LivingFree!

I went through the same mental agony (big time) about modifying the "original design" of my body. It's a big reason I chose sleeve over RNY (somehow I could justify it easier in my mind to not do the radical rerouting with RNY???). The way I found peace with my decision to go ahead is that my God was ok with me taking advantage of this awesome medical procedure now available that would enable me to dramatically improve my health and lifestyle for the rest of my life. For me, to be able to fulfill my spiritual purpose on this earth requires that my body and mind be healthy, and if I needed "artificial" help to do that, then so be it. Are you clear in your mind why you only want to lose 40 pounds? Another point you might want to think about--although there are many people who are living successfully with the LapBand, please make sure you do your exhaustive research about it vs. sleeve. There are growing numbers of people who are finding it necessary to revise their LapBands to the sleeve or RNY. Keep talking here and you will find your answer. . .

***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** Unfortunately, Ontario/Chino Chapter's final group meeting will be Saturday, February 7, 2015. Many thanks and much appreciation to the couple of BariPal members who have faithfully and consistently showed up each month to support our efforts to grow our group. Wishing continued success to all...

You did not fail yourself. You were TRUE to yourself by acknowledging that you are not ready. Be proud of that! There may be a time in the future when you ARE ready, or there MAY NOT BE. Either choice is just fine. Meanwhile, there's tons of support here, as you know. Talk about your concerns until you can truly know what is best FOR YOU.

Great! Thx for your RSVP. See you tomorrow...

Yay for you, Susan!!! Have fun and congrats! We'll miss you, but will send out a cheer for you. . . Sherry

Hi Jan, Happy New Year! Thx for letting me know. See you Sat!

Quest Nutrition has a great new line of whey Protein isolate blend powders out including an UNFLAVORED one. Available @ questnutrition.com. Also at Vitamin Shoppe (retails at $39.99), GNC (more expensive) in 2 lb tubs.

Terribj, All I can say is-- just soak it up and enjoy the wonder of it all! I am in my third New Year's since surgery, but THIS year is the first where it has really hit me that I NEVER AGAIN have to chase and face the dissapointment of failing at the New Year's resolution to lose weight. It's so good to read your post and your feelings that I can absolutely relate to. It's hard to wrap your head around after all those years. It's not too late to still have that "new start feeling" with something new that is super special to you. Hope you find it, cherish it, and know that you are now wide open to have so many new choices every year and not be "weighed down" (no pun intended) by the losing weight resolution! Congrats!

Athena3127, sorry you're in a funk but that's really "normal" and to be expected. Many (most) of us go through that, and it's ok to feel that way. And glad you are "venting" your feelings. Try not to be too hard on yourself. Remember that you are going through a MAJOR life change--changes that will continue big time during this first year. Your "hunger" you are experiencing can also be some "head hunger" going on, not true physical hunger. As we adjust our eating habits getting away from all that sugary and carby food, our bodies (and especially our minds) will still "protest" and want it. Just do your best to stay on your Bariatric Eating program and the hunger pangs will lessen as you keep feeding your body what it is intended to be fueled with (healthy, natural, and nutritious foods). When I think I am hungry, I first check to be sure I am not just thirsty, and drink a little 8 oz Arrowhead bottle. We often mistake hunger for thirst. Work on finding a way that you can learn to do plain Water. Plain water is best for our bodies; it keeps our metabolism revved. Would it work better if you always had ice water instead? Getting in your Protein and required fluids is always toughest right at first. You're not doing anything wrong--it's always hard at first. Just do your best. Just remember that will remain the most important thing forever as a WLS patient. My program did not list processed carbs like crackers, etc. at your stage (9 weeks). The more you can keep away from those processed carbs, the less you will crave them. The processed carbs really do stimulate hunger. The more you eat the more you want. It is one of the lessons I learned early on. If I may just offer you a word of encouragement--our REAL goal is total health. The byproduct is a healthy weight. Establishing our new daily healthy eating habits makes the numbers on the scale happen automatically day-by-day without us having to worry about what the number will say. Once a week weighing is (or even just once a month as another poster suggested) a good rule of thumb. You are doing fine. You knew this wasn't going to be easy. But you were up to the challenge or you wouldn't have done it. Hang in there. Stay connected to your medical team (and here!).

In my opinion, "The Emotional First Aid Kit, a Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery" by Cynthia L. Alexander, PsyD, as mentioned above is the BEST and ONLY book for explaining and helping us understand the emotional part (the BIGGEST part of WLS). I read MANY WLS books and this one outshined all of them. At 4 years out, I still refer to it and always will. Dr. Alexander is a psychologist who has years of experience with WLS patients. She explains WHY the proper use of psychology by us is so important. It is written in patient-friendly language that makes it totally understandable and so much easier to make the life changes we need to make. She takes us from the very beginning (decision-making process to have surgery, all the way through to relapse prevention which includes fear of weight regain, crossover addictions, etc, etc, etc). It is a manual for our new forever lifestyles. Please buy it. It is available for download on Amazon or in print. Another "interesting" read is "Obese from the Heart, A Fat Psychiatrist Discloses," by Sara K, Stein, MD. A lot of good information about our emotional connections to food. The book is not specific to WLS (although she does address it).

SPECIAL REMINDER: We are NOT meeting the FIRST SATURDAY this month (Jan 3) because of the holidays. Group is January 10. BARIATRIC PAL ONTARIO/CHINO COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP ***NEXT SUPPORT GROUP IS Saturday, January 10, 2015, 9:30-11:00AM*** Hi Everyone~ Happy New Year! Looking forward to meeting and talking about holiday victories or challenges. . . Our Mini-Topic of the Month will be: Fresh Starts Hope you will be joining us! If you will be coming, please RSVP on this thread NO LATER THAN THURSDAY NIGHT, JANUARY 8, so I can prepare enough handout materials and seating. You can also RSVP to ontchinochapter@aol.com if you have questions of a private nature. Thank you! See you on January 10! Sherry BariatricPal Support Group Leader BARIATRIC PAL Ontario/Chino Community Support Group First Saturday of Every Month, 9:30-11:00 AM (except holiday weekends) MEETING LOCATION: KAISER PERMANENTE ONTARIO/VINEYARD MEDICAL CENTER (Building A, 3rd Floor), 2295 S. Vineyard Ave., Ontario 91761 DIRECTIONS: From the 60 Fwy, take the Vineyard Ave exit. The Medical Center is on Vineyard Ave, just north of the 60 Fwy (NE corner Vineyard Exit & 60 Fwy). When you enter the short driveway from Vineyard Ave, you'll see a tall building just to your left. That is Building A. There will be ample parking in the lot in front of the building. Enter the building's double doors and you will see a large receptionist area. The elevators are just to your right of the receptionist area. (DO NOT CHECK IN at the reception desk; proceed directly to 3rd floor.) Standard Disclaimer: Any information provided at BariatricPal Community Support Groups is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your health care provider.

Hi Annette~ Happy New Year! Good to hear from you! Been missing you at Group... Fontana Evening Post-Op Groups for Jan are Tu 1/6, 6pm; Wed 1/21, 6pm; and Th 1/29, 6pm. Kai hasn't put out an official 2015 schedule yet and not sure if any of these will be a Nutrition group. Hope you can make one of these at least. Yes, Ontario is mostly pre-ops and a few new-ops. Still struggling to get more post-ops. Jan 10 BariatricPal ONT/Chino Group announcement post follows here. Sherry

LumpySpacePrincess, If I understand what you are saying-- For me at almost 4 years out, as we approach the New Year, I STILL find it so hard to believe that I (me?, can't be), no longer have any need to make a New Year's Resolution to lose weight like I did EVERY YEAR OF MY LIFE (and then beat myself up when I failed of course)! I think it's all just part of adjusting to the GOOD things about our new lifestyle that we continue to discover day by day, month by month, year by year. Enjoy every single one of them. . .!

Hi GoGoNiner, I don't know of any BariatricPal group in the Victorville area. I know coming to Ontario would be quite a drive for you,(especially with winter weather!) but we'd love to have you, any time! Maybe you can think about starting one up yourself. I KNOW there would be interest in the Victorville area. You can private message Alex Brecher for more info on how to become a BariatricPal support group leader. Good luck!

CA-ONTARIO/CHINO & NEARBY (Western San Bernardino County) First Saturday of Every Month, 9:30-11:00 AM (Please see SPECIAL NOTICE below regarding change in JANUARY GROUP DATE) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BARIATRIC PAL ONTARIO/CHINO COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 9:30-11:00 AM R E M I N D E R R E M I N D E R R E M I N D E R Hi Everyone, January's Group WILL NOT be on January 3 because of New Year's weekend. We will be meeting on JANUARY 10 instead. Back to normal schedule in February--(FIRST Saturday, 2/7). Joyful Holidays to all! Sherry BariatricPal Ontario/Chino Support Group Leader

Debbie3Sons, Jols, suekistar, Hi you three! Hope you can make it. Looking forward to seeing you! Sherry

CA-ONTARIO/CHINO & NEARBY (Western San Bernardino County) First Saturday of Every Month, 9:30-11:00 AM (Please see SPECIAL NOTICE below regarding change in JANUARY GROUP DATE) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BARIATRIC PAL ONTARIO/CHINO COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 9:30-11:00 AM (Note: Holiday Raffle follows between 11-11:15AM for those who can stay) Hi Everyone! Please join us on December 6 for Support Group! As many of us are winding up into “full gear” for the December holidays, please consider that WE owe it to ourselves to give us AT LEAST this 90 minutes in December to make time to come to Group! Our Mini-Topic of the Month is: Part Two: WLS & the Holidays: Keeping it Fun AND Healthful! The People. The Places. The Goodies. We’ll be sharing some On-the-Go Tips & Tricks and some other ideas for getting rid of guilt associated with our eating habits. If you are coming, please RSVP here on this thread no later than Thursday night, December 4, OR to our chapter’s email at ontchinochapter@aol.com. We begin promptly at 9:30, so please arrive a few minutes early so you have time to sign in. Sorry, we are unable to permit children under the age of 16. Thank you! See you on 12/6! Sherry BariatricPal Ontario/Chino Local Chapter Leader (Group Meets First Saturday of Every Month, 9:30-11:00am, unless otherwise announced.) MEETING LOCATION: KAISER PERMANENTE Ontario/Vineyard Medical Center, BUILDING A, 3rd FLOOR 2295 S. Vineyard Ave, Ontario 91761 DIRECTIONS From the 60 Fwy, take the Vineyard Ave exit. The Medical Center is on Vineyard Ave, just north of the 60 Fwy (NE corner Vineyard Exit & 60 Fwy). When you enter the short driveway from Vineyard Ave, you'll see a tall building just to your left. That is Building A. There will be ample parking in the lot in front of the building. Enter the building's double doors and you will see a large receptionist area. The elevators are just to your right of the receptionist area (DO NOT CHECK IN at the reception desk; proceed directly to 3rd floor.). SPECIAL NOTICE: Due to the New Year's Holiday weekend, there will be NO GROUP ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 3. FOR JANUARY ONLY, we will meet on SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015 instead. Standard Disclaimer: Any information provided at BariatricPal Community Support Groups is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your health care provider.

Hi Debbie3sons, Hope you come. Remember all that EXTRA self-talk we all need to be doing this time of year--WE and our WLS health matter too, RIGHT??? Sherry

Hi keno 7, I will be sending out the announcement for December's Group at the end of this week (after Thanksgiving). Check back here, probably Saturday or Sunday. Meanwhile, you can look at post #62 on this thread that shows November's announcement so you have the meeting location in advance in case you don't know exactly where it is. So, I will put you on the list as coming. See you 12/6! You can also email me any time at ontchinochapter@aol.com if you have any other questions of a personal nature. Thanks for your interest in joining Ontario/Chino Chapter! Sherry BariatricPal Support Group Leader

Hi Tired! . . . Please come to our next support group here in Ontario on Saturday, December 6!. If you go to BariatricPal USA Local Chapters and scroll down to CA-Ontario/Chino & Nearby, you will see our BariatricPal local chapter (in-person support group) thread. But, in case you can't find it. . . We meet the FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:00 am, at Kaiser Permanente Ontario Vineyard Medical Center, Building A, 2295 S. Vineyard Ave., Ontario 91761 (on Vineyard Ave @ 60 Fwy). Our next group is Saturday, Dec 6. You JUST MISSED our Nov 1 group this past Saturday. If you can come, just please RSVP there on that thread, or just shoot me a quick email to ontchinochapter@aol.com. Congratulations on your surgery and I totally understand your feeling the need to be around others. We are on a huge emotional road with our WLS surgeries. Hope you can come! Sherry BariatricPal Ontario/Chino Chapter Support Group Leader

SATURDAY'S NOV 1 GROUP-- THANKS TO ALL WHO BRAVED OUR FIRST RAIN OF THE SEASON TO BE HERE FOR GROUP YESTERDAY MORNING! Hope you were able to take away some helpful information and a "shot" of inspiration/motivation from your fellow BariatricPal pals. Please mark your calendars for next group -- Saturday, December 6. Watch for Dec's group mtg announcement right after Thanksgiving. Enjoy your Thanksgiving holidays! Sherry

Hi NavyMom2006, My pleasure--thanks for coming and for your contributions to the group. Glad you enjoyed it. See you soon--12/6 if you can make it. Take care. Sherry

Hi Debbie3sons, thx for coming! Great to meet you! Wish I could have spent more time talking with you. It's always kinda crazy right at the end. Hope you can make it again next month--Dec 6. Try to come early so we can talk before group starts. Take care. Sherry

Hi Jan, Thanks for your update! Been thinking about you. Glad to hear you're doing well, and totally "normal" with struggling to get in all the Protein and water--our biggest challenge right at first. I totally understand--we'll miss you, but I'm glad you won't be out there on the roads dealing with a snow & ice! Hope to see you in December. Keep taking care, and enjoy those mashies. . . Sherry

Always room for you, Marci! Drive carefully with this rain. I think we'll have a more comfortable-sized crowd this month too. Hope you can make it. Sherry