serenitystar07

Wow, sounds like we have the same beginning, so let me introduce myself. I'm Serenity, I'm 19 and from northern California. I have always been extremely active, and although I wasn't as small as you, at 16 years old I was a perfect 110 pounds. Unfortunately, I too was sexually/physically/mentally assaulted at that age, and the tolls have been enourmous. I went through, similar to you, many different forms of therapy, and many many medications to battle the post traumatic stress as well as the insomnia and anxiety. Although the depression, anxiety, and insomnia have pretty much gone away thanks to the medications and time, I managed to put on about 115 pounds in three years. Wow, right?! That's what I said. I was completely in denial of how much weight I had gained until I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. Because of my rapid weight gain I now stop breathing in my sleep. Not only is it horrible for my health, but it's definately not easy having friends over when I'm stuck wearing a cpap machine to bed. Hence how I ended up looking into the lap band surgery. Throughout those three years I have tried every diet, every personal trainer or work out video i could get my hands on, and after losing the initial 10 pounds or so, I couldn't get anymore off. I, too, am feeling a little confused and afraid of the lifestyle changes I must commit to in order for this "tool" to be helpful, however, I feel that missing out on normal teenage activities is harder than those lifestyle changes. I would love to be able to snowboard again, or go to the waterpark without crying for hours and hours at a time. I would love to go play football in the rain, skip around the mall, or even go hiking again... and for me the lifestyle changes totally seem worth it to be able to do the things i love doing again. Growing up in everything from beauty pageants, to dance classes, to an amazing 8 years cheerleading, I never thought I would be in the position I am now. I think gaining this weight has taught me alot about life, and people in general, but I also think it's time for me to take action and do what I need to do to be happy again. I would love to talk to you if you think it would help.. I'm excited I found the teen forums because I really wasn't relating much to the 40's and 50's year olds..

Hey everyone! I'm new to the process and seem to be pretty young compared to the people I've met so far, so I guess I'm just feeling a little isolated as far as this is going so far. Just looking for a little support whether thru the board or if anyone is in the Sacramento area as well.. My orientation was 2/2/09 Psych appointment 2/2/09 Nutrition Class 2/18/09 Surgeon Appointment 2/25/09 Wish me luck ! Also -- general information --I'm 19 5'4.. starting weight 227 (with sleep apnea and borderline high blood pressure, my bmi could be lower).. i'm down to 220 right now

Sorry if I'm bringing up something that's already been discussed, but there are just too many pages of replies to go through them all and search. I am having my surgery done through Kaiser Richmond, however, I live here in the Sacramento area and was wondering of any support groups I could possibly sit in on instead of driving all the way down there twice a month. Thanks!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to check in and say hi and introduce myself. My name is Serenity and I'm 19 from Sacramento. I am going through Kaiser's bariatrics program and I am scheduled to meet my surgeon, Dr. Im, on Wednesday! I'm just looking around for some further knowledge, so any insight or information is definately apprectiated Ciao!