KatieOkieDokie

So I have a question what does the 5500 cover? Is that just the surgery, or is it the surgery, tests etc? And do they do all the test the same day as the surgery since it's out of country? Also wouldn't it be more expensive to make travel arrangements, and costs of hotels etc to go another country, rather than just doing the surgery here in the states?

When I started talking about having WLS, and looking into options the only two people I told I was my mom, and my best friend who happens to be my cousin. They both support me greatly! My cousin had WLS about a year ago and has lost over 100lbs, she says that it's the best "grown up" decision she has ever made! My mom worries that if something isn't done, I may not make it past 40 years old, and I will suffer physically due to my weight, so wants the best for me, and she wants to see me healthy, and happy! I have since told the rest of my family and a good friend who all stand behind me and support me, and hopes and prays I will be able to be approved for the surgery! I have had an abundance of support! However, I am not telling someone who I have considered my very best friend for the last five years, because I KNOW that really he doesn't care. He won't support me, and he won't be unsupportive, just uncaring (if it doesn't effect him personally he really doesn't care). So I am not telling him at all, even when the weight starts coming off! I know it really hurts and is bothersome when you are doing something that's going to benefit you, and make you more healthy, and give you life! You are happy, and you want others to feel the same way, and when you tell them and they don't react the same way you feel, it just hurts! That's why it's great that there are sites like this, where you can get support, and positive feed back from people who understand, and KNOW what we are going through!

Congrats! I can't give you any advice because I have yet to have the surgery but I love reading peoples stories! I too have decided that when or if I get the surgery I am only going to tell CLOSE family, and my very best friend (actually they already know) I'm not telling anyone else.

Congrats!! This is awesome news!

Yay!! Congrats!

Here is a link to the board for 200+ losers! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/39-200-pounds/

Congrats! I hope all goes well, and I'm sending you warm thought, wishes, and a speedy, painless recovery! You are doing this for all the right reasons, you're doing this for your health, for live! I really hope that your husband and close friends come around also, as crazy as this sounds I think the love and support of others helps with recovery.

YAY!! Congrats!

Congrats!!

So I thought I would introduce myself, since I have been lurker. I joined yesterday, in hopes of learning more about WLS. I am a VERY new newbie. I have thought about WLS before, actually a lot, but I have yet to take any steps mostly out of finical reasons. However a door *MAY* open that could help me greatly (I hope and pray) So a little bit about me. My name is Katie and I'm 31 years old, live in Ohio. I have been overweight almost my entire life. Which seems to shock everyone because I only weighed 14lbs when I was 2 years old! I have not always been big, and probably most people thought I would be a little bit of nothing when I got older, boy did I surprise them! As a kid I was in gymnastics and took it very seriously! However, I ended up breaking my arm when I was in about the third grade which of course made gymnastics impossible to do, and just my luck the day after I got my cast taken off my arm I ended up breaking my leg! So I was pretty much in casts for a good 5 months! That's when my weight gain really started (and not just weight gain, but other major changes that happen to girls..I really developed quickly and young). It did not help that my mom worked at a bakery and started to bring home the left over goodies at the end of the day. So my lack of movement, and eating of junk food didn't help! By the time I was in the 6th grade I weighed 200lbs, and was much bigger than those my age. By the time I was in high school I weighed around 250lbs and pretty much kept that weight until I was around 23, when I bloomed well over 300lbs. I had major changes during that time. I went from living in the city where I walked every where to living in the country where I never walk, and don't get out and move like before. I am also an emotional eater (which I know is a problem) mostly when I'm bored! So here I am, 31 years old, overweight, and needing help! I feel so limited by my weight, I am limited by weight. I probably weigh over 400lbs now (I'm guessing here). I'm in a lot of pain a lot, mostly my lower back. I can't walk without being in pain, or getting out of breath, and I can't stand for more than 3 mins without being in pain. My ankles are starting to become weak, and I'm scared for my life. It's hard to believe that the girl who use to walk miles at a time, can barely walk to her car from the house, and has to have a shopping cart to lean over while shopping so it takes the weight off my lower back, and opens up my lungs so I can breath. I am going to school for nursing, but I know unless I loose weight I will never be able to be a nurse because physically I can't! So there is my story, and my introduction! I've enjoyed this site so far, and have learned some. I'm praying that I can get some help, so I can start this journey to hopefully better my life, and give me a chance at life!

Oh geez I am on here trying to get information about the sleeve, and sadly this thread has scared me the most! lol. I've always had mild periods and I've never had cramps before in my life! I can't imagine having them! haha.