“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Perhaps the above statement is the most famous line from the Declaration of Independence…. and as I ponder the significance of what this means in our country’s history, I also consider “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" as a statement of my independence resulting from weight loss surgery. Simply stated, I declare my INDEPENDECE from the bonds and constrictions created by my obesity. I no longer look to others to tie my shoes, or get a “something" from upstairs or even across the room. I have the LIBERTY to shop for clothes where I want, no longer bound to “plus" size stores. I have a new LIFE, aided by surgery and I have the UNALIEABLE RIGHT and responsibility to develop goals and create dreams that allow me to pursue my own version of HAPPINESS.

I am not saying that I suffered a miserable life before surgery; in fact, I am one of the fortunate few. I had and have a loving husband, two very beautiful daughters, a father that loves me unconditionally and friends I have known most of my life. I held a very responsible position at a local college as an Associate Director of Admissions. I celebrate my five year “surgiversary" soon and during these past 60 months I have developed a new INDEPENENCE of thought and attitude. I have revised the “Essence of Maryellen", and changed my priorities. My parents instilled extremely positive core values which will never change, but I have found new paths to follow in order to compliment those values; all because of my decision to have surgery and unlock the shackles of obesity.

My journey has allowed me to pursue my dream of “paying it forward" by founding LIPO, and with the help of Frank (may God Bless him) be a cofounder of this company, HELP and its numerous supporters. I am dedicated to the success of HELP because that translates into helping others. I wish for others to experience the new LIFE after weight loss surgery, the LIBERTY that comes with renewed health, and the right of the Pursuit of Happiness.

I wish you a healthy, happy, and safe Fourth of July.

(((HUGS))) Maryellen

I have had so many positive experiences since my weight loss surgery 5 years ago. I have met so many wonderful friends during that time. I founded LIPO four years ago and have nurtured it and watched it grow to fulfill one of my “new" life’s dreams. I feel fantastic, suffering no co-morbidities and have participated in physical activities that I never would have imagined. I dance, I bowl, ice skate, complete 5K walks, bicycle, and exercise on a regular basis. My partner, Frank and I started this company, HELP, to offer WLS patients support and products to help them reach and maintain their goals. Aligning ourselves with some of the “best" and most talented people in the United States assures me that our success will be guaranteed and we WILL be able to “give back" to our WLS family.  Life is better than I ever hoped possible. I am blessed in so many ways!

It is NOT enough!

I feel a deep emptiness and concern when I ask myself, “Are they lost?" I refer to those that I am not seeing at group sessions or conventions; the ones that aren’t part of our virtual world. Of the thousands of surgeries performed over the last 15 years how can I reach those that see themselves as failures and no longer participate in aftercare? Have they suffered some weight regain and are now reluctant to attend meetings? Have they labeled themselves as unsuccessful and have they given up? Do theyknow about the possibility of revision surgery? Do they know, with support, they can get back on track?Do they realize we can start over?
Are they lost?

START OVER!
If you've started out in pursuit of your goal
And you've really tried with your heart and your soul,
but somehow things got out of control ---
START OVER.
When you've tried your best to do what you should
And you thought this time that you surely would,
But once again, you didn't do good ---
START OVER.
When you've worked so hard to follow a dieter's way
And you fought to win a victory each day
But one more time you went astray ---
START OVER.
When you've tried so hard to yourself to be true
And do the things that you know you should do
But once again you failed to come through ---
START OVER.
When the road to success seemed much too long
And each temptation was oh so strong
And once again you gave in to wrong ---
START OVER.
When you've told your friends what you planned to do
And trusted them to help you through
But soon discovered it's up to you ---
START OVER.
When you know you must be physically fit,
But your hope seems gone and you're stuck in a pit
That's not the time for you to quit ---
START OVER.
When the week seems long and successes few
And at weigh-in time you're feeling blue
Remember tomorrow is just for you ---

START OVER
To start again means a victory's been won
And starting over again means a race well run
And starting over again proves it can be done
So don't just sit there ---
START OVER. (Author Unknown)

I want to reach out to those that feel they are lost. I want to be part of their support and help them get back on track or start over. I hope some that reads this knows of someone struggling and needs a re-introduction to aftercare. If not here or LIPO, search for some support. You are not lost!
We have all stumbled on our journey; pick yourself up, find the path and start over.

(((HUGS)))
Maryellen