by food.

I found mine on E-bay - already engraved. Good luck, Matt

Good morning everyone! Congratulations on the Onederland, Bambi! I hope to travel there, too, someday. We're supposed to get freezing rain here in West Michigan today. I get to go for my two-week checkup. Looks like I should be down around 20 pounds since surgery. Just sent the wife and son out the door to work and school, respectively, so I think I might try to get a little more sleep, too. I've only been getting about 5 to 6 hours a night, and then a short nap in the afternoon. Hope everyone has a great day! Matt

I picked up one I like at Walmart for 3-4 bucks. They are 22oz. with a belt clip and sealing flip lid. The cover screws off so you can put ice cubes in if you desire. Unbreakable, different colors and fits in the car and diswasher just fine. I think they had a bigger one, too.

LOL Letty! I'm glad I already had my cappucino today! Guess I'll think twice about ever getting it out of a machine!

Amy: You're receiving a lot of good comments here. As you can see, no flames - we all have had these concerns. I'd like to add a few suggestions of information that helped ease my mind. 1. If the surgery was too risky and caused more complications than it relieved - insurance companies wouldn't touch it. I believe that today, most of the major insurance companies find it beneficial to "relieving" their financial burder to treat the comorbidities that often disappear or are greatly reduced after surgery. So, I was relieved after finding that insurance companies believe the procedure to be a financial benefit to them, even when employers switch companies for cheaper rates something like every 3-5 years on average. Bottom line, insurance companies don't like to spend money without some kind of return - a bit cold, but true. 2. Research your surgeon and the hospital you are considering using. Is the surgeon board certified and a member of the American Bariatric Society? Check your state's medical board for outstanding complaints or actions taken against the surgeon. Does the surgeon provide a long-term team approach with a behaviorist, dietician and physiologists all on staff? How many surgeries has he performed? How many patients has he lost due to the surgery or complications? What percent of his practice is devoted to bariatrics? Does the hospital specialize in bariatrics? Do they have a floor devoted to treating bariatric patients and the necessary equipment? Is there support staff readily available for post-surgery complications - cardiologists, pulmonologists (sp?), etc. This is all information they should readily provide. I think there may be a lot of practices getting more involved in bariatrics because of increasing demand based on the successes of those who have devoted their practice to it. I would be very hesitant to go to a surgeon that performed less than one a week. I was fortunate to find a practice devoted to bariatric surgery. 3. Consider the study. It just includes Medicare patients. Nothing against Medicare patients, but in my honest opion, I believe their health risks at time of surgery may be higher than the general population. Someone else may be able to answer this better, but I believe Medicare may be one of the hardest agencies to get approval through. This could result in a patient's health declining even further before surgery. And, lastly, I have to agree with Ronnie and Cajun Girl, I was already feeling dead inside. I am fortunate to have a nice family and probably too many toys, but I haven't really enjoyed them much for the past couple of years. It had become an endless loop of no energy, eating and depression. I looked like the happy fat man - but as we all know that is pretty much a myth. WLS has given me hope for the first time in years! I hope this has helped a bit.

I just bought one this weekend on Ebay. It is the stainless steel necklace with a pendant about the size of a nickel. Cost me all of $13 with shipping. I haven't received it, yet, so can't attest to the quality. But the seller had 100% positive feedback for over 2,500 sales so I felt pretty safe. Carpe Diem! Matt

Tony- How sad for you, brother! It is unfortunate we cannot trust one another. I would definitely make a report to Ebay, they may be able to help you. In regards to the car, is there a family member or close friend that you could get a temporary loan from and sign the car over as collateral until it can be sold? Without having to ru**** you may be able to get closer to the market value. Do you have any friends or friends with connections to a dealer that might be interested? Can you take out a personal loan for the amount necessary and have the car as collateral? Just a few ideas that came to mind. You'll be in my prayers. May God give you peace to work through this and find his will. Matt

Jeanette: Everyone has posted great advice! You are experiencing the same emotions and questions most of us go through. I just had my surgery last Wednesday and it went very well. We all have doubts with the unknown. As with everything, we have to do our research and make the best decision we can based upon the knowledge we've acquired. Not to sound preachy, because I've never been a real religous man, but I've definitely been doing a lot more praying for strength, guidance and the protection of my family. It has given me a lot of peace. In fact, before we left for the hospital, we had a family prayer where I prayed that I was turning all of my worries over to God - and it felt like a weight was suddenly lifted from my shoulders. I won't say I still wasn't a little nervous, but definitely more peaceful. If you are still very nervous the day of surgery, don't be afraid to tell the staff. They can also provide medication while your waiting that will make you feel much more relaxed. Best wishes for a smooth journey! Matt

For me it was pizza. It was my favorite food. Other than ones with anchovies, I rarely met a pizza I didn't like. I have seen a few recipes for crustless pizza or some other variations that I may eventually try. I'm just post-op 3 days, so will be on liquids for two weeks. Other than that, my only real sweet tooth craving was pecan pie. But I guess I can do away with that. Has anyone been able to have a few of the roasted pecans at a time? I would think that would give me a lot of the same flavor I liked.

Congratulations to you both! What wonderful news! We're happy you've been able to reopen and now to get a date in the same day. I wish you the best with "both" of your endeavors!