introduction

[Guest guest]

Hi....I'd like to introduce myself to the group; my name is and I live in

the Seattle, WA area...Had a LAP RNY with Dr. Alan Wittgrove down in San Diego

last July and am currently 150 pounds down...I had a pannilectomy about 6 weeks

ago and last Tuesday a breast reduction and lift.....It's been quite a year of

change and I am continually amazed at where I find myself! We have a strong

support group here thanks to a really dedicated and energized gal, who

also posts here.... since the group started last June, we have over 200 members.

The support has been great for exchanging ideas, educating and making new

friends.....It's been very important for me to have dialogue with other WLS'ers

and to share the journey esp. since so many friends and family just can't

understand the obesity issues I fought with most of my life. At this juncture, I

am trying hard to stay open to life and not freak out about issues with intimacy

and engaging with people....I am not used to getting the attention I am

receiving...it's a new twist on life....friend's boyfriend's coming on to me, my

neighbor including me in her social circle, people at large being nicer and so

much more chatty with me... I am older (50) and when I start to get a little

nervous about the attention, I have to remind myself that it's okay....why not

try it out? I am discovering that a big part of this journey is reconstructing,

revitalizing, and recreating self and I am only limited by my old tweaked,

distorted belief system....once the body is normalized, then the emotional and

mental kick in!

What a year it's been! I look forward to participating in the group!