CassieWNY

Welcome to all the new additions to our small but mighty group. Just wondering how many of us have confirmed July. I see Christine has the 5th. I am hoping to know by April 23rd. Anyone else confirmed for July? Staying positive.... *crosses fingers*

So many of these postings hit home for me. In the end, I am tired of thinking about my weight. I am consumed by it daily - from assessing whether I am the "fattest" person in the room to figuring out if someone is treating me differently because of my weight. Stereotyping of larger people makes it very difficult for me in my job as many assume I am heavy merely because I am not a hard worker, or lazy, or I cannot get away from the fridge. It would sometimes make me sad. Often it would make me angry. I want energy back... I am going to channel myself to accomplish this goal for me. I cannot wait until I am able to shake loose all the negativity from weight gain, all the self-hatred, the denial, and the guilt. Losing the weight will not do that on its own, it will take a complete overhaul of my mindset. I am ready...finally. I do not want to be embarrassed anymore, or angry, or humiliated, or sad... or miss out on anything I want to do because I am heavier. Tired of blurring the edges, hiding from mirrors, hiding from cameras, films, being posted on FB, the waterslide, the planes, that darn waiting room chair made for someone size 8.... I might have reached my lowest point when I asked myself if my friends felt sorry for me because they hung out with me. (Not being worthy on my personality alone). I know I am not alone but I have felt that way for over a decade.

Many thanks for sharing your progress. Congratulations on your Anniversary! A very inspiring journey for those of us on the verge of our surgeries. Thank you!

Anticipating a July 2013 surgery date. I work full-time and have children so would enjoy speaking to someone similarly situated about challenges in the workplace and at home. That being said, I do appreciate any and all input. To me it is more about connecting with someone with the same outlook and who wants some degree of mutual support and encouragement. It took me a long time to get here and I am really looking to make this a permanent, positive and healthy lifestyle change for me. Helping others is easy for me. Doing something for myself, where I have to ask for support, is trying. If anyone is using a co-active lifestyle coach for this process, I would love to hear how that has been working for you. To each person who took the time to read this posting, I wish you the best as you make your journey. Peace.

Greetings July Hopefuls. I am also in line for a mid-July surgery date in NY. Have to finish up with the regular visits. With apnea and metabolic syndrome, it is my understanding that approval should not be an issue with my carrier. Saying that, I think my stress level on approval is higher than my stress level on the surgery itself. The old "check is in the mail" piece. I do not have a pre-surgical weight loss program but I do have the liver reduction diet. Frankly, dieting for two weeks isn't hard - I think it may be what got me here. Having done the homework on the surgery and the surgeon, I am now expanding my knowledge so I am ready for post-surgery. I want to be as ready as I can.