Hello!

I am excited to announce a NEW WLS Support Group forming in the Bay Area! 

This group has been designed to give those who have undergone bariatric surgery, or who are considering having surgery, a safe place to share their experiences, learn new information, and gain the ongoing support and friendship of others.

Groups will be held monthly (or possibly bi-monthly) in San Francisco and will be moderated by Tara Griffith, MFT. Tara is a licensed psychotherapist and wellness coach who specializes in bariatric surgery and weight management.

Potential discussion topics:

• WLS and Personal Relationships
• Managing Emotional Eating and “Head Hunger"
• Setting and Achieving Goals
• Meal Planning Tips and Tricks
• Body Image Issues and Learning to Love The “New You"
• Stress Management
• Measuring Success without The Scale
• Finding an Exercise Program That Works For You
• Success Habits of the Weight Loss Surgery Patient
• Handling Lapses / Getting Back on Track
• The Bariatric Food Pyramid
• Understanding Food Labels and Ingredient Lists
• The Realities of Regain
• Food Addition and Addiction Transfer

Other activities may include guest speakers (dietitians, personal trainers), clothing and recipe exchanges, group outings, and before/after photo scrapbooking, etc.

So whether you have already undergone surgery or are just beginning your journey, feel free to join our community!  Groups are FREE to attend and all shapes, sizes, and surgery types welcome.

Please follow this link to learn more:  http://www.meetup.com/SF-WLS-Group/ 

You may also contact Tara directly at [email protected]

Thanks and here's to a Happy and Healthy 2012!



Tara Griffith, MA, MFT
Weight Loss & Wellness Coach
--
870 Market Street, Suite 345
San Francisco, CA  94102
VM/Fax: 415-632-101
Toll Free: 1-877-WLS-COACH

me me me! I'll be there! I need some in-person talk about this whole new life I'm having trouble adjusting to.

Loose, sagging, excess skin is a very common problem. Exercise actually has little to do with the results. It is usually dependent on genetics, and how long you've been over weight. Some "light weights" are lucky and dont need any kind of plastic surgery or reconstructive surgery.

I however, after having lost almost 180 lbs with another 60 to go, will require reconstructive surgery to remove my excess skin. Yes, it bothers me like crazy, but id much rather deal with excess skin than excess fat. At least my skin wont kill me (might drive me to the mental hospital but that's a whole different issue).

Start saving for plastics

Kaiser people come to his other support group that I go to all the time and there is no issue. I think that was just Ruggie's speculation as to what might have caused the situation but that doesn't make it true.