CCCares is growing! 2010, New Beginnings

In a couple of hours a new year marks new beginnings and I wish everyone a Happy New Year. Reflections of "09 include WLS (Weight Loss Surgery) anniversaries for some, WLS or commitments to WLS for others, and a determination to continue on our journey of new found health and lifestyle for all.
During 2009 I found a continuing need for ongoing support to assist me on my personal journey. I attend as many meetings as my schedule allows at Middlesex Hospital and can't thank the staff enough for their support and continuing efforts to make those meetings the best they can be. (If you haven't seen the changes in the last nine months.... get to a meeting... a very meaningful transition has taken place.) However, I had the privlege of attending other support group meetings founded by WLS members and immediately discovered the "piece" I was missing. The Long Island Post Ops (LIPO) has a formal meeting once a month, where they share personal concerns, successes, challenges, recipes, nutritional tips, products and occasionally have guest speakers. ( I attended a meeting when a motivational author and speaker shared his wisdom, antedotes and tips)  In addition they organise numerous events during the month that range from dancing to bowling, organized walks, ice skating and family gatherings. I decided THAT is what I needed as ongoing support but commuting to Long Island on an ongoing basis is impractical. (although I wil continue to attend their meetings and events as often as I can.)

Their secret to success is leadership and today the founder of LIPO, Maryellen Ruggiero, graciously  joined our group. I can not match her professionalism, enthusiasm, expertise, or management skills, but I would like  to pattern our group after LIPO. I have requested her to share her thoughts, ideas and guidance as we get this group started on a firm foundation. I will ask her to join our meetings when possible. 

CCCares can succeed with the sharing of time, ideas, suggestions and experiences. I have commitments from Gloria, Chris, and Rich to help us get started. They are each working as i type this to begin the process of bringing us together as a group in January. (keep checking back for details... you go Gloria!)

As I re-read this post I acknowledge and affirm my confession... "Damn, I started this group for me!"  Get involved and make it work for you too! Post pictures of your success, ask a question, start a discussion topic, or share a concern. Commit to CCCares and commit to yourself... you are going through the WLS experience for yourself.... make CCCares yours too.

again Happy New Year!                     Dan

New Years after WLS is not about Resolutions it is about Goals and how to get there.   

I am initiating an Improptu  Virtual Meeting in the CCCares Chat Room this afternoon to chat about WLS Goals.   I will post the time on the events calender and see how we can help each other look at the New Year and New Decade in a different light.  

For those who have had WLS we never have to make a New Years Resolution again... We already resolved our biggest obstacle and now we have to deal with  "What to do next"

For those who are contemplating WLS you have hope and excitement

For those WLS veterans we hope  you can enlighten those of us who are newly post-ops and those who are several years out.  Help us identify what challenges we may face and how to handle it successfully 

Please come and join us in the chat room.  You don't need to get dressed and you don't need to  get out and about just sit and share.

globirdie
Gloria

Thank you, for your committment.  I have taken a couple of months away Middlesex Hospital Support Group just because of my schedule and the busy holidays.  I should be back there this month.  Look forward to seeing you there.

Carol

Happy New Year CCC!

Hello, I am Maryellen, Founder of LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) and am very happy to be part of this new group. 

Support is the Key to Success! 

Kudos to Dan R., Gloria and everybody else involved for creating this new group.  I have had the pleasure of meeting Dan R. as he has attended several of my meetings here on LI as well as the OH Rye Brook Event.  I'm quite confident that this group will be very successful as he is such an awesome inspiration to all that know him.

I look forward to meeting all other CCC members at some of your upcoming meetings/outings. 
I spy a field trip coming up with some of my LIPOians! lol

Until then, I will participate accordingly online with this group and please feel free to join ours as well www.obesityhelp.com/group/LIPO/

Ciao

Thank you Maryellen, I have shared my postive thoughts about LIPO with many, and I thank you for your kind words, It will be great if we can get LIPO and CCCares together at some future date. I invite you to share your experience, knowledge and continuing success with us as we get CCCares out of its infancy.