Cholula

Very cool, I'm just barely started on my jpourney, but I wish you well Kate

I posted yesterday and got no replies, so maybe a bit more information was needed for feedback? So many feelings For the first time in my life, I'm considering weight loss surgery. I guess it started when I was reading a fellow RVers blog and she talked about having the procedure done. I found it mildly interesting, but just left it in the back of my mind to simmer. For the last couple of years, I find myself becoming more and more depressed about my weight. Things that used to work just don't any more. Low carb seems to work for a while, usually about 15 pounds, but then nothing. I know exercise would help, but truthfully, I find it hard to even do the day to day things that need to be done. My body is just too huge. My back hurts, my hips, knees, everything seems to be in pain. Did I ever have a time when my body didn't feel like a huge ball of hurt? If so, I don't remember it. I feel like my fat is an external thing I carry with me, like a huge medicine ball that I can't put down. I have to literally pick my stomach up to wash, my arms actually make flapping noises when I lower them too quickly. I feel like I look old and washed up and generally feel hopeless. We went to the Doctor the other day about my hip pain, and I found myself asking her (a wonderful Doctor, she's probably 5 foot three and 100 pounds) if she thought I was a candidate for weight loss surgery. To her credit, we love her, she's just what you would want for your general practitioner. While she has mentioned my weight, she has never harped, nor blown off my many bodily complaints to my weight (as other Doctors have in the past). I find it interesting that all sizes of people have back pain, but if you're fat, that's what many attribute it to, never looking past the weight. It makes you feel like a non person, like you're being viewed as a large pile of fat rather than a person. But that isn't her. So after my question, she looked at me and said yes, you are definitely a candidate, and I will be happy to refer you. The spark was lit. We next went down to the educational office to ask about classes. The first step through Kaiser is to attend a "Weight Loss Surgery Overview", and we will be attending that tomorrow morning (June 12, 2012). Now I find I have 1000s of questions running through my mind. I've been glued to the computer, reading everything I can find (and there are thousands of entries) and I have so many mixed feelings . . . One thing I know, even if I lose all the weight I'd like to (I'm currently 255-260, 5 foot 4) I'll still be restricted in many ways due to loose skin. Ideally I'd like to be down to 140, but truthfully, if I could just reach 200 again I'd be thrilled. I know if I just ate the way they tell you to after surgery, I would see the same results, so the question comes up, why even bother? I think for me, it's the commitment. So that's my story. I'd love to hear from others, particularly anyone who has dealt with Kaiser in Santa Clara, I'm just curious about the whole process. Kate

error, sorry

I'm just at the beginning stage also. I go for the orientation Tuesday. I'm excited but also nervous that I won't be accepted. Kate

I've just talked to my GP and she has agreed that surgery would be the right choice for me. I'm scheduled for the initial info class on Tuesday ( June 12) and am loaded with questions. I would kindly appreciate a support buddy, and if possible, any info from anyone who has gone through the process at the Kaiser in Santa Clara, CA. I've just turned 64, and really feel this will work for me after a lifetime go yo yo dieting. I'm positive at this point and would like any input you'd care to share. Kate