Support Group Leaders: Introduce Yourselves Here!

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Permalink Reply by Lorraine Truitt on March 25, 2009 at 7:07pm

Hi Katie and to all Support Group Leaders!
I have been a Support Group Leader and Mentor Group Leader for 6 years. I had my WLS (Roux-n-Y) in 2002. I, like Katie find this to be the most favorite thing for me and I know that my passion for sharing comes from my own WLS Journey. I've also spoken at several other Support Groups for other Hospitals in Southern California. Even though I am 7 years out, I am always learning something new from the Support Group and Mentor Groups each week. It is always a joy to see how the WLS patients transform each week from being angry at the world to being happy with "HOPE".

Supporting people on their Weight Loss Journeys twice a week, does help to keep me honest. I find it exciting to watch the WLS patients change, but also frustrating and exhausting at times when they find it so difficult to follow their new WLS program.

I also am hoping that in this group we will be able to share ideas and to offer support to one another!

Have a Great Evening and I hope to hear from all soon!

Lorraine
Arcadia, California

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Permalink Reply by Katie Jay on March 25, 2009 at 7:20pm

Welcome, Lorraine! I have had the pleasure of meeting you and visiting one of your groups. As you know, I think you are just wonderful and do such a great job.

I appreciate you joining this group and look forward to learning from you, as well as supporting you!

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Permalink Reply by Lorraine Truitt on March 31, 2009 at 6:18pm

This week I will introduce myself to each of you.  My name is Lorraine and I had my surgery (Roux-n-Y) in October of 2002. I was 57 years old when I had my WLS.  My surgery was done at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, CA. by Doctor Wes Powell.  My BMI was 53 and my last weight at my Doctors Office was 332. I had been overwight since about the age of 5.  I had extremely high blood pressure and high Cholesterol, taking several meds for both.  During the first 12-mts of my WLS Journey I lost 136-lbs and 120 overall inches.  At the end of my second year I lost another 20-lbs.  During year 3, I started gaining some weight back (about 12-lbs) and this truely scared me and I decided that I had to do something about this. It was at this time, that I realized that even though I didn't want for anything, I kept asking myself, "why am I so unhappy"?  So at this time, I decided it was time to go back into therapy to find out what was going on.  I found out that I needed to morn the "Old Lorraine" and learn who the "New Lorraine" is.  With another year of Therapy, I was able to say Goodby to the old me and begin to understand the New Me.  During this last year, I've lost the 12-lbs gained, plus another 5-lbs.  At the end of year two I had Plastic Surgery done. I had an extended Tummy Tuck.  My Group Leadership started at 8 months out from WLS.  The Doctors wanted to start a Mentor program for the Patients so several of us were asked by the Surgeons if we would do this.  I really do enjoy doing the Mentor Program and helping each of the Pre-Surgery Patients and New Post Surgery Patients.  Over the past 5 years I have gained a wealth of information from everyone.  About 2 years ago, I was asked by the Surgeons if I would like to lead a Support Group for the WLS patients and Facilitate/Lead this group on a weekly basis.  At this meeting we talk about the feelings that come up with having had Weight Loss Surgery.  As I said earlier, I know that my passion or sharing comes from my WLS Journey. I enjoy doing these meetings and speaking to other Support Groups, Mentor Groups and Hospitals in Southern California. I've also done Obesity Sensitivity Training for Hospital Staff and Doctors.
With this, I will close for now and hopefully others will introduce themselves.
Have a Great Week!LorraineArcadia, California  

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