One of the other things I did to try to get myself out of this funk was to start working with a life coach.   Cathy Wilson from OH has been our instructor for the classes Ira and I have taken and she is a Weight Loss Surgery Coach. 

If you have never looked at coaching, I would suggest that you consider at least the possibilities of what it can add to your experience.   In most cases it is a one on one chance to discover where you are and where you want to go.   A coach is not a counselor, they are a person who can help that little voice in your head.   They ask questions and help you discover answers.   The reality is that we usually know the answers but we may be too close to them to see or the challenge may seem to large.  They can help you break it down.

As Ira blogged about earlier, we have both completed a basic coaching class.  If you are interested in having a coach, let us know.  The best part of coaching is that it can be done in person or phone.   I know that I have written about my struggles but I use the coaching in two ways, I have my coach to help me find my direction and answers but I also coach to help energize me and renew myself by fulfilling my need to help others grow and develop!

I decided to post a blog about some personal things that have been going on for two reasons.  One to apologize to those of you who have turned to me to help you through your changes and challenges.  Two to ask you to offer me that same support when I some times stumble.

We have come through two difficult months in our household.   The health challenges, family issues, financial concerns, and I know I am not alone in these issues.   We all go through it.

But here comes the dilemma, we take care of the physical needs, the stomach is tighter, the weight comes off, but what do we do for the mental and emotional challenges.   REmember the old days when you turned to food to take away stress and boredom?   I am here to tell you that you have to take care of that part of you as well.  

I have fallen into old habits.   I gained two pounds in August and I have not really lost weight  in a while.  In talking to my doctor we determined that it was time for me to go on an antidepressant to help me get out of my hole...but habits didn't change and I am still struggling.

I choose to share this with the group because I feel guilty for not being here for all of you and I ask that you understand that sometimes you need time to recharge.   Our meetings are part of that recharging process for me.   Hearing your successes juice me up!   Not having the meeting last month was tough on most of us!   I look forward to getting back into the swing of things.

I also want you all to understand that if you hit that emotional/mental bump in the road, reach out for help.   We need to fix ourselves as a whole, not just the physical part.

Can't wait to see you all next week!  

Well it is that time again!   No hurricanes in sight!     Our next meeting will be at 7 pm on Tuesday, September 16th at the Community Southern Bank in Lakeland.  Remember, we welcome both pre-op and post-op patients and their support person(s).   If you are not able to attend Tuesday night meetings, please let me know what works better for you.  There may be an opportunity for us to either change our meeting night or add an additional meeting night but I need to hear back from you so I know which way we need to go   Don't forget to check out our group site www.obesityhelp.com/group/UpToMe/ We are continually updating it with pictures, links, recipes and celebrations!    The site also has a calendar page for upcoming events.   That is where we post our group meetings and any other events that are coming to our area.   Feel free to contact either of us if you have any questions or concerns! 
  Melissa Sansolo
WLS Support Group Leader
www.obesityhelp.com
www.obesityhelp.com/group/UpToMe/
www.obesitynomorefl.com

Join us on the third Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm at the Coummunity Southern Bank on S Florida Ave in Lakeland.

If it is to be, it is up to me!

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