Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
Today I am alive and have been spared the fatal impact of many diseases: obesity, alcohol and drug addiction, HIV, and AIDS. My life needs to be about helping others, as I was given help, when I needed it most.
Back in the 80's and 90's I was working as an AIDS counselor, and traveled as a speaker at conferences and workshops. Each December 1, I would host and organize a citywide observance of what was then called, "Red Ribbon Day," later to be recognized as "World AIDS Day."
I went on to become an activist, March on Washington, and create and direct an urban Program for AIDS Education, Treatment, and Housing for Homeless HIV Addicts in Atlanta. At that time, the disease was on everyone's mind, everyday.
In the early 80's I had lived in Boston, ignorant and careless of HIV, and was very blessed to avoid contracting the disease at its most widespread and virulent time of illness in the U.S. Why was I spared and so many others died tragic, untimely deaths?
This weighed on me heavily, and informed my choice to become a Mental Health Counselor with a focus on HIV and AIDS related issues. I served within the community, professionally and privately, and worked to increase visibility and receive grants for HIV Education and Prevention, as well as Treatment and Housing. It was the least I could do.
I feel about that time as I feel today, about my blessing to receive WLS, when so many others are struggling and losing their lives to a disease that is avoidable and treatable...someday, soon, cureable.
And so, I ask you these questions:
1. Are you sexually active outside an ABSOLUTELY committed relationship?
2. If so, are you tested, at least yearly, for HIV? If not, how about today?
3. Have you made a pledge to safer sex, if, as you lose weight, your intimate relationships place you at risk for HIV contact?
4. Do you provide an education for your kids, of a "sexually active age potential," that includes knowledge of HIV and AIDS, and the information to protect their lives from the disease?
I am thankful today to be able to say I am alive and HIV(-). I am proud of the many strong and passionate HIV/AIDS survivors I have known. I think often of the many friends and loved ones, who did not survive an encounter with another HIV(+) person.
I hope we all remember today, in some active fashion, "World AIDS Day," and the multiple millions of Straight, Gay, Bisexual, Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Men, Women and Children of the World, who have died, are dying, and will continue to contract HIV, until the disease is cured.
Back in the 80's and 90's I was working as an AIDS counselor, and traveled as a speaker at conferences and workshops. Each December 1, I would host and organize a citywide observance of what was then called, "Red Ribbon Day," later to be recognized as "World AIDS Day."
I went on to become an activist, March on Washington, and create and direct an urban Program for AIDS Education, Treatment, and Housing for Homeless HIV Addicts in Atlanta. At that time, the disease was on everyone's mind, everyday.
In the early 80's I had lived in Boston, ignorant and careless of HIV, and was very blessed to avoid contracting the disease at its most widespread and virulent time of illness in the U.S. Why was I spared and so many others died tragic, untimely deaths?
This weighed on me heavily, and informed my choice to become a Mental Health Counselor with a focus on HIV and AIDS related issues. I served within the community, professionally and privately, and worked to increase visibility and receive grants for HIV Education and Prevention, as well as Treatment and Housing. It was the least I could do.
I feel about that time as I feel today, about my blessing to receive WLS, when so many others are struggling and losing their lives to a disease that is avoidable and treatable...someday, soon, cureable.
And so, I ask you these questions:
1. Are you sexually active outside an ABSOLUTELY committed relationship?
2. If so, are you tested, at least yearly, for HIV? If not, how about today?
3. Have you made a pledge to safer sex, if, as you lose weight, your intimate relationships place you at risk for HIV contact?
4. Do you provide an education for your kids, of a "sexually active age potential," that includes knowledge of HIV and AIDS, and the information to protect their lives from the disease?
I am thankful today to be able to say I am alive and HIV(-). I am proud of the many strong and passionate HIV/AIDS survivors I have known. I think often of the many friends and loved ones, who did not survive an encounter with another HIV(+) person.
I hope we all remember today, in some active fashion, "World AIDS Day," and the multiple millions of Straight, Gay, Bisexual, Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Men, Women and Children of the World, who have died, are dying, and will continue to contract HIV, until the disease is cured.
In caring for these courageous human beings I was forever changed & blessed. I learned how ugly fear can make some people and I learned the power of forgiveness, grace, & compassion. Grateful that some of those near & dear to me were diagnosed when HIV was no longer a death sentence.