Shelly Sennett, MSW, lost 117 pounds after having bariatric surgery Aug. 20, 2007. Over the holidays, she regained two of those pounds.

“But I've already lost those extra pounds,” she reports proudly. And she's eager to share the secrets of losing weight and more important, keeping it off.

The Auburn Memorial Hospital Fingerlakes Weight Loss Program (FLWLP) is launching a “Back on Track” program for people who are tired of the rollercoaster ride of weight gain and loss. Led by Shelly, who is a certified bariatric support group leader, the program is open to anyone, whether or not they have had bariatric surgery.

“Even someone who just wants to lose 10 pounds and keep it off is welcome and will find this program very helpful,” Sennett said.

It will begin Jan. 24 at AMH.

There are two options for participating: one day a week for six weeks or one whole day (8 hours) session. Registration can be done in person at the Fingerlakes Weight Loss Program at the hospital, located on the first floor, adjacent to the Central Registration desk. For information, contact Shelly at 255-7011 ext. 7893.

Shelly says that her surgery has “worn off” at this point.

“You stop losing weight and can eat more, but you must continue to avoid the behaviors that caused you to overeat. I used to sit in front of the television eating, but now I have taken up scrapbooking and work on that while I watch television. The secret is learning what you can do that is healthier than whatever habits are causing you to gain weight.”

“Back on Track” offers a 10-day program to “kick-start” weight loss. It stresses protein, vegetable and fruit and is “quite rigorous,” according to Shelly. Once you complete the 10 days, you can move on to whatever other weight loss program you prefer.

“The important part is setting and attaining goals,” Sennett said.

The most important point of the program, she says, is “It's not about eating - it's about changing behaviors.” She reports that she lost weight successfully many times before undergoing bariatric surgery, but always put it back on because she didn't change her behaviors.

“The ‘Back on Track' program works because you learn about yourself,” she says.

Class materials, provided by Bariatric Support Centers International, include booklets on setting goals, exchanging habits (an 8-step process to eliminate a bad habit and exchange it for a good habit), a guide to personal fitness and a tracker for weekly weight loss.

“I didn't realize how much I couldn't do because of obesity until I could do it,” Sennett said. “Just walking into a room anywhere, and knowing I can sit in any chair, is great. I couldn't buy clothes off the rack, but now I love going to sales and picking out stylish clothes that wouldn't have fit me before.”

She adds a warning, however: “It would be easy to exchange the overeating habit for overspending - it's just so much fun to buy new clothes!”

On a serious note, Shelly says that her health has improved in many ways.

“I have so much energy,” she said. “People ask if I'd go through it all again, and the answer is that I'd do it again in a heartbeat.”

Beverly Miller is the director of community relations and the Hospital Foundation at Auburn Memorial Hospital

If you go

What: “Back on Track” weight loss program

When: Program begins Jan.

24; there are two options for participating: One day a week for six weeks or one whole day session (8 hours)

Cost: $160, which must be paid prior to registration

To register: Must register in person at the Fingerlakes Weight Loss Program at the Auburn Memorial Hospital, located on the first floor, adjacent to the Central Registration desk, 17 Lansing St., Auburn.

To learn more: Contact Shelley Sennett by e-mail at ssennett@auburnhospital.org