AllieCat1993

Hey there,
I am 25 and I can relate to how you are feeling. I have always struggled with my weight, except it is out of control now. Two months ago when I went to my doctor, I weighed 442 lbs- the heaviest I have ever been. I am 5'6", now at 424 lbs, with a bmi of 68. I honestly wish I would have followed through with WLS sooner. I talked to my doctor about bariatric surgery and have since been researching different places to get it done. I have settled on REX Bariatrics (I live in NC). I have gone to a seminar, orientation, and nutrition meeting. I have my first meeting with my surgeon on 6/10/19. I am doing the research to make an informed decision. I have high blood pressure, I'm asthmatic, and I am prediabetic. Having this surgery can change all of that for me.
I know what got me to this point. I became depressed and ate my emotions. Now that I have been through and continue therapy, I am in a much better place emotionally, but I'm stuck with this unhealthy body from the depressed behavior. The frustrated side of me wishes family could understand that I am doing this to better my health, and that it is not something I decided to do on a whim. Like many of us here, we have tried it all. We've tried the diets and different diet pills. We've tried eating less and working out more, and for some reason, it didn't work. Unlike most family members, I have more than 20 lbs to shed- more like 250 lbs to go.
I think it is really hard for them to understand because they haven't been in our position. It's hard to support something you don't understand. Gently remind them you are doing this for your health and that having support will help you. I know it's important to feel their acceptance, but at the end of the day you are an adult and can make your own decisions. You are making informed decisions and have put in the research and hard work to get to where you are. Try to shake off negative comments because it doesn't change what you are doing. You can do this!
I wish you the best of luck in your journey!!

Hey there, NC friend! Thank you so much for sharing with me. It helps to hear real stories, sometimes. Congratulations on your success!!

Hey there,
I am 25 and I can relate to how you are feeling. I have always struggled with my weight, except it is out of control now. Two months ago when I went to my doctor, I weighed 442 lbs- the heaviest I have ever been. I am 5'6", now at 424 lbs, with a bmi of 68. I honestly wish I would have followed through with WLS sooner. I talked to my doctor about bariatric surgery and have since been researching different places to get it done. I have settled on REX Bariatrics (I live in NC). I have gone to a seminar, orientation, and nutrition meeting. I have my first meeting with my surgeon on 6/10/19. I am doing the research to make an informed decision. I have high blood pressure, I'm asthmatic, and I am prediabetic. Having this surgery can change all of that for me.
I know what got me to this point. I became depressed and ate my emotions. Now that I have been through and continue therapy, I am in a much better place emotionally, but I'm stuck with this unhealthy body from the depressed behavior. The frustrated side of me wishes family could understand that I am doing this to better my health, and that it is not something I decided to do on a whim. Like many of us here, we have tried it all. We've tried the diets and different diet pills. We've tried eating less and working out more, and for some reason, it didn't work. Unlike most family members, I have more than 20 lbs to shed- more like 250 lbs to go.
I think it is really hard for them to understand because they haven't been in our position. It's hard to support something you don't understand. Gently remind them you are doing this for your health and that having support will help you. I know it's important to feel their acceptance, but at the end of the day you are an adult and can make your own decisions. You are making informed decisions and have put in the research and hard work to get to where you are. Try to shake off negative comments because it doesn't change what you are doing. You can do this!
I wish you the best of luck in your journey!!

Wow, thank you so much skinnyshortcake! This is very touching and I really appreciate you sharing your experience with me. It does help hearing real stories from those who have been through it. I'm wishing you the best of luck on your journey and a speedy recovery!!

Hey NC Friends!
I live in Jacksonville, but I am going through the REX Bariatric Program in Raleigh. I still have some time to go, but it's I could have surgery as early as December. As long as all the testing is done by October, my surgeon told me I will be looking at a December surgery! Very excited! And a huge congratulations to everyone here, I wish you the best of luck!
-Allison

Wow, thank you so much skinnyshortcake! This is very touching and I really appreciate you sharing your experience with me. It does help hearing real stories from those who have been through it. I'm wishing you the best of luck on your journey and a speedy recovery!!

Hey there, NC friend! Thank you so much for sharing with me. It helps to hear real stories, sometimes. Congratulations on your success!!

Hey there,
I am 25 and I can relate to how you are feeling. I have always struggled with my weight, except it is out of control now. Two months ago when I went to my doctor, I weighed 442 lbs- the heaviest I have ever been. I am 5'6", now at 424 lbs, with a bmi of 68. I honestly wish I would have followed through with WLS sooner. I talked to my doctor about bariatric surgery and have since been researching different places to get it done. I have settled on REX Bariatrics (I live in NC). I have gone to a seminar, orientation, and nutrition meeting. I have my first meeting with my surgeon on 6/10/19. I am doing the research to make an informed decision. I have high blood pressure, I'm asthmatic, and I am prediabetic. Having this surgery can change all of that for me.
I know what got me to this point. I became depressed and ate my emotions. Now that I have been through and continue therapy, I am in a much better place emotionally, but I'm stuck with this unhealthy body from the depressed behavior. The frustrated side of me wishes family could understand that I am doing this to better my health, and that it is not something I decided to do on a whim. Like many of us here, we have tried it all. We've tried the diets and different diet pills. We've tried eating less and working out more, and for some reason, it didn't work. Unlike most family members, I have more than 20 lbs to shed- more like 250 lbs to go.
I think it is really hard for them to understand because they haven't been in our position. It's hard to support something you don't understand. Gently remind them you are doing this for your health and that having support will help you. I know it's important to feel their acceptance, but at the end of the day you are an adult and can make your own decisions. You are making informed decisions and have put in the research and hard work to get to where you are. Try to shake off negative comments because it doesn't change what you are doing. You can do this!
I wish you the best of luck in your journey!!

No, I have not. That is a wonderful suggestion, thank you!

Have you tried looking on healthgrades or vitals site?
I moved to a new area about 6 months after surgery. I have been able to find several different types of drs here that are excellent. I found them by reading reviews from other patients online.

Good luck!

I live in NC and have established care with a surgeon for WLS. I just found out we may be relocating to Sioux Falls SD per my husbands job. I've been researching the area in the event we do move (there's a very strong chance we are moving), but I'm wondering if anyone is from the area and can recommend surgeons/bariatric programs/etc. I'm at a total loss because this came up so unexpectedly. I am feeling frustrated and anxious that this might be a setback, but maybe it's for the best? Thank you

Thank you for sharing your experience with me, Poppyseed. Congratulations on your weight loss!!

Hey there,
I am 25 and I can relate to how you are feeling. I have always struggled with my weight, except it is out of control now. Two months ago when I went to my doctor, I weighed 442 lbs- the heaviest I have ever been. I am 5'6", now at 424 lbs, with a bmi of 68. I honestly wish I would have followed through with WLS sooner. I talked to my doctor about bariatric surgery and have since been researching different places to get it done. I have settled on REX Bariatrics (I live in NC). I have gone to a seminar, orientation, and nutrition meeting. I have my first meeting with my surgeon on 6/10/19. I am doing the research to make an informed decision. I have high blood pressure, I'm asthmatic, and I am prediabetic. Having this surgery can change all of that for me.
I know what got me to this point. I became depressed and ate my emotions. Now that I have been through and continue therapy, I am in a much better place emotionally, but I'm stuck with this unhealthy body from the depressed behavior. The frustrated side of me wishes family could understand that I am doing this to better my health, and that it is not something I decided to do on a whim. Like many of us here, we have tried it all. We've tried the diets and different diet pills. We've tried eating less and working out more, and for some reason, it didn't work. Unlike most family members, I have more than 20 lbs to shed- more like 250 lbs to go.
I think it is really hard for them to understand because they haven't been in our position. It's hard to support something you don't understand. Gently remind them you are doing this for your health and that having support will help you. I know it's important to feel their acceptance, but at the end of the day you are an adult and can make your own decisions. You are making informed decisions and have put in the research and hard work to get to where you are. Try to shake off negative comments because it doesn't change what you are doing. You can do this!
I wish you the best of luck in your journey!!

I myself am entirely made of flaws,stitched together with good intentions. Unknown

The greatest challenge in life is discovering who you are.
The second is being happy and also satisfied with what you find.

A thought for this Beautiful Saturday morning.
I fall
I rise
I make mistakes .
I live.
I've been hurt but I'm alive.
I'm human
I'm not perfect but I am Thankful!
Besides I was not born to be Average but Spectacular!

I figured it was a typo, but I had a good laugh Congratulations on your success!!

Hey there, NC friend! Thank you so much for sharing with me. It helps to hear real stories, sometimes. Congratulations on your success!!

First thing you need is a good support group of other DS patients. This forum is ok but there are Facebook groups that are helpful and necessary to staying mentally healthy. Your family and friends will be important too but they won’t know what you are experiencing.
Next you will regret your decision almost immediately after surgery but remember “It gets better”. The healing process is different for each person. Be kind to yourself this is major surgery.
For the first few weeks/months the most important thing is Hydration. You should get used to carrying a large cup (30oz is a good size) everywhere you go. And Sip, sip, sip. When you get on solids you can start being concerned with Protein and such but keep hydrated, always.
Dont get down on yourself if you land back in the hospital for dehydration. It’s common and normal. Stay in contact with your surgeon and don’t hesitate to report anything happening to you that doesn’t feel right
Do NOT WEIGH yourself EVERY DAY!! Stop doing it now. Post Bariatric weight loss does not happen in a smooth decline, your weight will fluctuate and it will drive you nuts if you weigh constantly. Once a week is a good idea but remember the number on that scale is just your relation to gravity, your body will be changing radically and these things happen gradually. You will lose scale weight and size sometimes separately you’ll notice your clothes fitting different even though the scale hasn’t changed. This is just the process.
You may at some point need an anti depressant, hormonally you are going to feel weird and overly emotional. Don’t wait to get a little pharmaceutical assistance. It will help you get through the rough spots. There’s no shame in it.
Good Luck
Remember you are saving your life! This is a huge deal. But you are not taking the “easy” way (there isn’t one) and life is about to get very different.
It Gets Better!

I asked mine if he was fearful of my age? Will my recovery be more difficult than if I was in my 30s, 40s or 50s? I live 50 miles away, what are the things that a trip to Columbus is neccesary; what can I handle on my own? How long will I be hospitalized? These were things I asked. Something that impressed me, my son attends my appointments as a rule as I do his. He came over to other side of examination room, shook my son's hand and said " I promise, I will take very good care of your Mama!" oh I had liked him already but he gained future respect with that action.
And now I can proudly say I am the oldest patient he has done surgery on, so not only do I want a good outcome for me, but for him also. I never want him to feel he made a mistake doing mine. On their website there are wrists,ipatients who relate their own stories. It is one of my goals to achieve a great of success so I also too can tell of my journey. There may be others who feel their chances have passed them by, they are too old, too nearly broken down by weight and life, time has passed them by. I want to show them , Don't give up, Something can be done, it is not a quick transit to better health but even at 70+ there is hope, a place willing to work with you towards a better life. Maybe then in part, I can show my great gratitude for the changes in my own life.

I asked my surgeon how many times she'd performed the surgery, how many complications her patients had had, if any, and what the success rate % of patients having the surgery was.

Thank you, GradyCat!
Those are great things to ask my surgeon. I appreciate your input

You are a battery
Some people energise you
Some people drain you
Too many of the latter and you will be no use to anyone, least of all yourself.