stacechase

How exciting!! I know that it'll be a challenge (as it will be for me when I have the surgery), but it sounds like you have the right mindset, focusing on the long-term benefits instead of the short-term difficulties. Good luck with everything!

When someone I don't care to speak with about the subject asks "How much have you lost", I say "Not enough." That usually gives them the hint I"m not getting into specifics with them. Genius, Hathery!!! Love it!

Welcome! I'm pretty new around here too, hoping to have my surgery in August. You'll find some great info around here!

What a great topic. Thanks for being brave and sharing your feelings. I completely understand what you mean. I don't date much, and have only had one long-term relationship in my life (from ages 20-22, I'm 32 now). Every rejection I get, I automatically attribute to my weight. Ever since I was a child, I've thought I was fat (and, of course, looking back at photos now, I realize I wasn't). I am hoping to get my surgery in August of this year, and I too am very afraid of dating and the idea that suddenly men might be interested in me...might even FLIRT with me...more than before, and because of my weight loss. (I realize that some people say that because you have a better attitude when you lose weight, that can attract more men to you, but I don't necessarily believe that's true). I hold a lot of anger toward men my age in general, and I know it's wrong. It's something I absolutely have to work out in therapy. I know they aren't all bad, but I have had some pretty terrible experiences. I'm the same person inside, and it makes me furious to think that I may finally be "given a chance" just because my body has changed. I'm sorry that I don't have any advice for you, because I feel the same way that you do! I just wanted to chime in and let you know that I totally get where you're coming from (although you are very, very lucky to have what sounds like such a supportive boyfriend/best friend with you already!) I guess if your current relationship is a good one, try not to think about the "what ifs" -- after all, lots of things (including your mindset) may have changed by then. Good luck, and again, thanks for sharing.

Congratulations, that's awesome news!! It'll be here before you know it!

WOW!!! That's so exciting, congratulations! I hope to be in the same boat someday...I doubt I will ever be a size 6 (my German/Irish stock just won't allow it, LOL) but I would love to see your kind of success (and I am currently a size 24, like you were). Keep up the good work!

brandnewbie, I totally hear you. Personally, I am just staring my journey here (likely will have surgery on August 19, but still hasn't been submitted to the insurance yet). I feel that if you're going to go through such a life-changing procedure, you mine as well get started following the rules as soon as possible to better prepare yourself for a new lifestyle! That being said, I think these boards are a great place for people to come to relieve their burden if they make a mistake, or fall off the wagon, etc. because people here truly understand how difficult it can be to change food habits that you've developed your whole life. I don't want to think about the fact that I will likely have some small setbacks, but the reality is that it could very well happen. Really, I thank the people who have the courage to admit when they've messed up, because it 1) makes me feel like we're all human and in it together and 2) that I can understand what setbacks may be coming to further prepare myself for success.

Sure thing, I had my psych eval last week! It went well. The doctor will get a general sense of your health history, family health history that may affect your genetic pre-disposition for obesity, and mine asked questions about what my "trigger" foods are (I'm a sugar freak)! He also wanted to make sure that I understood that the surgery is a lifestyle change, asked how much I would ideally like to weigh (he said some people go WAY too low, and he needs to make sure that people are realistic with their goals). I was unsure as to what to expect, but it went well. You'll do great!

Hi everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself, as I am new to the site. I'm just beginning my journey to getting sleeved (hopefully) on August 19th of this year by Dr. Marc Zare in Mountain View, CA. I have Anthem Blue Cross PPO of CA, and luckily, they cover 90% of the surgery with no 6-month documented weight loss attempt required. I've met with Dr. Zare once and have scheduled my psychological evaluation for tomorrow, and I'm meeting with a dietician next Friday. After that, Dr. Zare will submit to my insurance, but he's confident that I'm a great candidate! I had been considering the sleeve for years, and now at my highest weight ever (302 lbs) I'm finally ready to take the plunge, and I'm very excited. I look forward to chatting with all of you and benefitting from your amazing stories and shared knowledge! Have a great day! Stacey