For a number of personal reasons, Teri has found it necessary to take some time out from her role as Owlss Macclesfield Group Leader. We would like to thank Teri for the work she has done for Owlss in the last year and especially in her capacity as the mentoring coordinator for Macclesfield and hope, when the time is right, she will return to the group and continue to play an active role in supporting members in the Macclesfield area. 

In order to move the Macclesfield Group forward, we are delighted to advise you that two new Group Leaders have been appointed for the Cheshire and Northwest Area.  Linda (username Sashatina) and Dave (username Cobra5107) have both agreed to take on the role of Group Leaders in addition to Teri who continues to be Macclesfield Mentoring Coordinator for the time being whilst we can find someone else willing to take on the position.

On accepting the voluntary appointments, Linda and Dave told Owlss a little about themselves and why they wished to take on the roles.

Linda explained; "My name is Linda and I am married with two grown up children.  I work full time within the local government sector.

My journey began over 30 years ago, gaining weight, loosing weight, re gaining weight plus much more each time I went on a diet, this had been my life cycle up until last year, I tried every slimming club and medication available on the market, however over the years this has proved to be futile.

I read Sharron Osbourne's biography and was inspired by her determination and weigh loss surgery. I thought: 'I can do this', this is what I need!' I did my research for over a year into having gastric surgery, I then joined Owlss in January 2009 and I can honestly say this was the turning point in my life, I was well and truly hooked, after reading hundreds of open and honest forum post and some fantastic journals, I decided I would have the Gastric Band.

I had my operation In May 2009 at the Spire Regency in Macclesfield and suffered a few complications during and after surgery which really tested me, but looking back, what I will say is that the Gastric Band is the best thing to happen to me. In hindsight my only regret is that I should have done it years ago and would I do it again? Without a shadow of doubt YES!

I now weigh 9 and half stone and wear a size10/12 clothes. I feel 20 years younger, and I am able to do things that I couldn't do all those years ago.....

I am delighted to be asked to become a Group Leader and look forward representing Owlss members in Cheshire and the Northwest and working with new fellow Group Leader, Dave to improve the support available to you all."

New Group Leader, Dave told us: €œMy name is Dave Pierce I€™m 58 years old and I live in St Helens, Merseyside with my wife Lyn.( who has been my rock as always) I moved here 7 years ago from Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire. I had a Gastric Bypass on the 26th of June 2009 at the Spire Hospital Hull.

I must say that now having lost just over 9 stone of my original 28 1/2 stone I feel bloody great and I would do it all over again if I had to. Just being told that your BMI is down from 54 to 41 is wonderful. Both Linda and I want to help everyone in the northwest area by sharing our own experiences and providing information and support to enable members to make the choices that are right for them.

I am really looking forward to seeing all at the Macclesfield Group Meetings."

Both Colin and Debz are delighted to have Linda and Dave join them as Group Leaders and look forward working with them to build up a strong support network in the Northwest.