ho11ieberry06

How did you lose the weight? Did you exercise any? Good job and keep up the great work!

It's been rough! It's hard to find the energy to get out and exercise when you weight 325 lbs, like I do. I have really been focusing on my eating. The last month or so I've been drinking Protein shakes and have incorporated way more potein, chicken and fish in my diet. I've lost some weight but I still have a lot more to go. It scares me that the insurance co will turn me down because I'm required to lose 10%. But I have to keep trying. I started walking and swimming too.

Heather your story hits so close to home with me. I'm so excited for you! I am still in the process of getting approved by my insurance. It seems like the 6 months is taking forever, but the closer it gets the more excited I get. I have about 1 more month left before the doctor can send my paperwork into the insurance for approval. I know I will be nervous waiting to see if I get approved and I just hope everything goes right. Did you have to lose 10% of your body weight? If so how did you do it? Holly

Best of luck and wishing you a speedy recovery!

Hi Lisa, I'm new too. I'm still at the pre-op stage and I cannot wait to have my surgery. I am in the process of getting through a 6 month period which is required by my insurance. There is so much to do, so much planning and visiting with doctors, nutritionists and case managers that sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed but I know in the end it will be worth it. Good luck on your journey and hopefully we can keep in touch. Holly

You look amazing! I can't wait to look like that one day. Thanks for the update! P.S. Yes, I have been kicked off and if was the most humiliating thing that has ever happened to me. I've avoided amusement parks since.

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! Wow, I can't believe that happened to you! I never fly anymore for fear that the same thing will happen to me. I cannot wait until the day that I can sit in an airplane seat again. Good luck to you on your journey! Holly

Give me hope! Congratulations!

Reading these blogs and forums has been such a great help to me and I have started to realize that there is hope and better days to come. Everyone's inspiring stories has really made me start to think about what I'm looking forward to after I have surgery. Here is a list I will share with all of you: Going out - anywhere without feeling embarrassed Fitting in an airplane seat Going to the movies without feeling stuffed in the seats Sitting on the floor to play with my nieces and nephews Bending down to pick something up Exercising without feeling embarrassed Riding my bike Buying cute clothes from "normal" stores Dating Going to the park Going on walks Camping Traveling-anywhere-and not having my weight hold me back Swimming without feeling embarrassed Feeling like I'm worthy.....of anything Being taken seriously Not feeling shameful I know there is a lot more, but that's all I can think of for now. For all of you who are in the pre-op stages....what are you looking forward to the most? ~Holly

Hey there! When I was reading your entry my mouth fell open because it's my story too. I was always very active growing up and into my early twenty's. Then I got married, had back surgery, got divorced, moved to a new town and all that stress and emotional roller coaster, I gained A LOT of weight and it's just out of control. So, I have decided that surgery is the best route for me. I'm still at the pre-op phase of my journey and if everything goes right I should be having surgery sometime in October. It's nice to know there is someone out there that I can relate to. Good luck on your journey and keep up the good work! Holly

Oh my gosh........thank you to everyone for your input!!! It helps me so much. I'm going to take your advice and keep your encouragement close to heart. I am really feeling discouraged because I haven't lost, but hearing all of you lifts my spirit up. Thanks again!!!

One of the requirements with my insurance co. before I have surgery is that I must lose 10% of my body weight. I'm really having a hard time. Anyone else struggling with this or had to go through the same thing? Any tips you can share with me would be great. Holly

I loved your story! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful memory.

I am also to be supervised for 6 months before surgery as well as talk to a case manager with the insurance co once a month. Along with that I have to see the weight doctor once a month and all the other stuff you've had to do. I am praying that at the end of the 6 months, the insurance co. doesn't come back and say i didn't do something right or that i'm missing stuff. It's so annoying! I just want to be able to have everything go smoothly. Keeping my fingers crossed for you Holly