bellagirl1025

Just wanted to update everyone..... My surgery is set for May 22,2014!!! I just found out this afternoon. I am so excited and nervous and full of emotion. I have to lose 10 lbs before the surgery and I am already starting to eat off of the pre-op diet. Here's to the official start of the new me, new life, new lifestyle!! I hope all is well with each of you. And I do apologize for not checking in sooner. Life has been bull dozing me over lately.

Thank you so much!!! Yes, I agree by comparing yourself to others is not the way to go or even think about. I have had so many struggled my whole life with my weight. I don't want to be dead before 40 or disabled because of a stroke. I am so excited to be doing this, taking control FINALLY!!! I am elated to be surrounded by all of this support and knowledge. Thank you so much!!!

Minilynne... I am meeting with my surgeon on 3/10. It's a 4-5 hour day. I see the surgeon, the nutritionist, and the group meeting as well. I was offered an earlier appt in feb but my sleep study isn't until 2/14/14 and the follow up isn't until 2/27. I wanted to make sure all my physicians paper work was complete and my sleep study was done. I am anxious, but know the "delay" is necessary. I want to avoid all and any red tape if I can.

Welcome minilyn2b.... I just joined this week too. Everyone here seems to be very nice, knowledgeable and very friendly!!! Good luck on your journey!!! )

My diets never worked. My changes in lifestyle never worked. I would lose, and then gain and then lose some more and gain a whole lot back. No matter what I tried and changed. My weight issues started at 17... I'm 37 now. I haven't had any gastric surgeries or procedures related to weight loss. I see my surgeon for the first time in March. I was offered earlier appts, but wanted to make sure all of my testing and follow up appts were complete. So I can stave off red tape with my insurance. Even though it is completely covered, less 10%. So I am right were you are. Excited, scared, nervous and just wanting this all to be "ok".

I think that taking the step to do it and to better your health and your body is the best step. No matter what you chose. Sometimes, like in all of our cases we haven't been successful. I also think nobody can truly understand a struggle (like ours) unless they are forced to deal with it daily and you try and try. The most heartbreaking is failing, so to speak. And it's so hard to face normal things in life, like keeping up with kids and grand babies. I can completely understand and agree with you!! Good luck in your process too!!! I can't wait to hear how all of it goes for you!!!!

Thank you ReaRaes. I am hoping, like everyone on here has or is, that it goes smoothly with out red tape and hiccups. But, I firmly believe everything happens for a reason.... I'm hopeful. I look forward to interacting with everyone and making new friends!!

Hello jtickle!!! I too share the same fears about health and following in family footsteps. My dad has cardiovascular health issues as well. I just don't want to continue to ride this merry go round.... I lose, I gain, I lose and I gain. Then the co-morbidity's started. My husband is afraid to fall asleep at night for fear I will not wake up because of my sleep apnea.... My sleep study is in 3 weeks. I was diagnosed after I was hospitalized with sleep apnea, because of the run of V-tach I had. Heart is healthy, thank god, so they told me they see it a lot in sleep apnea. My snoring doesn't keep him awake, it's light, but he can hear when I stop breathing.... And it scares him so much. My highest weight was over 350... 352 to be exact. I got down to 170 on my own, and gained most of it back over the last 5 yrs... I am up to 275. I am so tired all the time and so embarrassed to be seen in public. I work in health care for goodness sake, how can I be an example of "health" when it is quite obvious I'm not. I just want to be healthy. The nice clothes and smaller sizes is definitely a plus, my health for me, my beautiful kids and my step daughter and my new marriage/new husband mean MORE to me. Thanks for reaching out to me. Good luck with your journey. I'm here if you ever need an ear. keep me/us posted!!!

Thank you Beth1218. That is great advice and I thank you. What surgery did you have?

Will do autumn breeze!!! XXOO

Hello everyone!!! I am new here, but have reading the threads and responses for about a week now. All I can say is WOW! What a wonderful support system. Reading everyone's posts and responses has made this plus size girl feel no longer alone. You all are so amazing! I have my first appt to meet with the Bariatric center, surgeon, nutritionist and support group in March.... 3/10. I was offered an earlier appt in February, but wanted to make sure my sleep study for the apnea was done and results were in. I am so all over the place with my emotions. I cry, I laugh, I feel helpless and hopeless and then feel ok. I know that I need to change my life for good. I have 2 beautiful little girls and a new husband who is so supportive and amazing! He wants me to be healthy. Period. And so do I. Would I like to be a size 4, or 6 or even an 8? SURE! But what's more important to me is being healthy. Once and for all. I want to love for my kids, for myself and I want it to be a long and healthy one. Any and all advice anyone can lend me is wonderful and much appreciated. I think each and every one of you is amazing, and thank you for making me feel welcomed and not alone any more!!!!

Good luck to you as well. This is my very first appointment. So surgery is probably still "in the distance"... I am hoping maybe mid may, early June. Keep us posted on your surgery. Many happy thoughts and prayers and love sent to you!!!

Just confirmed my appointment with the surgeon for 3/10/14!!!!! It seems so real now. I mean, I made up my mind and sat with my husband and discussed all of this and what it means, what I will have (and want) to do, and all the risks and benefits. Now that the surgeon appt is on the books.... It's something I can't wait for, and I'm excited and nervous and scared at the same time.

Feel better soon! Lots of love, well wishes and prayers!!!

Thank you do much everyone!!! I am scared, excited, and nervous all at the same time. I appreciate all if your help, advice and support! Much love to all of you!!! Have a great day!!!!