As many of you know LivingAfterWLS is a full suite of resources to support living well after WLS. At the hub of the business is the website that includes this Neighborhood, the Library, Recipes, Boutique and Blogs. We also have the four You Have Arrived newsletters. In addition we have cottage support groups affiliates called "Nurturing Neighbors" who conduct live meetings with members in their geographic area. All of these business segments reflect that LAWLS Empowerment Philosophy. Recently we framed this philosophy and I thought you would be interested in reading the core belief of this organization. This will soon be posted on the website as well.
I am proud of this Empowerment Philosophy and for the way LAWLS reflects this.

LivingAfterWLS Empowerment Philosophy

LivingAfterWLS believes that success with weight loss surgery, and in life, can be found when we focus on inner strength rather than inner weakness. As recovering morbidly obese people we have often been made to feel weak for our illness. We are not weak. We have inner resources that make us beautiful unique beings with intelligence, talent and love to share with the world. The LivingAfterWLS philosophy empowers individuals to recognize and harness their own inner strengths.

The first step to personal empowerment is personal responsibility. LivingAfterWLS holds individuals accountable for making their weight loss surgery successful. When individuals take responsibility they feel liberated and motivated to invest personal equity in their success.

Personal empowerment is not borne of the statement "I am empowered." It is a state of mind cultivated with education, thought and validation. The LivingAfterWLS support group program and online resources are actively engaged in the pursuit of personal empowerment for all neighbors. The following core values support this philosophy:

--Socialization & Culture

--Social Equality

--Education & Understanding

--Health & Wellness

--Information & Communication

--Opportunity & Sustainability

--LivingAfterWLS is built on the strength of relationships

--LivingAfterWLS is inclusive: everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate

--LivingAfterWLS management is accountable to those who find safe haven here

--LivingAfterWLS is at all times flexible, adaptable, intelligent and creative

This is beautifully written and strong, yet forgiving, I think you did a great job!

When individuals take responsibility they feel liberated and motivated to invest personal equity in their success.


This is the core value to my way of thinking. Words do have power don't they?

Reggina, that says alot coming from you.

Enuf said!

EXCELLENT!

Well said my friend!!

Glad you neighbors like this philosophy - I believe each of you are reflected in these words!

i like this because a lot of other websites tell you its ok to not have a plan and just hope it works out. but then what happens is like me you gain the weight back and hate yourself even more.

Never hate yourself. You can get mad at yourself, but to keep the weight off and be smart, you need to love you even more!

It's not only the other websites Twinkie. After coming here I've come to the conclusion alot of us were just thrown in the deep end. We either had to sink or swim. Luckily we found a REAL life raft to hang on to. We are cpntinualy learning even after many years.

Wow I love that Philosophy it is so well said.
It is true words are powerful.
Galelynn

Thanks Galelynn.

And Twinkie - it is never ok to just hope for the best and the people or places that give that kind of feedback are not doing anybody favors. I'm glad you are here!

Tomorrow's "You Have Arrived" newsletter is all about personal empowerment with WLS and with life. Be sure you are subscribed! :)


LivingAfterWLS Newsletters

Kaye--you did an excellent job with this. I thought that I had already posted, but apparently the thoughts were still in my head!
Love you, love your site

This is not only insightful, it is incredibly beautiful. You can tell it comes straight from someone with an incredibly beautiful soul. This is the part I like best....

"As recovering morbidly obese people we have often been made to feel weak for our illness. We are not weak. We have inner resources that make us beautiful unique beings with intelligence, talent and love to share with the world."

This is probably one of the reasons I don't tell many people about my surgery. In the past, I have been made to feel "weak" or stupid because I have been overweight. But I am NOT that person. I know how much courage it takes to go through this surgery. And it was not an uninformed decision. By the time I decided to actually have the surgery, I knew an awful lot of information. Going through this surgery has made me realize I am a much stronger person than I imagined. I am SO filled with determination lately; it's almost scary.

I love that LAWLS recognizes our uniqueness and our inner strength. As someone who is newly post-op, I am no longer content to sit on the sidelines and let people judge me. I am truly amazed at how I am beginning to reclaim my life. I feel like a butterfly that has been hiding in a cocoon way too long. I still have a way to go before I can fly, but I am definitly breaking out of my shell.

Some amazing and surprising things have happened to me in the last few months. Not just the 40+ pounds I have lost, but my reaction to it, other people's reaction to it, and my changing view of the whole world. I thank God everyday that LAWLS is here to help me through this journey. It truly is a unique and wonderful place.

Andie---you are a super star! It is just wonderful to be able to watch you bloom into who you really are. Big hugs from me to you

Andie - - you are emerging! YOU HAVE ARRIVED!

You and I have been together for a long time - and Kim is correct - you are a superstar.



I read a quote here from our own wonderful Judy Petite which should be added to the empowerment philosophy. Judy wrote,

"MO - You ain't the boss of me!"

Cheers Judy! We are empowered!

Andie, wonderful insightful post. Reading this will only strengthen the resolve we all have to overcome the life of obesity we once had. Thank you....

I was trying to post to this thread last night and got cut off the internet.
I am every so greatful to Kaye for this wonderful site and reading her Empowerment Philosophy only strengthens my deep appreciation for her having created it. Where would I be today if I had not stumbled upon LAWLS? Now wait, I could not have just stumbled on this site, I must have been lead to it as I believe that God does not bring circumstances or people into my life without a purpose. Yes, Kaye and LAWLS, can only be Heaven Sent.

I love that LAWLS recognizes our uniqueness and our inner strength. As someone who is newly post-op, I am no longer content to sit on the sidelines and let people judge me. I am truly amazed at how I am beginning to reclaim my life. I feel like a butterfly that has been hiding in a cocoon way too long. I still have a way to go before I can fly, but I am definitly breaking out of my shell

And yes, Andie you have defintely arrived. Spread your wings Andie and fly as high and as far your heart desires.

Another bump for our newbies & old timers....