Featured Member Spotlight!

       Last June, I discovered a website called rnytalk.com . It is a fantastic resource for those who are considering Gastric Bypass surgery, and those who have already had the surgery. I found it a few months before my surgery. It is a discussion board that covers just about any topic you could imagine that is related to GBS. I found it so helpful pre-op and post-op. I don't really have any close friends in my area that have had the same surgery as myself, so this board was a lifesaver for me. It is filled with a range of people. It has been a great source of help for me during this gastric bypass journey. There are people to answer my random questions with their experience and others who can help encourage me when I've reached a milestone or help me through a plateau! I really enjoy answering the questions of people who are pre-op or who are newly post-op. 
       A few weeks ago, I received an email asking if I would like to participate in the Member Spotlight. I answered some questions and I was featured in the newest RNY Talk Newsletter! 

Here is a copy of the article:

Member Spotlight: Baker_gurl!
This month’s spotlight is on Baker_gurl, aka Emily from Memphis, Tennessee. At 5 feet 8 inches and 350 pounds, Emily had tried several times to lose weight on her own, but couldn’t keep it off. She had wanted the gastric bypass surgery for a few ye ars. Finally, her new job as a department associate gave her insurance last year, and she thought, “This is finally my time to make a change!" She got the gastric bypass in August of 2012 and is now at 260 pounds, nearly halfway to goal weight of 150 pounds!

One of the ways her life has changed is that she is learning to love exercise! Emily goes to water aerobics and zumba regularly, and now challenges herself on the treadmill and elliptical by slowing increasing the time and resistance. She’s also change her eating habits, of course, and she’s discovered how important it is to keep a food journal. She uses MyFitnessPal to log food and check the nutritional facts before ordering at restaurants. Emily has had to conquer her sweet tooth and “find the discipline to turn down dessert on a daily basis;” she’s learned that she “can indulge in other non-food ways.”

One of her great moments was seeing 299 on the scale! It had been eight years s ince she had been under 300 pounds. She also enjoyed discovering that previously too-tight clothes that were in storage were actually too big by the time she tried them on!

Emily logs into RNYTalk most days for information and inspiration. She relies on the community because she doesn’t know anyone in her real life who is a gastric bypass patient. She can learn from RNYTalk members who are going through the same changes as Emily. She also loves the “product reviews, tips and advice” from members who are further along.

Emily says that “you really have to be committed to making lifestyle changes to succeed. This is a long term process, not a quick fix! There will be plateaus, but you have to expect them and continue to work hard to pass them. Don't give up during these hard times!” She knows that “everyone makes mistakes during this process. What is important is that you truly learn from your mistakes and don't do the same thing again! Also, r ealize that you are not alone in this process! There is always someone here to help if you have a question/problem.”

Emily, thanks for all of your advice and support in this newsletter and on the boards. Congratulations on your success so far, and we’re all cheering for you as you get closer to goal weight. Thanks for being in the spotlight!

       I recommend this website to anyone interested in more information about GBS! Please check it out. I am a registered user with the name baker_gurl.