Tommy Joe

So funny how things go back and forth on here just like my own mood swings. Feeling determined then very worried then determined again. It seems there will always be obstacles to major changes in our lives and things that scare us. Hell if I wasn't off kilter a bit in my relationship to food I wouldn't be looking at bypass surgery in the first place. I'm already thinking about what will replace my relationship with food. Relaxing with a little walk or two, being outside on the patio after we get it fixed up. Enjoying a longer walk with the dogs , with Michael. Going to more school events and taking photos , enjoying photography like I used to. Not being focused and obsessed about the next thing I'm going to eat, or how food will be a reward for doing everything. I'm pretty sure many people on here, like me, never learned to put ourselves, our health, our needs first and always pleasing others with the reward of loads of food, stuffing really, to shove down the frustrations, the anger, the controlling from others, the word No. Really the stuffing food never comforts that long does it? And after the gorging comes the bloated lead in your stomach, the weariness, the depression. I really want to change and this time do it for sure! Hoping the Mexico connection goes well, so far all I have read is positive. A huge part of the reason I went with Dr Illan is the recommendation of this website. Really like Bariatric Pal!

Just bought my plane tickets for my surgery !!!!

Thanks silver threads that helps. You are right I really want to make a drastic change. There's so much more I can get out of life. That temporary fix from the chips or burger or sweets gives short bliss followed by reflux, pain,shortness of breath, disgust when I look in the mirror. That fat man looking back looks scared and depressed. He feels overwhelmed and a far cry from the confident in charge man I am in my classroom. Thanks for the pick me up tonight!

Another waiting day. Today I'm full of doubts, do I really need to do this? I can go back on another diet like I have before, is this really going to make a difference? Will I be sick the rest of my life? I'm questioning everything. What will I replace all the wonderful food I love with? My life right now is work and food. Can I really become the thi man I long to be?

Thank you so much for this and I will be following you. I'm set for the surgery in June so have some time to worry I guess. Please keep us updated. My surgery is through Bariatric Pal Mexico

Silver threads I would love to keep in touch! Kaiser Permanente bought out Group Health so I'm hopeful the future here will improve Group Health, which is a good but very strained organization, too few doctors , too many patients. I'm excited about going to Mexico. My husband is Philippino and I'm very comfortable with other countries and cultures.

Thanks for your reply. Yes in talking to Bill Yanez he's great. I'm going through Bariatric Pal Mexico. I'm scared, incredulous and can't stop thinking about it. But I'm moving forward.

The beginning. I asked my PCP about Bariatric surgery about six months ago . Since then been researching and reading. I finally called the Group Health Washington Bariatric center. The nurse was nice but told me it would be two years minimum and that I probably wouldn't qualify . My basic plan doesn't cover it anyway. I'm 57, weigh 250 pounds, 5' 9". I've been up and down with weight my whole life. Done Medifast twice, weight watchers three times, nutrisystem and HMR. All worked until I reached goal and then stopped and went back to my previous ways. Then boom fat again. Been this way forever. I need a drastic change. I'm ready. All my life I have wanted to be a thin man again as I was as a child. I have dreamed of wearing black pants and white shirts with a skinny tie like all the men wore in the 60s. I want to be that confident healthy happy man. I'm going to do it for myself by myself with the love of my husband supporting me. Many doctors I have found today don't seem to care about helping alleviate pain, if you are fat they always think that's the reason and they are right. But condescension and Tylenol don't take the pain away. I'm done with them and tired of waiting in line for months only to find it's really all on me. So I'm taking my life in my own hands. I know this surgery is not a panacea and I will have to change my relationship with food, stick up for myself more and not take crap from others as much. Anyway, I'm beginning. Haven't heard anything since my call last week but I'm guaranteed the date. Every change begins with one step. I'm doing this. Tom

Has anyone had bypass surgery in this hospital? I'm eager to get it done. 57, 245, 5 9 . Been on every diet known to man up and down weight loss all my life. So frustrated with my managed care health care here. They couldn't care less about meeting my needs. Tired of the merry go round !!! Any information would be great!! Tom

I'm 57 overweight about 60 pounds. I have severe reflux even triggered by water at times. I have very managed care Group Health of Washington, don't think they will cover surgery if I decide to do it. I also have kidney tumor that is very slow growing but eventually will need to come out. I'm thinking of the RNY but don't know....any advice would be great, I'm not afraid of going to Mexico if I have to. I've done Nutrisystem, Medifast, Weight Watchers, HMR, the Drops, .... All work until I go off the diet then bam fat again. I'm 5'9" and 248 lbs.