WHATS HAPPENING TUESDAY.

We had so much fun at Circle of Friends last night.  I loved meeting the new folks and seeing all our "old" friends too.  You newbies and pre-ops are an inspiration to those of us who are post-op because it helps us remember where we've come from and keeps us on the straight and narrow path.  Also, it's fun being the "experts".  I could so relate to the person (can't remember her name) who said she was afraid she'd be the one person who failed.  I think most of us felt that way at one time or another because we've all failed at dieting so often.  I know I come off as a hard a$$ sometimes because I don't recommend eating things we know aren't good for us, but I love all of you so much and want you to be successful and know how easy it is to slip back into old habits.  I'm sure no long-term expert - only six months out - but I do know what has been working for me and want everyone to feel as healthy and happy as I do.  Mainly I want you all to know that if I can do it, so can you.  I'm a food addict - eat when I'm bored, love to cook interesting things and always wonder how something new will taste - but not taking all those meds and having normal labs without pills is way better than any of those things.  I will always have to fight the addiction but with God's help I'll win the battle.  As Claudette says, there's no shame to being addicted to food but we have been given a tool to help us control the addiction and it is up to us to use it.  Also, I used to say exercise was a four-letter word but now i don't mind walking on the treadmill because I can feel the difference it makes in me like on vacation last week when we walked all over Virginia and I could not only keep up but out do DH who is in the gym six days a week.  WOO HOO!!! I sure appreciate all your kind words.  I think we would come to the meetings just to give and receive compliments, don't you???   Connie, these are the legs I was born with - I do walk quite a lot but I've always had "good" legs. Now, if I just had the good waist and belly to go with them I'd be quite a package.  Ain't happenin I'm afraid.  Plastic surgery will probably be the only way I'll ever get a waist.  I look in the mirror and see my Momma's body except she was six inches shorter than me.   I always said she looked like a nail keg with broomsticks sticking out the bottom!!!  God got me for that - LOL!!! As I shared last night I still find myself gravitating to the plus sizes in stores.  It is so weird to go into a store like Express or Buckle and wear the clothes.  Tops still don't fit me in many of those places, an XL looks like a teeny-tiny to me, but just knowing that I could wear the pants makes my day.   For those who are still weighing daily I sure recommend changing to once a week.  I, for years, let my daily weight dictate how I felt about myself and it was usually not great!!!  Now, I weigh every Saturday AM and usually lose at least a pound and feel so proud.  After I'm at goal I think I will want to weigh more often to keep on track but for now I just trust that if I'm following the food program I've worked out I'll lose - and so far it is still happening that way. One more word of advice.  You cannot be too well-informed about this new way of life.  Every bit of information, whether you use it or not, is something to ponder and think about.  I try not to make up the rules as I go along - I've done that in the past in my life and it usually isn't a good thing - however, I am the owner of this old body and I have to answer to myself about how I treat it so ultimately the decisions are mine.  I think I choose to be pretty hard on myself about what I eat but I don't feel deprived or unhappy about food - I try not to be ruled by food choices or decisions any more.  I just keep it so simple and that seems to work best for me.  If someone wants to spend time making elaborate foods that fit into their guidelines I applaud them but for me I just don't want to think about food that much any more.  I'm having a hard time figuring out what to bring to the reunion because the things I eat are pretty unexciting and uninspired.  Don't worry, I'll come up with something, maybe cauliflower mock-potato salad.  Yummy!!! I've preached and ranted enough to make up for the week I was gone.  I just love all of you so much - want you to succeed and want you to feel supported always.  You can message me any time - I'll get back as soon as I can. Hugs to all Lana

Hey everybody, I am rarely on here anymore.  Always so busy seems like.  The last 3 weeks are a blur, I've had something going on everyday.  I can't even remember what all happened. I did want to pop in and say a great big THANK YOU to Claudette and the leadership she gives our group.  As you know, I've lead a few times and I know it's easier to sit back and enjoy the group, rather than being in the "hot seat".  lol Claudette you are sooo appreciated.  You are a very special person and a great leader.  We are so lucky to have had the Circle of Friends support group formed.  This is the kind of meeting this surgery is all about. In putting my "2 cents" worth in though, as much as I love the group, I think it should be kept at 1 1/2 hours.   If we did go to 2 hours, we would probably still not get everything said.  We all have a lot to talk about.  No, quiet, boring group here.  lol Last night's group was another excellent one.  I always feel so re-charged afterwards.   The "second" meeting at IHOP is always a blast too.  This surgery has not only gave my life back, but I have been blessed to have met so many neat people and some really good friends. It was good to see all the new people, the regulars, and some old friends that we hadn't seen in a while.  We also missed the ones that weren't able to make it. When one meeting is over, I start looking forward to the next one. See you all next month. Glenna

Hello, everyone!  Just wanted to pop in for a minute.  Sounds like you all had a great COF meeting, as usual.  One of these days I'll get to come to another one.  Thought I was going to be able to come to this month but my son had swimming lessons.  Maybe next month. Jan & Janet - thanks for asking about me last week.  Jan, we were in Branson last weekend but didn't make it to the red roof mall like I had intended.  I'll be there again this weekend though and have to go to Carter's to pick up a baby gift.  Any chance you'll be working this weekend?  I'd try to pop in to say hello. I think of all of you often but life as a single mother during the week (my DH works out of town throughout the week) has kept me busy this summer.  It's great to see so many newbies - both pre-op and post-op.  I wish each of you much success in your journey.