Angi~2014

Hello. I am sorry about the late reply, I just now saw your post. I am sorry to hear the rough road it has been, and especially when it seems like no one is there for support, even if they don't agree with what you have chosen, I still battle with some family that is seeming to give me the 'cold shoulder' which truly hurts, but I am pressing on keeping in mind that this is for health reasons.... We can look forward to the day when the rough road wont be as rough and all the negative people will then realize. Please feel free to keep in touch with me..

I can so relate , only hubby support me..my mom and sisters who encouraged me in the beginning. Don't even ask me for any updates. It's sad when they don't support you. They know how my weight effects my self esteem. .I would think they would be my biggest fan. I know they fear for my safey...but gee a little support would be nice. I can't even tell them I've been approved and surgery is 4/15..meanwhile, my 2 sisters are dieting and losing weight. .lucky them..they don't have thyroid issues like me..they can lose weight easily. .I'm 243lbs..and they think I can just lose it....just so pissed at them. I just keep everything to myself. .then they will make a huge deal when I tell them in a few days I have a surgery date. . I can truly understand what you are saying. I am very similar situation, even now I feel like the certain family members are giving me a cold shoulder... it truly is rough, especially when we battle our own concerns and fears as we move forward in this process. I look forward to hearing all the good things that will come out of this.... though I know it is not an easy road, it will be well worth it. =)

thank you for posting this... I am still in my pre-op phase (surgery should be in July, if everything continues to go according to schedule). I find this site extremely helpful with the amount of supportive members.. I love reading about the journeys and milestones that are taking place along the way and I look forward to the day where I have my own milestones. I must admit that sometimes my thinking can get in the way, especially when I have battled so long in not only my weight but my health too.... sometimes the fearful thought of "what if this doesn't work' tries to creep in. I know and completely understand that this is not a quick fix, that it is a tool and I do embrace that, but I guess trying so many times to have success and failing at it, kind of scares me. (hope I am making sense).... Anyway, Congratulations to all who are in this journey, showing that all steps forward lead to change and growth toward success.. Sincerely, Angi

Thank you everyone! I look forward to the days ahead.... I am truly thankful for the support that I have with my husband and also thankful for support and connections that I have found here. This truly is a blessing. I look forward to hearing other people's progress and victories... as well as being a support to others in their journey. THANK YOU ALL.

Hello. Yesterday was a rough day for me. I am choosing not to tell 'everyone' I know about my choice for surgery and have chosen just a select few to share this info with. (the ones closest to me) I am glad to have the support of my husband, but was battling with responses given by a couple of family members who I also chose to 'confide' in. I didn't expect those other family members to be 'thrilled' with the idea, because when I last thought about proceeding with surgery, I heard a lot of negatives etc.... I guess I was hoping for a bit of a positive, supportive reply when I told them that I am doing this for health reasons (as I have many major health issues).... Another difficult part of this is that I know I would have had the support of my parents if they were still here... (mom died 14 years ago, and dad died exactly 6 months ago). I began to feel 'alone' and almost second guess myself...and almost feel like I cannot do this (because I had a family member imply that to me). Bottom line is, I know deep down this is the right thing for me to do... even though it is a bit of a scary step. *sigh* Anyway, I just wanted to share a bit... *to those who may read this, thanks for listening..*

Though I don't have anything to add to the things already being said here. I wanted to say thank you for the initial post and all of the replies regarding it. I am struggling in this same area, but it is a bit different. I am glad to have the support of my husband, but was battling with responses given by a couple of family members who I also chose to 'confide' in. The other difficult part is that I know I would have had the support of my parents if they were still here... (mom died 14 years ago, and dad died exactly 6 months ago) I didn't expect those other family members to be 'thrilled' with the idea, because when I last thought about proceeding with surgery, I heard a lot of negatives etc.... I guess I was hoping for a bit of a positive, supportive reply when I told them that I am doing this for health reasons (as I have many major health issues).... I began to feel 'alone' and almost second guess this... but I know deep down this is the right thing for me to do... even though it is a bit of a scary step. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks and to share a bit.... *to those who may read this, thanks for listening..*

Hi Linda, Thanks for the welcome. So far I went to the seminar on 3/11/14. Then I just had my meeting with the patient advocate 3/17/14. I have my first meeting with Dr. Uchal on 3/27/14. My choice is for the sleeve. I am excited and a little nervous too. So far it looks like my surgery might be in July. I would love to keep in touch, if that is ok. I am trying to find people to talk with that understand. Right now the support of 4 of my doctors, and my husband is supportive. Others that I have tried to talk to about this and why I am choosing this, well, they care and are not really in agreement or support of this choice.... plus they start to plant 'doubts' in my head... to make me feel like I will not be disciplined enough etc. I know they mean well, but it really starts to hurt. I know my parents would have been supportive, but sadly my mom passed away 14 years ago,and my dad passed away Sept.2013. Anyway, I thank you for your reply. Hope I didn't say too much...lol Sincerely, Angi

Congratulations!..... I look forward to the day that I can say that too....

I am still a newbie, and just browsing around.... saw many share where they are, so I wondered how many people are from Jax.

Hello. I am in Jacksonville too. I am still on the path to getting my surgery.... I have my 1st doctor appt Friday March 28. Sorry I am not able to give advice yet, but nice to meet you.

Hello Tiffany, I am just starting my sleeve journey. So far I went to the seminar, and had my follow-up visit with the patient advocate to give insurance and health info. I have my first doctor appt. next friday on the 27th. Have you started your journey?? feel free to keep in touch. Sincerely, angi

Today, I had my meeting with the patient advocate today to give all my health info, insurance info etc. I have my first doctor appointment March 27th. Then I meet with the nutritionist April 10th. I have my other appointment dates set. and if all continues to go well, I am hoping to get my approval by the end of April. I have my pre-op appointment at the end of June and it looks like my surgery may be in July..(as long as there are no bumps along the way) I am so excited to be on my way to a better, healthier me.

Hello, I just ready your post.... Congratulations, I too am on my way. I had my meeting with the patient advocate today to give all my health info, insurance info etc. I have my first doctor appt. March 27th. Then I meet with the nutritionist April 10th I also thought it would take forever, I have my other appointment dates set. and if all continues to go well, I am hoping to get my approval by the end of April. Though I don't have the exact date, it looks like my surgery will be in July, as my pre-op appointment is the end of June (as long as there are no bumps along the way *so to speak*) Please feel free to keep in touch... I would love to hear of your progress. (if you feel ok sharing it). Sincerely, Angi

Thank you all for your replies..... I look forward to this journey with you. I am not sure how long my insurance may require me to wait before surgery... but I am still hopeful to getting there... =) Please feel free to keep in touch with me. Bee, I agree with what you said, I also am looking forward to a healthier me. My weight is not the only health battle for me, and sadly some of the health battles have hindered my weight loss efforts... I really hope for this change to happen.

Hello. I am a new member here... I am in the very early stage of my journey. I just took my first step, by attending the seminar at my local hospital with bariatric group. I was pleased to see the doctor I am choosing (who is also the doctor I have been recommended to) was the doctor/speaker that evening. I am very glad I took that first step, though I still battle nervousness in general, I knew I was in the right place doing the right thing for me. I am glad I found 'bariatricpal'. I know how important support is and I am thankful to have a place where people can truly know and understand what you are going through. I do have a husband who is supportive and encouraging to me, but there is truly a 'select few' that understand or want to try to understand what this journey/surgery is truly all about. I seem to hit more opposition vs. encouraging... Anyway, that is where I am right now. I have my 1st appointment with the patient advocate to get paperwork, etc. started. I am excited, but a bit nervous too. Well, time to sign this note and browse around.... Sincerely, Angi =)