Virg. Beach Support groups?

Good am Jill, WELCOME to the VA Board! I'm here in Richmond but want you to know that you can reach out to us any time you want/need to. Here are a couple things for your to consider. Jill (Sporty Jill) does an accountability post you might find helpful as a daily way of logging your progress & struggles. You might start there. I've read this entire post and I see where you're living with your sis, her boyfriend & son and the food choices you don't have control over. That's ok! You might consider suggesting healthier foods to them while you're there showing them the type of lifestyle that's benefited you and you may be surprised at them embracing the changes generally well. Get back to basics ASAP! No less than 64 oz of GOOD fluids such as coffee/tea (decaf), Crystal Ligh****er, etc. Protein 80-100 grams (for me) PER day. For me, its 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. I don't eat after 8:30-9 pm unless there are rare exceptions such as dinner our with friends and even then its something light as I don't like to eat 2 hours before bedtime. Reach out in your community (like you're doing here) and find a walking partner or even enlist your sister and get moving. 30 minutes a day is great! For me its at least 2 miles a day 5x's a week and I've incorporated 3 sets of 10's of the following: squats, wall leans, jumping jacks, lunges and more. KICK the smoking habit ASAP! You don't need it! Pursue getting away from that entirely. I've NEVER been a smoker so I cannot say I know how you feel however, I've dealt with addiction (as many of us have that's why we're here) and life is SO much better and a lot more fun without something preventing us from really living. Hope some of these ideas help you! All best!

good morning, Kitty Kat.   wow..... you are tough... lol  (j/k)   its EXACTLY what i needed to read..... and there have been so many times since my GBS I have said at least one of these ideas to others on these boards....     I really have no excuse because my sister eats healthy for the most part.... she buys the stuff but they all just have a little and she doesnt (and never has) had a weight issue... she is @90 lbs and 4'11.....  and full of energy.    She rides her bike a lot too and her son is an avid surfer....    I think I got here and right away the old habits and feelings from when we were younger kicked in.   (yeah... i should see a therapist as soon as I get insurance again!!)       Also, she has offered to walk with me and she even offered to buy me a bike.    i guess I have just been depressed and not doing what i know is best. I think that just reading them here helps though, tremendously.     I also know that i need to start getting in more water.   I like the 3 meals and 2 snacks idea.    I have been eating a lot of little meals all day and when i cant sleep more snacking.    so i will try to do that.    today is a whole new day...... so i thank you for planting these seads of wisdom!! I will also check out the other posts each day.    thanks again!!! hugs, Jill :)

Honestly, I'm my own harshest critic and sometimes its easy to know WHAT to do its just doing it. I have had a LOT of things going on in my life and I too made excuses and put me almost dead last and that is just unacceptable. Family to be honest is sometimes the "comfort food" for us. We see them eating things, doing or NOT doing things and we figure ok they are family they won't down us and they will accept us (for the most part) like we are and accept the things we're eating and doing or again NOT doing. They are (I've found) easy crutches. But, that's not working out for me either. I've been a doormat, put on the back burner and I've suffered because of it. So, things change, times changes, I'm changing again and I'm getting back on track myself. All the things I'm suggesting to you are things I'm truly doing with and to myself right now. I'm focusing on my eating, drinking and exercising, I'm pushing myself harder, longer and more often, I'm say NO to outside forces and of course there is temptation but let's be honest we CAN fight it. Its why I love to come here each day. I NEED support and want it very much. I am NOT one to readily ask for it a lot of times but I need it and so I make a point to come here and learn, give back and take at times too. Depression SUX & I'll tell you what its gotten me GOOD in recent months. But, I'm never out just a little down. Take your sister up on walking. I swear its awesome having a walking partner (even if mine is 3 years old) because it keeps you motivated, keeps you moving, keeps you going for your goal and before you know it you are thinking wow I just accomplished my exercise today. It helps to have good conversations and laughing and always carry a water bottle. I take my 32 oz bottle with me each morning when Nora & I go walking. I'm DONE with it by the time we're back home. Also, I'm setting an example for her & her sister. I know where I've been and I'm NOT going back. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out! I'll do my best! All best to you! Keep us posted!

hi KK  :) thanks,  I will really try to keep the things "I KNOW I NEED TO DO.."  lol  ... in check.   It is not always easy... but I do have a wonderful tool in wls, and here on the boards to help and support me.    My sister is really a good advocate on health... and i did go for a, albeit short..., but a walk just the same.     I will always rationalize how to get out, but will try to do the best i can each day.     it is so true that after we have done it we are so much happier.    :) I was never depressed through the first 2.5 yrs after my surgery, but the last 6 mos of moving around have been difficult and not having a set full time job was really hard too. Today was a GOOD DAY in that i made a lot of healthy choices and i had a 2nd job interview at a company i really want to work for.   i hope to know by friday or monday.....     thanks again. hugs, Jill :)

Good Morning!  And WELCOME TO VIRGINIA!!!!!!

Ok, first off...time to brush the cobwebs off of the good habits and get back into them!  You can TOTALLY do this!!!!  It looks as if you already know what direction you need to go in.

As for the support group, there is one that meets at Sentara Careplex in Hampton.  They are a great group of people!  Do a google to check them out. Also, hang out here.  There are tons of informationt hat is always floating around and the people a great and VERY supportive.  Check out the accountability thread.  It's a daily thread that I'm doing to get us through the month of June, and beyond (ssshhhh....they don't know that yet - hehe).  Plus, there is the What Are You Doing To Move thread that is posted daily to get exercise in the front of your mind.   Don't be shy...just jump right in!!!

Hello to a fellow "Jill"   :)    Although I am not too sporty...except when it comes to spectating... and then I am all about New England teams still.....   lol   Love the Red Sox and the NE Patriots!!     I will google that support group out...thank you!     I do hang out here and have lurked a bit, but last night i decided to speak up.. I get a bit 'shy' like you said.... and finally decided to un-lurk, or is it de-lurk....   Love your accountability posts and move to lose... they are inspirational and i appreciate them!  so thanks and thanks for the warm welcome, Hugs, Jill :)

Jill, Welcome to the VA  OH Family. Gwen

Thank you, Gwen!  Its so nice to be here! :) hugs, Jill