DylanRae

Ok, i gotta know! How ate you!? Are you posting on the regular at all? Tell me what is going on in your life!!! Dylan

Hey everyone, I absolutely love the idea of meeting up. I am also terrified of the idea. Im not going to lie, the closer i get to my surgery, the more daunting things become. It is very easy to allow things to stop me from pursuing a real connection with any of you, regardless of how badly i actually need it. Anyway, as of right now. I can handle the monthly group health support groups. Although sometimes i don't really feel comfortable in there. I almost want a group for those of us who have NOT had surgery yet. Sometimes i just want to speak my worries with out someone telling me "oh no, that isn't that bad, it will get better" or "that does not really happen to people" i just want to vent and worry, and speak my mind. When i want answers, i know how to seek them out. Sorry, off on a tangent. Back now. Anyway, i would love to meet you guys. I just need to warm up to it i suppose. Dylan

I have recently been learning about epigenetics... It is crazy interesting. I thought of it because I continue to hear you guys mention the "fat" gene. We'll read this article, among any others you can find in the internet and then start to think about how you can change that "fat" gene! http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090412081315.htm You can also just google epigenetics and read from the sources you trust.

For the record, I'm still very young and don't plan on having children anytime soon. And even when I do I am considering adopting. Anyway I wanted to see if my two cents would be helpful here. As an overweight daughter from a long line of overweight, mothers I happen to be the smallest in comparison to my previous generations at this age. I have always loved my mom and grandma regardless of their size. In my mind this is how she is, how can I love her for what she isn't. As I developed into my teens, when weight really seemed to matter to me, I noticed that "I don't want to be like my mom" feeling. Also by this point my grandmother had already passed at age 59 from diabetes. (For better understanding, my mother also suffers from mental illness and she is/was an addict to several drugs. This caused me to be put into foster care by the age of 14) So during this crazy time of my early teens, my mother would drop weight within weeks. I was averagely a size 16/18 jeans. And she was probably closer to the high 20s to low 30s. So when she got down to my size she would dance around in my jeans. This was upsetting to me for obvious reasons, (mom is stealing my pants!!!) But more so she was happy that her use of crack was making her skinny. And I hated it! My point I suppose is that it is hard to watch your parent be overweight your whole life then suddenly after years and years of valiant attempts to lose weight, they finally do because of the use of a drug (something that I was raised to never even think about) really turned my world upside down. I think it is important to really be clear about why someone is overweight and also clear about how they are going about changing their behaviors. Open communication, even when the conversation is hard to talk about, is super important in any situation. Now in my early 20s, only getting bigger, I realize that I still love my mom for who she is regardless of her size, or even behavior. And regardless of the choices she makes in her life, the choices I make are NOT going to be in-spite of her. My choices are for me, and in some way for my future children. There is nothing healthy about doing something so you "don't end up like them". (Hopes this was easy to fallow, not the best with the English language.) Dylan

Ugh. I'm getting far from impatient. I have my psych eval later this week.. Which is good. But it breaks my brain think that in a few months I will have been waiting for nearly a year since this conversation started with GH. I kept on hearing from people that making a formal complaint with costumer service will help put pressure on the team to make sure that we clear out this obvious backlog of people waiting for surgery. I'm not sure it did anything, either way, I'm still trying to juggle my life around my potential surgery date. And as it I coming closer, it is driving me more an more insane! I have so many things that will be directly influenced by this surgery that I have to plan to take breaks from or change in some way. An all of the things involve letting someone like a boss or other higher up, know what my schedule is. On top of it, the basic anticipation is killing me. Everyday I get closer to my potential surgery month.. Which is August, I notice more and more how much I want surgery. More so then ever, the lines caused by pants being to tight is bothering me. The fact that I can barely lift my feet to get socks, shoes and yes even undies on. The thought of waiting longer for surgery, taunts me when I have to potentially throw out my back as I put myself in some crazy body position to wipe my own but! Ugh. All this talk about WLS makes me hungry. Dylan

Yeah that is not all that normal.. But hey! Get what you can get! It's really all dependent on when the docs and when Julie is available. All the things I had to do that is on my check list.. Which you will get after your phone appointment.. I did all of that in less then a week. I am super out about it. I first told my family, and some friends. And while some are more hesitant then others everyone is supportive. So, at school and work, and other aspects of my life I am not afraid to talk about it. I have met lots of friends of friends, who who ups strongly advise against it. I just smile and say, "fair enough, I know this is right for me." I hit them with kindness an they have no choice but to politely smile and walk away. I figure that there are a lot of people who are against tattoos yet I still have 11, and wear them proud. I'm considering WLS similar.. but being out is something that is easy for me. I'm out about everything... Why start being in the closet now. Also I am a very... Outgoing.. Bold 'in your face' sorta person.. So that helps. Being out is not for everyone. As long as you feel the love and support around you weather that is from this site, your husband, or your pet. If you feel good that's all that matters.

Yeah.. Well considering I started my conversation with Julie last December.. It's been a long time coming.. Although the dates are still far away, they get closer every day. Where are you at in your process now?

Yeah... Sorta, I have two more appointments. My psych eval and my orientation. Then I get my doc appointment and my surgery appointment. My orientation is in July, so I'm hoping surgery will happen by August. We shall see. thanks for asking! Dylan

As much as I know how important it is to have a partner who loves and supports us, I still can't help but to feel like we don't need to search for this support if we don't already have it. I believe that if you are single, then be single for a while. This is a huge change and not just in your appearance. Take some time to discover the you that had been hiding for so long. Your taste in partners might even change through this discovery. I know that this change is hard on your own, but remember that it is for YOU! I myself am in a poly, relationship. My primary has been on the fence about my surgery at best. He tries to stay positive around me, but I know how much he is really against my choice. It finally took me saying that there is no other option this is happening! For him to quiet down about it. I think that because he is so torn about his personal beliefs and his desire to support me it has put a wedge between us. Not a big one, but it's hard to talk to your partner about something that is so important when you know there are conflicting feelings. Overall, I tend to keep my mind open for more romantic relationships, but since the start of this journey, I have noticed that I don't pursue people nearly as much. Maybe because life is already to crazy, maybe because I want to figure out which partners will fit me after I lose half my weight. It is all scary, and of course there are a thousand other factors. Overall I believe that I you have care and love for yourself, it is much easier to convince someone else to care and love you too. Gotta believe in the product you are promoting! Dylan

That cool beans! I wanted to go there before I knew my insurance did not cover out of network... That clinic has so many amazing reviews! You will do great! Apparently dr Jeff landers who is the group health surgeon orriganally practiced at puget sound. that makes me feel a little bit better about my own surgery. While beggers can't be choosers, I have been losing faith in my GH care. But I'm sticking with it for now... At least until I'm well past my surgery date. Good luck! Keep us updated! Dilly

So while I have been learning about WLS, I have only been out about my decision in the last year. I have been in a lovely relationship during this time. I was doing online dating before, I'm not religious so C. Mingle, ect don't interest me. So you would find me on plenty of fish, and okcupid. Both I have had good and bad luck with when I used them. My mother found her life partner after two devorces on okc. But what I wanted to share, my current partner is close to lucwarm when it comes to my surgery. He loves me very much but can't help to slip on some comment like "just do the diet with out the surgery" this we have talked about over and over about already. I have a feeling that he will NOT Chang his feelings about me when I lose weight, but I worry that I will change my feelings when I lose weight. :/ My two cents.

So, yeah this has been a headache and a half. So many steps to get to surgery, I have lost track. But I know that now, I am to far up to be denied! All I have left is my psych eval, my pre-op class which is combined with my first nutritional appointment, then my actual pre-op appointment that will be one on one with my doctor! Literally 3 steps away from surgery! Unfortunately since they all are appointments... I do not have complete control over when they all happen. My pre-op class for example is scheduled for 7-11.... Gahhhh!!!!!!! So far away!!!!! My psych eval is sometime in May. And I won't get my pre op appt with my doc until a date has been chosen, which won't be chosen until after the class! Grrrrr "So close yet so far" has never ran so true to me then now! I have been working on this for 3 years!! I'm so ready to have surgery it's not even funny!!! and I know I'm annoying the hell out of my doctors and staff because I keep asking if there is any way then can set me up sooner! I know they are doing their best.. But I still wanna trip someone so I can get to my surgery sooner! And I'm totally not a mean person. I'm just so ready! Grr.

Hey hey. Well for me, I started in December and hoped for a surgery by February ... The biggest thing that slows me down is waiting for space for appointments. I waited 2.5 months for my consultation appointment with Julie. ... Over the phone. FYI they say 30 mins but it's closer to 15. Very easy basic questions. Then she signs you up for the next available pre op class mine is 7-11.... In the mean time you do bunches of tests an blood work and other small appointments. You won't get a surgery date until after all things are completed which includes the class. Honestly I would be surprised if you got surgery in the next... Idk.. Maybe 3 months... It has almost been a full year for me. Not to discourage you, but be honest with you. Another reason why group health takes their time with it is because they want to make sure that you are truly ready for this life change. I got dined my first time round only because of the type of insurance I have. So I have been a constant bug in everyone's ear.... Not letting them forget that I am sooooo ready for surgery! All that insurance stuff is cleared up now, but still, I got most of my stud done within a week of getting my packet! packet is fun! Julie will tell you about it in your phone appointment. Yay GH people!!!! I'm going to be at the cap hill support group this coming month! Hope to see both of you their!? Dylan

I'm here.

Hello, I have pcos, and am pre-diabetic with no other diagnosis... Weight related. I am weeks away from getting my surgery date. (Yay!) but in terms of how the sleeve effects pcos. For the last three years of asking this question, I learned that IF the sleeve effects your pcos it more often then not simply improves your symptoms. Although body hair stays.. But does not keep growing... Like the sleeve won't eliminate the body hair we get, but it will slow it down if not stop the growth. The biggest effect that has been reported is simply less menstral issues. I know that having pcos does not effect how slow or fast you lose weight. Because this surgery is such a drastic shock to your body, the pcos does not have the strength or even time to slow you down. It is possible that after you reach your goal weight that it can bring up some questions and concerns then.. But ally doctors and people I have spoke with all agree that if pcos and it's side effects are the only thing you experience during and after surgery, than you my friend are the luckiest woman on the planet! Of course all of this is a general answer, and it can always be different for everyone. But know that I thought about it too early on in my journey, and it's the least of my worries at this point. Good luck. Dylan

Yeah I love the packet I read it cover to cover as soon as I got it! I think I need to call Julie and ask her what more I have to do, because I think I'm done with everything other than the orientation.. And the mental eval. Yeah, I really like the cap hill group. Fairly small, lots of new faces apparently. But all questions where answered I think, and I think I learned a lot just listening. It was lots of fun! I plan on taking my boyfriend, best friend, and my mom with me. My main supporters. I don't explain everything very well so I want all of them to go mostly so that I don't have to repeat it to them later. I really want my date now! I really want to know if I can plan on attending summer classes or not.. Blah! I am fairly... Low level activity person right now. I am in a yoga class, and depend on walking and bussing to get places. So I have a little bit of excersise in my day, but could always use more. The only problem is that if I do to much then I end up with bad inflammation in my knees. I ended up in urgent care once because of a down hill bike ride once. Even standing at the sink doing dishes is a struggle. We should connect more! I will for sure be at the cap hill group next month. Dylan

Hey! Cool! Congrats on the date! Mine is slow going but I got my Bariatric packet yesterday in the mail! I am signed up for the July pre-op orientation class. I hope to get my date soon after. I just went to the capital hill support group! I'm on the west side.. Heh. Exciting! We should connect! Dylan

I'm alright. Waiting for Tuesday!!!!!!

Hey all. Just checking in again... happy Thursday.

Woohoo!! Thanks for your words of encouragement!! I am approved! Although nothing really happens until about 2 months from now. Tomorrow I will talk with the doctors and get an idea of what to expect before surgery! Omg!!!

That is crazy exciting! Congrats!! An thanks it's been driving me crazy.