Hey all!

I am a 32 yearold newbie who is waiting on her first appointment with her surgeon on August 16th. I have already completed my three months of supervised dieting, have written my letter to the insurance company and have about two years worth of receipts that I can submit to the insurance for my approval. I am hoping for a date sometime in mid to late September. This entire process is rather daunting though and I would love, love, LOVE to connect with someone that I can share my hopes and fears with. I would love to learn from someone who has successfully gone through surgery and is on their own journey, or is close to completion of it. Although, I'm sure nobody really completes this journey, we are all in for the long haul. I am currently at 340lbs and know that I will probably have to lose a good ten to twenty pounds before I have surgery. So, in an attempt to comply I am trying to just...be more healthy. I've cut down on my diet soda intake and have not been stopping at the drive thru's. Those two things alone, plus Water increase, have made me feel better already. My goal is to hit 160lbs and see how I feel when I reach it.

I would love to have more friends here too! So, if you just want to chat and have a supportive friend you can always add me!

Thanks,

Vanessa

Hi Vannessa,

Welcome! I am not from VA but from ND. But would love to encourage you and help you along. I am on day 11 post op and it really has been the hardest 11 days ever!! Not eating and just drinking plus pain from surgery has been hard, but worth it. The first month is the hardest from what I have heard, just because of the different stages of food. I always say the easy part was surgery. The hard part is using and not abusing the tool!

Good Luck!! Talk to you soon.

Hey all!

I am a 32 yearold newbie who is waiting on her first appointment with her surgeon on August 16th. I have already completed my three months of supervised dieting, have written my letter to the insurance company and have about two years worth of receipts that I can submit to the insurance for my approval. I am hoping for a date sometime in mid to late September. This entire process is rather daunting though and I would love, love, LOVE to connect with someone that I can share my hopes and fears with. I would love to learn from someone who has successfully gone through surgery and is on their own journey, or is close to completion of it. Although, I'm sure nobody really completes this journey, we are all in for the long haul. I am currently at 340lbs and know that I will probably have to lose a good ten to twenty pounds before I have surgery. So, in an attempt to comply I am trying to just...be more healthy. I've cut down on my diet soda intake and have not been stopping at the drive thru's. Those two things alone, plus Water increase, have made me feel better already. My goal is to hit 160lbs and see how I feel when I reach it.

I would love to have more friends here too! So, if you just want to chat and have a supportive friend you can always add me!

Thanks,

Vanessa

Hi Vanessa -

I am in Raleigh, NC. Not too far from VA...where in VA are you located? I had surgery on 1/10/11 so I just over 6 months out. It was the best decision I ever made! I would love to be your buddy/mentor and support system. I have done a TON of research and think I can be pretty helpful with questions. If you are intereseted, I have a blog you can look at:

www.thebandontherun.blogspot.com

Take care and hope to talk to you soon!

Amanda

Thank you so much!

Yes! I am going to add you both as buddies ASAP and will write a letter to you guys in the next day or so (when work stops holding me hostge). I'm in Roanoke, VA so a ways off from ND and a hop and skip from NC.

V

Thank you so much!

Yes! I am going to add you both as buddies ASAP and will write a letter to you guys in the next day or so (when work stops holding me hostge). I'm in Roanoke, VA so a ways off from ND and a hop and skip from NC.

V

I am closer! In King George/Fredericksburg area. Here whenever ya need me.

Hey there!! I am also on Roanoke VA!!! I am SO EXCITED !!!!!!!! I have been trying to find a local buddy to be able to relate with and help each other thru this lifelong journey. My surgery was on 2-7-11 with Dr Lucktong. Who are you seeing?

KOKIE

Hey there!! I am also on Roanoke VA!!! I am SO EXCITED !!!!!!!! I have been trying to find a local buddy to be able to relate with and help each other thru this lifelong journey. My surgery was on 2-7-11 with Dr Lucktong. Who are you seeing?

KOKIE

Kokie,

I sent you a private message asking you who your surgeon was! Yes, it's with Dr Lucktong. My PCP said he is the best in the Valley and I decided to wait anothe two weeks for my appointment instead of seeing Dr Long at the beginning of August. I am so excited too!!! I can't believe I found a local buddy!!!

V

I am closer! In King George/Fredericksburg area. Here whenever ya need me.

Thank you so much!! Knowing me I'll have loads of questions, lol. Thank you for offering your expertise!