Barbara C.

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This month's in-person support group meeting was held at the "Golden Corral" in Raleigh today. We had a nice turn-out with about 25 members.

The 'Topic for the Month' was Best Resources. We shared books, magazines and websites that have helped us in our journey, addresssing what we liked about them and how they were helpful. Some of the resources that were discussed included websites to

*  log intake and activity, such as www.mydailyplate.com, www.sparkpeople.com, or www.fitday.com which go a long way toward helping us become aware and accountable

*  help with meal planning for post WLS, such as www.cookinglight.com and http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com which are great for learning a new way of cooking

The following books that address behavior issues were shared:

The Beck Diet Solution and the Beck Diet for Life, by Judith Beck
Mindful Eating, by Jan Chozen Bays

We also shared the latest issue of the OH Magazine.

As we introduced ourselves, we also had a discussion on laying the foundation for longterm success. We discussed how important it is to really start addressing some of the behaviors that got us to a point that we needed WLS in the first place, so that we can be ultimately successful at not only losing the weight, but also reaping the true meaning of success... Maintaining the hardwon losses and associated gains. The other issue that came into the forfront was being able to 'see' the new us that others see. This really takes some time and effort. It was suggested that professional photographs will help us to see the new us... It was suggested that we schedule a group picnik where we have our photos taken and we'll look into do just that.

We had a clothing swap which allowed some of us to gain some much needed room in our closets, while allowing others to shop through some of the goodies that were donated by friends that no longer needed them. It was a win/win situtation.

We will be maintaining the monthly in person general support group meetings on the 3rd Saturday morning of each month, but because our group has grown to be so large, I have started a few special interest groups and we talked about them at this meeting. The Grads Group that addresses issues of interest to those who have had at least one surgiversary and Over50 BMI Group that addresses issues of interest to those who started their journey with BMIs over 50 are doing well and will be continued. We have started a Beck Group that will use the Beck Diet Solution workbook as a basis for discussions. We are considering a Guys Group for the fellas, but I need to be sure that there will be enough interest to support this. These special interest groups are open to anyone who would like to join in, but the focus of the discussions is directed towards the specific special interest.

Several members of our group attended the WalkLikeMADD 5K event in Raleigh and really enjoyed it. Another Charitable walk for MS is scheduled for next week in Raleigh. We also have a group that has decided to try the Couch to Run event and AndreaU has taken the reigns to coordinate this event.

OH in Atlanta in November 09... Several members expressed a desire to attend the OH Event being held Nov 6/7, 2009. For more information, please see the  following link. http://www.obesityhelp.com/events/uzone,events/action,event_details/event_id,3004/... It looks like we might try to gather an NC contingent to go to Atlanta. I hope you'll join us there!

As many of you know, I really struggle with depression and it's been gripping me pretty hard lately. To say that I'm under a lot of stress right now is the understatement of the decade and I find myself 'comforting myself with food... A little here, a little there... but it's adding up because I have gained about 8 to 10 lbs since December. I know it's stress, but I have to say that I find it terrifying. I see my old behaviors creeping back in. I'm working on it, but obviously not doing a great job. I know that in the scheme of things my 'bounce back' weight is to be expected and with the minor exception of the tummy that returned, I have to admit that I generally like the way I look and feel, but my concern is this terrifying upward trend. 8 to10 lbs times 10 will put me right back where I was... I don't seem to be able to stem the tide and it really frightens me. 

I'm logging my intake. I'm starting to work on my Beck Book. I'm reaching out. 

I have to tell you that this (trying to maintain my weight loss) is much, much harder than losing the weight. Please don't get me wrong. I don't mean to suggest that the weight loss journey is an easy one... I just find this part of the journey far more difficult and challenging. 

I cannot stress enough the importance of identifying and modifying behaviors while you are losing the weight... When they talk about the 'honeymoon' period, it's not just about the weight loss, but also about the opportunity to make important changes while you cannot eat as much, while your body still yanks you by the short hairs when you make decisions that are not in your best interest.

I do not think that all is lost, but I am really scared.