"Regain Message Board" seeks members

OK boys and girls, after our lengthy discussion over the weekend it was decided that we are going to start a PRIVATE OH group for those of you that have experienced regain and are 2+ YEARS OUT from surgery.  The group will be moderated by myself (who is at goal and 3+years out), Gina (who has successfully lost over 70 lbs of regain plus some more!!), Dana (who is a successful long term post-op and the vitamin/lab queen) and Paige (who is our highly successful lapband expert).

This group is not open to just anyone-you must meet the criteria for membership which is as follows

1.  You MUST have experienced some regain of at least 15 lbs from your lowest
2.  You must be at least 2 years post-op
3.  You MUST be an active participant (NO LURKERS)
4.  You MUST be accountable for your gain and take ownership-NO excuses, NO whining.
5.  You must be willing to work towards your goal of losing the weight and becoming healthy.  (tough love will be involved if needed, lol).

As moderators we will be removing people from the group if they are not supportive of each other, if they don't participate or if they are found to be a bad influence on the group.  In other words, we want people that WANT to lose the weight and are willing to work hard to do it and be there for each other.  This will be a SELF-DIRECTED group-you guys are in charge and you will lead the discussions.  Feel free to post about anything that you think might benefit the group.

So how do I apply for membership?  ***Now that you've read the rules...if you sent either myself or Dana a previous PM, please send another to ME with the following info***

Send ME a PM with the following:
Name
Reason you want to join
Surgery Date
# of regain pounds

The moderators will vote and send invites to those we feel would benefit the most.  We would like to keep the numbers manageable at first and will add members as time goes on.  I'm really looking forward to getting this group started-there seems to be a great need for it.  Maybe we can even get together in Houston at the conference so a lot of us can meet in person.  I'm excited~are you??

Steph, I'm really looking forward to this group.  I will reiterate the group is going to be private and we will all need to be open and honest with each other.  I've done some slipping on the rules and need the swift kick to focus on my health.

I also want those that join to know what is shared in the group needs to STAY in the group.  I want this place to be a safe place for everyone.  I know some people aren't as open to discussing regain and the fears they face so please everyone know this group will be the place.

I love my WLS friends, I want everyone to be successful.  Success does not mean a unreachable goal, it means good health, good choices 80% of the time and loving yourself.  If we individually do not love ourselves and realize we are worth something then it's tough to be the best person you can be.

One more thing...when you PM me, add me as a friend cuz you need to be a friend in order for me to invite you.  Thanks...we've had tons of interest and will be selecting the core group in the next day or two.  Don't be disappointed if you aren't selected the first time.  We're going to start with a smaller group (around 20) and will add people as we grow.  I'll keep all requests and add those that qualify in slowly so whatcha waiting for, send me a PM.

Hi Steph,

I have been rocking along between 145-148 for over a year w/o having to put much effort into it and now I find myself pushing 150 and even a little bit over for the first time since hitting goal and it really bothers me.  I don't meet your criteria of being 15 pounds over my lowest and I hope to nip mine in the bud before I do!  If not, you will get a PM from me asking to join. 

Like all vets it is scary how much I can eat now, but it depends on what it is.  Like most I can't eat more than about 4 oz of chicken but the carbs slide down *real* easy!

I have been in Ft Worth the past 2 weeks (still am) so I haven't posted my MMWI thread but I will crank it back up next week because it helps me stay focused and accountable.  Eating out every meal doesn't help, either.  I don't do that at home, but I have no choice when travelling. 

Sarah, I'm so glad you don't meet the criteria cuz that means you're still doing awesome.  Hope I get to see you in Houston in 3 weeks.

Awww bummer!  I don't meet the criteria of being 15lbs from my lowest but I wish all you folks well!

Debbie-not meeting criteria is a GOOD thing, lol.  Hope I get to meet you in Houston.  We can always "talk" on OH any time you want to.  There are a lot of people out there that are only a few lbs over and would love to talk about it openly~hopefully, one or more of you will start a daily thread for getting "back to basics"...hint, hint.

Don't feel bad deb I did not make cut either...but I think it is a grand idea and wish allof you the best of luck.

I would have loved to join, but don't meet the criteira either. 

Lisa