Tamstarr1

Hi that sounds great --- I am still in Toronto --- will be back in LA soon but will have family with me and then going back to Toronto for a bit - - but should be back in LA on Sept 21 or 22 till 27th. Then back early October forever i hope!! My surgery was July 31st - it all looked fine but i ended up back in the ER last week -- what happened to me is very uncommon and I actually believe it was due to three prior abdominal cancer related surgeries even though the last one was in 2004 but it provided a perfect opportunity for this to happen to me -will spare the details because this truly a on in a million thing and i know other people who have had this here and are poster children for this procedure!! So that is why i wan to come back here and just have some follow up reassurance. It that week in September is good -- you can see how you recovery is going -- that would be great for me but October is also good! I have done a lot of bike riding in Calabasas --it's beautiful there and there is a restaurant there I love ( of course!) so will be interesting to go back there post sleeve. I am also going to contact UCLA to explain my situation to them and see if they will take me on as a post op patient so I have local doctors and also assume they have some sort of ongoing support/educational groups. Best of luck to you these next few weeks -- i really found i went on autopilot with my shakes getting ready for the surgery -- just avoided grocery stores !! I look forward to forming a LA group!!

I know -- I have had Shame my whole life w my weight and how critical my parents and other people were as well. But w weight everyone can see it. Can't hide. But also know there is a a lot of support out there. I also suggest asking on some other discusssions to find People from your state etc and also you are obviously a person of faith. I have been a member of Overeaters Anonymous for many years and it has helped me a lot. It def saved my life when I first started. It's a 12 step program like AA but for food. I just had my sleeve on July 31st and dont see why both things can't worjk together at once !! Good luck!!

Yes make those calls especially to the big hospitals but also consider the support you actually could get from a go fund me page. It takes a lot of courage and humility and you will probably be surprised at who steps up to help you and support your desire to take charge of your health. You could even say this could be structured as a loan if you want but if you are willing to go to any lengths I am sure there are people who love you and want to help!! Good luck!!

Hi everyone -- I am having my surgery tomorrow in Toronto. But -- am moving to Santa Monica at the end of the month-- but have already been living there and had to come back for a bunch of things so scheduled the surgery here -- so am on the west side !! It would be great to meet and see if we can support each other -- the sooner the better!! I hope your surgeries have gone well. Would be great to hear how you are all doing and look forward to connecting soon.

Hi all I just found this group and my surgery is this Monday - July 31st and my BMI is 34 so am happy and relieved to find a group w lower starting BMI. Your posts have really helped me feel so much better about this decision. Congratulations to all of you on your success and I look forward to getting back to you all after my surgery!