WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS !!!

WELCOME  - WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS !!
I wanted to let all of you know that I am here for you no matter what stage of your journey you are at .
My misson is to give it back and I try very hard to do so ....
I am a support group leader as well as a Bariatric Life Coach ... I am approaching 8  years post op ... and boy has it been one heck of a journey .

My philosophy is ... You can do anything you set your mind too ... We all are beautiful ... both inside and out ... and Failure is not an option .... but when we do fail ... it is not how far you fall .. but how far you bounce back !! 

If you need anything please let me know .. and please , introduce yourself and tell us about your journey and why you are here !
Lots of love and Joy ,

Tink

Mendy2009

ShrinkingNurse

kryss7

kylierobison

Ter

jillg

joanne N

rena_salazar

Thanks for the warm welcome. My name is Shelley. I had WLS the end of January 2000. My top weight was 325lbs at 4'11 1/2". I lost 135lbs but gained almost most of it back except for 25-30lbs. In spite of the pain of recovery, for the first time in my life, I felt at peace with food.

When I reached about 155-160 lbs, I started the night shift including some major life stresses; my relationship with food changed - for the worse. I had a real hard time holding food down so I turned to milk and crackers or milk and plain tortilla chips. I started vomiting more and more but I also started to gain more and more. The harder I tried, the faster the weight came on. I went to my surgeon who said he couldn't help me. I continued to gain more weight. Periodically, I would would have limited success but it was very slow weight loss even when sticking to my food plan faithfully for 6-9 months at a time. I would also have days when my body just wouldn't digest food.

I have felt like giving up many times but each day, I get up and say, "Today, I am going to take care of myself" but that usually hasn't lasted long. I have tried so many ways to deal with my relationship with food but I have not been very successful. As I prayed a few days back, I said there must be some support out there for people who had my surgery. I am going through a rough time as I recently lost a really close friend but I am trusting God to help me through it. Through a friend, I was lead to the Obesity website and to this group. This morning, I received a call from another close friend and we shared our food plan together. I feel good today and I hope that I can allow myself to receive some help from this group.

welcome Shelleyq!  I am 4'11" too.  I'm at the beginning of my journey so I don't know what my future will bring.  I'm sorry your journey has been so bumpy - so far.  It doesn't sound like your surgeon was very helpful. 

Stress can be a major trigger to overeating.  I'm not sure your situation, but have you considered counselling?  If you could find someone who specializing with weight issues, they may be able to help.  Lean on your friends, they sound like they are supportive and that is what we all need.

Best of luck and make full use of the boards here.  Some people can be abrupt, but they also have very good information and may give you some helpful tips.  Most mean well and I have learned a lot.

When I was in nut class, there was a couple of vets there.  One was getting a revision done on his RNY.  He had his surgery around the same time as you.  He mentioned that there was a lot more info available now than what was given to him back then. Maybe going back to the basics like a newbie will help?  You may learn new things to help you suceed.  Lets face it we don't have to be skinny, just healthy.   I know my Doc's office has given me very good planning information and has a good aftercare plan.

Good luck and stay in touch.

Thanks! I am enjoying reading the various stories here and they are helpful.  I have had 5 days day and feel good.  I have had counselling for many years specializing in weight issues and they have helped me deal with a great deal in my life.  I have also attended OA for 25 years as well.  I just keep coming back!